Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra concert
February 20, 2024
World-acclaimed Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra (HK Phil) returned to Singapore after a seven-year hiatus with a hundred-strong troupe featuring French pianist Alexandre Kantorow, winner of the International Tchaikovsky Competition, garnering rounds of applause from close to 1,500 audience in a concert at the Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay.
Embarking on a three-week world tour across Asia and six countries in Europe in celebration of its 50th anniversary in 2023/24 season, HK Phil was enchanting the audience with a full repertoire of classical music, from Rachmaninov’s Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini to Mahler’s Symphony No. 1 Titan, under the baton of Dutch conductor Jaap van Zweden.
Addressing close to 100 guests from the diplomatic, governmental, cultural and business circles, as well as Hong Kong communities in Singapore in a pre-concert reception, the Director of Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Singapore, Mr Owin Fung, was pleased that Singapore marked the first stop of HK Phil’s world tour.
“In the past five decades, the HK Phil has evolved into a beacon of musical excellence in the heart of Asia. With its virtuoso musicians and visionary conductors, the orchestra has captivated audiences worldwide with its mesmerising performances that transcend boundaries and touch the depths of the soul,” he remarked.
Commending HK Phil’s role as a cultural ambassador for Hong Kong, he said the orchestra has showcased the vibrant cultural heritage of Hong Kong on the global stage, underscoring Hong Kong’s role as an East meets West centre for international arts and cultural exchange, in a shining testament to the transformative power of music and artistic excellence.
Dedicated to nurturing young talents and shaping the next generation of musicians, HK Phil has commissioned Daniel Lo, a composer from Hong Kong, to create a new musical piece Asterismal Dance, which is inspired by imagined interactions between different stars in the galaxy.
HK Phil won the prestigious UK classical music magazine Gramophone’s 2019 Orchestra of the Year Award, the first orchestra in Asia to receive this accolade. Running extensive education and community programmes, the orchestra presents more than 150 concerts to more than 200,000 music lovers annually.
