Magnificence
The vast dramatic landscape of Northern Shaanxi which forms part of the Loess Plateau expresses a nature that is both hauntingly beautiful and formidable. Named after an indigenous plant, Morning Star Lilies Forever composed by Wang Danhong is a contemporary rendition recalling life in the region and the courageous people that brave the hardships there. It conveys an epic experience of the vibes of Magnificence.
Programmes
Overture
Xin Tian You
The first movement
Battle of the Drums at Hukou
The second movement
Praying for Rain
Singing performance - Folk songs of Northern Shannxi Vocal: So Wen
The third movement
The Multi-coloured Cave Dwellings
The fourth movement
As the Strong Wind Blows
Sanxian & Narrative Singing: Gao Yougyuan
The fifth movement
The Porters
Banhu: Shen Cheng
The sixth movement
Suona Concerto Looking Heavenward
Suona: Wang Zhanzhan
Coda
Morning Star Lilies Forever
The Education University of Hong Kong Proudly Supports: The Silk Road
Oneness
Ages ago traders from different cultures travelled via the Silk Road for goods between East Asia and Europe. When they converged around campfires at night, music became their common language as these travellers found solace in playing and singing to express their longing for home.
The Silk Road concert recreates this Oneness to re-experience this harmonious connectedness.
Programmes
The Silk Road Jiang Ying
Xinjiang Ethnic Instrumental Group
Leader: Nuerbana Yiming
Ajik: Ayiguli Abulimiti
Satar: Miheriguli Abulizi
Tanbur: Maierhaba Nuemaimaiti
Rubab: Aerzigu Bake
Hanel Drum: Paerhati Yasen
Stone(Percussion): Alimu Sikandaner
Xinjiang Dizi/Suona: Aizezi Abulimiti
Scenes of Yunnan Kuan Nai-chung
The Ancient Music of Qiuci Suite Zhou Ji
1. Introduction
2. Female dance: Lighting the Lanterns
3. Male dance: Demonstration of Agility
4. Guan solo: A Desert Capriccio
5. Percussion ensemble: Dance of the Peace Lions
6. Sumozhe Festival
Xinjiang Ethnic Instrumental Group
Leader: Nuerbana Yiming
Ajik: Ayiguli Abulimiti
Satar: Miheriguli Abulizi
Tanbur: Maierhaba Nuemaimaiti
Rubab: Aerzigu Bake
Hanel Drum: Paerhati Yasen
Stone(Percussion): Alimu Sikandaner
Xinjiang Dizi/Suona: Aizezi Abulimiti
Glory
The HKCO marks the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China with music that celebrates the diverse cultures and beautiful landscapes of the country. Included in the programme are:
- The Grand Victory, wind and percussion folk music from Shanxi.
- Three Variations on a Plum Blossom Melody, featuring the percussion instrument bianzhong.
- Rhythmic Hainan, music of the south, including a rendition of the festivities of the Li ethnic group.
- True Heart, a moving dialogue of the self.
- Our Glorious Country, completing the programme on a high note.
Programmes
The Grand Victory Wind and Percussion Folk Music from Shanxi Arr. by Zhang Shiye
Bianzhong and Orchestra Three Variations on a Plum Blossom Melody Ancient tune Arr. by Peng Xiuwen
Bianzhong: Luk Kin Bun
Suite Impressions of Hainan Yan Huichang
The first movement: Taking a Stroll (World Premiere)
The second movement: Guan, Xiaoruan and Orchestra Boat-shaped Thatched Cottage (World Premiere)
Guan: Qin Jitao Xiaoruan: Ge Yang
The third movement: A Happy Gathering
Paigu: Miao Shih-jhe Yun Luo: Liao Yi-ping
A Pure Heart Li Bochan
Bianzhong, Organ and Orchestra Opus in Celebration of Prosperous Times Kuan Nai-chung
Organ: Wong Ching Yin
Broad General Holding Limited Proudly Supports: Hong Kong Performing Arts Expo: Wheel of Time
Time
Time is a seemingly self-conflicting dimension. On one hand it is linear. It keeps progressing forward with no returning to the past. On the other hand, it is circular. Sunrise is followed by sunset, just as winter is succeeded by spring. The ancient Chinese calendar observes such regularity and categorises different times of the year into “24 Solar Terms” according to the sun’s motion. The Wheel of Time concert takes the audience to a journey of the seasons as described in the Solar Terms.
The 4th Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Culture and Arts Festival: Bay Area Harmonies
Harmony
The 4th Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Culture and Arts Festival features the HKCO and the Zhuhai Chinese Orchestra both of which are from distinguishably different cities but share the same cultural roots of South China, and the Wuxi Chinese Orchestra of the Wu ethnic culture. The HKCO brings along a concert repertoire that features theme songs from TV drama series adapted from Jin Yong’s martial arts novels while Zhuhai Chinese Orchestra and Wuxi Chinese Orchestra perform their all-time classics. The three ensembles weave together a musical exchange of harmony in diversity.
