Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra 48th Orchestra Season - Advance Booking

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

Celebrating the 75th Anniversary of the Founding of the People's Republic of China: Resounding Chimes．Magnificent works in a Prosperous Age

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

Then and Now: A Dialogue

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

3+1 Huqin Quartet

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

Music Feast【Early Bird】

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

Music from the Heart

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【Early Bird】

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.