After moving to Vancouver, Manti Poon furthered his studies in viola performance with Professor David Harding at the University of British Columbia on full scholarship. Since then he has become a much sought-after musician in British Columbia as a soloist, orchestral musician, and chamber music collaborator. 

Apart from holding the position of principal violist with the Vancouver Island Symphony Orchestra, he also performed with the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra and the CBC Vancouver Orchestra. 

Mr. Poon has served on faculty at Douglas College, Kwantlen Polytechnic University, the Vancouver Academy of Music, and the VSO School of Music. Outstanding students from his private studio are offered scholarships to study at the Universities of British Columbia, Toronto, Ottawa, McGill, Colburn, Juilliard and Curtis Schools of Music. Mr. Poon is the associate conductor with the Intermediate Strings at the Richmond Delta Youth Orchestra. He also coached and conducted the Vancouver, the Surrey, the Vancouver Academy, and the Coquitlam Youth Orchestras. He was formerly the Chamber Music Director of the Surrey Youth Symphony Orchestra. Mr. Poon was on faculty at UBC String Music Camp, Courtney Youth Music Camp, Quiring Chamber Music Camp, VAM Sea to Sky Chamber Music Camp, and MMM Camp in Washington State.

Mr. Poon performs on a fine viola by Marino Capicchioni and a rare celebration Tubbs viola bow on loan to him by Josh Dean Rare Violins. (jrareviolins.com)