Programmes
Reflection of the Moon on the Water Hua Yanjun Arr. by Liu Wenjin
Dragon Roaming the Earth (from Trail of the Blue Dragon) Chan Ming-chi
Guan: Qin Jitao Suona: Ma Wai Him Sheng: Wei Shen-fu
Fantasia on Louis Cha's Martial Art Novels Adapted by Kuan Nai-chung
Union
This concert fuses together contrasting elements under the theme, Union. Eighteen Variations on a Hu Pipe Melody marries the classical rendition of the qin and the zheng with contemporary orchestral arrangements. A dialogue between the Chinese yangqin and the Turkish kanun, as well as Cantonese Opera and Jazz music, are also included.
Programmes
Eighteen Variations on a Hu Pipe Melody Lyrics by Cai Wenji Ng Tai-kong
Vocal: Gong Linna
Double Concerto for Yangqin, Kanun and Chinese Orchestra Dao of Water Enjott Schneider (Commissioned by the HKCO / World Premiere)
The first movement: “Supreme Good is Like Water” (Lao Tse, Dao De Jing)
The second movement: Garden with Glittering Fountains
The third movement: Buddha Mind – the Hidden Power of Lowest Places
The fourth movement: Reflection of the Moon on the Water (Variations)
The fifth movement: Power, the Shape of Water
Kanun: Hakan Güngör Yangqin: Lee Meng-hsueh
For Four Instruments and Chinese Orchestra Next Station Moon Ng King-pan
The first movement: The Shaded Moon
The second movement: Mondschein Represents My Heart
The third movement: Grand Opening
Eco-Erhu: Xu Hui Eco-Gaohu: Wong Sum Ho Soprano Sheng: Chen Yi-wei Yangqin: Lee Meng-hsueh
Symphonic Poem Flowing Water Chan Pui Fang
Spotlight
The HKCO’s 48th season features a series of mini concerts including 3+1 Huqin Quartet and Plucked-String Notes Ruan. The audience gets to enjoy up-close the distinguishing sounds of the instruments in these intimate sessions.
Programmes:
Huqin Quartet Cloud.Wind Wang Se
Huqin Quartet The Bow Dancing on Strings Li Bochan
Dialogue for Erhu and Gehu, Accompanied by Huqin Quartet Hopping Rotation Joshua Chan
Huqin Trio A New Take on Self-accompanied Narrative Singing Zhao Yuanchun (Hong Kong Premiere)
Asturias (Leyenda) tbc Adapted by Li Bo (Hong Kong Premiere)
Huqin Quartet Skyland Ascended Joshua Chan
Huqin Sextet Fantasy Chew Hee Chiat
Rebirth
Chinese New Year is in spring, a time when things reset to start afresh. The HKCO New Year Concert celebrates this season of Rebirth with popular tunes. With these festive vibes, we wish our audiences good fortune in the Year of the Snake.
Programmes:
Spring Festival - Chinese Festival Wang Danhong
Variation of Emotions Liu Changyuan
HongKongers Addoil! Cheng Ching-nam, Hippocrates
To the Spring Fair Zhou Yugao and Lei Guangyao
Dizi Concerto Whirling Dance Chung Yiu-kwong
Dizi: Chan Chi Yuk
The Yellow River Capriccio Cheng Dazhao
HKCO4U – Qin:An Infinite Resonance
Spotlight
The HKCO’s 48th season features a series of mini concerts including 3+1 Huqin Quartet and Plucked-String Notes Ruan. The audience gets to enjoy up-close the distinguishing sounds of the instruments in these intimate sessions.
Programmes:
Yangqin and Orchestra Song of the General Set Tune of Sichuan Complied by Xiang Zuhua
Yangqin Solo Summer Rain Ye Yuzhao
Yangqin Solo Splendid Melodies Chew Hee Chiat (World Premiere)
Erhu and Yangqin A Poem in Two Parts Tan Dun
Five-piece Combo Lovers' Sorrow Traditional Music
For Female Vocal, Erhu, Yangqin, Pipa and Zheng Apricot Blossoms Against a Blue Sky Yao Henglu Lyrics by Jiang Kui (Song Dynasty)
String Quintet Queen Wang Zhaojun Luk Wai-chun
First movement: Tearful farewell of Zhaojun
Second movement: Autumn Yearning on the Steppe
Preservation and Perpetuation of the Classics 2025【Early Bird】
Succession
The HKCO embraces its mission of promoting Chinese music by expanding its reach to a wider audience and by grooming the next generation of musicians.
