Joseph Koo was born in Guangzhou and grew up in Hong Kong.
In the 60's, having won a scholarship sponsored by Berklee College of Music and Down Beal Magazine, as well as a grant from Sir Run Run Shaw, Koo studied music in Berklee College of Music, Boston. then later studied film music and electronic music in Dick
Grove Music Workshops, L.A.
Back in Hong Kong. to a world of Mandarin popular music. Koo brought in the First wave of Cantonese popular music craze with his famous "Marriage of Laughter" ≪啼笑姻縁≫. He became well-known as he started composing hundreds of TV drama theme songs which practically everybody in Hong Kong know how to sing. and which also brought him numerous gold songs awards.
Many of Koo's compositions also won Film awards. To name a few, they include Best Song in Asian Film Festival, three times winner in Taiwan's Golden Horse Award, and Best Music in Hong Kong Film Festival.
In 1982, Koo was honoured the title M.B.E. by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II of British Empire, for recognition of his contributions to the music industry in Hong Kong.
Now residing in Vancouver, Koo still writes music, but be sent back most of his compositions to Hong Kong for production. "It's time to relax and enjoy life!" He said.
VICE CHIEF JUDGE
Ben Okano Director, MEMF
Ben Okano was born in 1927. After his graduation from the University, he joined the Sankei Press in 195 I and worked as a music correspondent. He has been to the United States. Soviet Union and European countries with the purpose of covering and reporting various music events as a reporter.
After he had resigned from the Sankei. he was appointed to the position of president in a joint-stock company with Billboard Publications Inc., U.S.A. in 1971. He became a publisher-advisor of Music Labs Inc., in 1981. He has served as an executive director of International Friendship Association in Japan. He acted as Judge for "International Contest of Tokyo Music Festival" and "The World Song Festival in America." He is now serving as director of MEMF, Minoru Endoh Music Foundation.