Under the baton of conductor Rupert Woo Pak Tuen, the Hong Kong Young Chinese Orchestra continues to advance their skills and gives new energies to classical Chinese music.
Programmes:
Drums in Celebration of a Bumper Harvest Peng Xiuwen & Cai Huichuan
A Pure Heart Li Bochan
Symphonic Poem Mu Guiying Leads Her Army to War Yang Muyun et al of the Central Philharmonic Orchestra of China Arr. by Kuan Nai-chung
1. Introduction
2. Recalling the Past at the Yang Residence
3. The Liao Army’s Invasion
4. Assuming Commandership and Going to War
The 53rd Hong Kong Arts Festival In 2025: The Dream of a Concubine【Early Bird】
Peace
The tragic love between Xiang Yu, who toppled the Qin Dynasty but lost his life in a battle against rival rebels, and his consort Yu Ji has been a favourite theme in plays, films and other art forms. The two’s bond was so strong that Yu Ji travelled with Xiang Yu to the battlefields.
The Dream of a Concubine adopts the perspective of Yu Ji as a witness of war and reimagines her longing for Peace. Through Qu Xiaosong’s contemporary orchestral arrangement of classical tunes, one journeys from the battlefield to a serene realm of peace and harmony.
Programmes:
King Chu Doffs His Armour Ancient Tune Arr. by Qu Xiaosong
Bitter Lament Qu Xiaosong Original Lyrics by Cai Wenji
Soprano: Lini Gong
Yuji’s Wish Qu Xiaosong
1. The Overlord Enters into Battle
2. The Song of Chu
Soprano: Lini Gong
3. The Sacrifice
4. Yuji’s Wish
Soprano: Lini Gong
5. Yuji’s Dream and Wish for Peace – The People’s Wish
Invigoration
Music from the Heart was first set up by the HKCO in 1999 as a dedicated platform for grooming young composers. Each year, we select and perform the works of participating composers. The programme has since been added a post-concert reception for the composers, the orchestra and the audience to interact. Eligibility to participate has also been expanded in recent years to include composers in the Greater Bay Area.
For over two decades, generations of young composers have come to prominence through this programme. The Music from the Heart concert is a celebration of these young talents for reaching a milestone in their musical quest.
Cadenzas of Hong Kong【Early Bird】
Immersion
Music is the revelations that composers experience through observing and getting inspired by their surroundings.
Co-presented with the Hong Kong Composers’ Guild, the commissioned musical works in this concert portray the beauty of the homeland. Together they provide an immersive journey for the audience to feel the vibes of the city as well as nature.
Music from the Heart - Secondary Section
Invigoration
Music from the Heart was first set up by the HKCO in 1999 as a dedicated platform for grooming young composers. Each year, we select and perform the works of participating composers. The programme has since been added a post-concert reception for the composers, the orchestra and the audience to interact. Eligibility to participate has also been expanded in recent years to include composers in the Greater Bay Area.
For over two decades, generations of young composers have come to prominence through this programme. The Music from the Heart concert is a celebration of these young talents for reaching a milestone in their musical quest.
From the Peng Xiuwen Collection II Pictures at an Exhibition and Terra Cotta Warriors【Early Bird】
Imagination
Peng Xiuwen was a pioneer of Chinese orchestral music. Pictures at an Exhibition presents the fantasyland of Modest Mussorgsky in the language of Chinese music arranged by Peng. His own composition, Terra Cotta Warriors, is an epic masterpiece depicting life in the Qin dynasty from its heydays to downfall. These two pieces of work epitomise Peng’s creativity and takes the audience to experience.
Programmes:
Pictures at an Exhibition Mussorgsky Orch. by Ravel Adapted by Peng Xiuwen
Embroidering Red Shoes Cantonese Music Adapted by Peng Xiuwen
Fantasia The Terra Cotta Warriors Peng Xiuwen
Listen, Paint, and Play – Child's Game through Music II
Listen-and-Create
Let children discover their creative flair listening to Chinese music. Join Listen, Paint, and Play – Child’s Game through Music for a fun-filled playtime.
Zhang Guoyong & HKCO【Early Bird】
Maestro
Zhang Guoyong is one of the most eminent conductors of orchestral music in China. Hisfirst collaboration with a major Chinese orchestra was with the HKCO in 2005.We are delighted to work with him again with timeless Chinese classics.
Programmes:
Festivities Wang Ning
Violin Concerto No. 1 Zhao Jiping
Violin: Lao Li
Symphonic poem Four Seasons in Lingering Garden Wang Danhong
The first movement: The Spring Breeze
The second movement: The Glistering Shade of Greens
The third movement: The Scent of Sweet Osmanthus
The fourth movement: The Snowy Ke Pavilion
A Legacy of Exotic Lyricism - Conglomerating Ethnic Sounds of China【Early Bird】
Impressions
This edition of HKCO’s hallmark programme, A Legacy of Exotic Lyricism, centres on the theme of Colourful Ethnic Mosaic. It presents lively music of Yi, Tibetan, Uighur, Li, Mongolian and other ethnic origins. Come join this journey to enjoy the many picturesque impressions of China’s diverse cultural landscape.
Programmes:
Good News Reaches the Border Zheng Lu and Ma Hongye Arr. by Fu Yam-chi
Drinking Song of the Yi's Lo Leung-fai (Yi people)
The Sun Never Sets on the Grassland Meili Qige Arr. by Dong Jinchi Orch. by Wang Renliang (Mongols)
Gehu: Tung Hiu Lo
Dance of the Yao Tribe Liu Tieshan and Mao Yuan Arr. by Peng Xiuwen (Yao people)
Guan Concerto The Dance of Qiuci (The fifth movement of The Silk Road Fantasia Suite) Zhao Jiping (Uyghurs)
Guan: Ma Wai Him
A Nocturnal Rendezvous in the Woods Kwan Sheng-yau (Hlai people)
Hebei Hua Bangzi Yan Shaoyi Arr. by Li Heng
Banhu: Xu Hui
Cantonese Five-piece Combo
Thunder in a Drought Ancient Tune Arr. by Yan Laolie
Birds Returning to the Woods Yik Kim-chuen
Lovers’ Sorrow Ancient Tune
Somewhere Far Away Wang Luobin (Tibetan people)
Sanxian & Narrative Singing: Zhao Taisheng
Eastern Zhejiang Gong and Drum Music Flying Dragon and Leaping Tiger Li Minxiong
Percussion: Luk Kin Bun
A Musical Treasure Hunt – Percussion【Early Bird】
Expedition
A Musical Treasure Hunt is a fun way for children to explore the wonders of music. Quek Ling Kiong, Principal Conductor of the Singapore Chinese Orchestra, is at the helm to take children on an amazing journey.
This year Mr Quek guides us on a mission to unveil the secrets of percussion. It also marks the last stop of our Expedition.
Realms
This concert is a kaleidoscope of folk music depicting nature in its many forms. It is also an expression of peoples living in harmony.
Programmes:
Seven Colours of Harmony Zhang Chao
The first movement: Green • Song of the Wind (Mongols)
The second movement: Blue • Song of the Water (Hui people)
The third movement: Yellow • Song of the Mountain (Korean)
The fourth movement: Cyan • Song of the Moon (Gaoshan and Hani people)
The fifth movement: Red • Song of the Fire (Uyghurs and Tajiks)
The sixth movement: Purple • Song of the Heaven (Tibetan people)
The Seven movement: Orange • Song of the Sun (Yi people)
Suona Concerto Centennial Nirvana Li Bochan
Suona: Liu Wenuen
Three Realms of Tibet Han Yong
The first movement: The Realm of Heaven - Communion between Man and Spirit
The second movement: The Realm of the Earth - Communication between Man and Nature
The third movement: The Realm of Man - Love and Harmony among Mankind
Plucked-String Notes II - Ruan【Early Bird】
Spotlight
The HKCO’s 48th season features a series of mini concerts including 3+1 Huqin Quartet and Plucked-String Notes Ruan. The audience gets to enjoy up-close the distinguishing sounds of the instruments in these intimate sessions.
Programmes:
Ruan Ensemble Beautiful Clouds Chasing the Moon Ren Guang Arr. by Hsu Tzu-wei
Performance: HKCO Ruan Section, HKYCO Ruan Section
Ruan Ensemble A Dancer’s Outpourings Xiong Junjie
Ruan Trio Send Me A Rose Xinjiang Folk Song Arr. by Kong Su-leong
Ruan Ensemble Tuesday Gatherings Liu Xing
Ruan Duet Variation on The Gurgling Brook Ma Cuiyu (Hong Kong Premiere)
Ruan Ensemble Rhapsody of Salvador de Bahia Luk Wai-chun
Ruan Ensemble Pin Li Bochan
Ruan Ensemble Three Hues of the Ruan Phang Kok Jun (Hong Kong Premiere)
Performance: HKCO Ruan Section, HKYCO Ruan
Cheng Kwok-kong & HKCO【Early Bird】
Purity
The words of lyricist Cheng Kwok-kong have warmed the hearts of generations of Hong Kongers. In this concert, we collaborate with the Hong Kong Children’s Choir to recreate the childhood moments of Purity listening to Cheng’s songs.
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