Hong Kong Arts Development Council Established in 1995, the Hong Kong Arts Development Council (HKADC) is a statutory body set up by the Government to plan, promote and support the broad development of the arts including literary arts, performing arts, visual arts as well as film and media arts in Hong Kong. Aiming to foster a thriving arts environment and enhancing the quality of life of the public, HKADC is also committed to facilitating community-wide participation in the arts and arts education, encouraging arts criticism, raising the standard of arts administration and strengthening the work on policy research.
Index Music in Hong Kong 2 An Overview of the Classical Music Scene in Hong Kong 4 Hong Kong’s Musicians, Music Groups and Works 6 New Music Composers in Hong Kong: 2013-2018
Flagship Orchestras 10 • Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra • Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra 11 Hong Kong Sinfonietta
Selection of Orchestras, Ensembles and Music Groups in Hong Kong 12 • Asian Youth Orchestra • Avant Music Group Association of Hong Kong
24 • Hong Kong Youth Choir • Hong Kong Zheng Orchestra
13 • Bel Canto Singers • City Chamber Orchestra of Hong Kong
25 • John Chen Ensemble • Kung Music Workshop (Kung Music Studio)
14 • Concerto da Camera • Contemporary Musiking Hong Kong
26 • La Sax • Luo Jing Gu-Zheng Ensemble
15 • Count-In Music • Chinese University of Hong Kong Chorus Association
27 • Music Lab • Musica Viva Hong Kong
16 • Die Konzertisten Charity Institute • Drip Music
28 • Musicus Society • Opera Hong Kong
17 • Flower Music • Fragrant Village
29 • Premiere Performances of Hong Kong • RhapsoArts Management
18 • Friends of the Harp • Gustav Mahler Orchestra
30 • Romer String Quartet • SingFest
19 • HKFYG The Hong Kong Melody Makers • Hong Kong Bamboo Flute Society
31 • SIU2 • The Chopin Society of Hong Kong
20 • Hong Kong Composers’ Guild • Hong Kong International Saxophone Society
32 • The Hong Kong Bach Choir • The Majestic G
21 • Hong Kong New Music Ensemble • Hong Kong Oratorio Society
33 • Toolbox Percussion • Windpipe Chinese Music Ensemble
22 • Hong Kong Professional Zheng Ensemble • Hong Kong String Orchestra
34 • Wuji Ensemble • Yao Yueh Chinese Music Association
23 • Hong Kong Wind Kamerata • Hong Kong Wind Philharmonia
35 Yat Po Singers
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Key Music / Music-related Festivals in Hong Kong
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Selected Venues for Music Performance in Hong Kong
An Overview of the Classical Music Scene in Hong Kong Prof. TSENG Sun-man veteran arts administrator; former Secretary General of the Hong Kong Arts Development Council; former Executive Director of the Hong Kong Arts Festival; former Head of Radio 4 of the Radio Television Hong Kong
Located in the heart of Asia, Hong Kong offers one of the most vibrant classical music scenes in the region. In 2015/16 season, some 1,500 music performances were presented in the metropolitan hub with its seven million population. On average, about 29 concerts were held each week, including regular performances by the city’s three flagship orchestras, namely the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra, Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra (orchestra of Chinese music instruments) and Hong Kong Sinfonietta. As a special administration region of China, where Chinese and Western culture have co-existed for more than a century, Hong Kong offers a rich variety of musical genres and styles to suit different musical tastes. The city’s rich musical calendar comprises a wide array of music and arts festivals all year round. These include the Hong Kong Arts Festival, New Vision Arts Festival (alternate years), Beare's Premiere Music Festival (formerly Hong Kong International Chamber Music Festival), Hong Kong Contemporary Music Festival, Musicus Fest and Hong Kong International a cappella Festival, etc. These festivals bring in world-class overseas artists as well as featuring many outstanding local musical talents. In recent years, Hong Kong has also hosted a number of international music competitions. These diverse activities have nurtured some dedicated music audiences. Parents in Hong Kong are keen to support their children in learning a musical instrument or singing in children’s or schools’ choirs. Hence, many students are engaged in extra-curricula music activities. In 2018, over 126,000 students competed in the Hong Kong Schools Music Festival. The high standard of the winners has always been praised by the international adjudicators. Young Hong Kong musicians have also won some international music competitions. The Hong Kong Academy for the Performing Arts and a number of universities in Hong Kong provide professional training in music. In the last two decades, the standard of local young musicians has risen significantly, with some outstanding ones making their names in the international arena. The music scene in Hong Kong is injected with new creative force with an increasing number of now-returning overseastrained distinguished local talents, back in Hong Kong to develop their career. This vibrant and diverse music scene has a historical background. As a former British colony, the Sino-British Orchestra (an amateur orchestra featuring Chinese and foreign musicians which was the predecessor of the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra) was formed in 1947. World-renowned performers, including the likes of the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra, performed in Hong Kong in the 1950s and 1960s. The first purpose-built cultural facility, the Hong Kong City Hall, opened in 1962 and served as a key venue for music concerts and theatre productions. The Hong Kong Government started to invest heavily in cultural provision in Hong Kong in the 1970s. Arts managers in the civil service planned and managed about a dozen performing arts facilities across the territory, presented local and international artists in these venues and organised arts festivals. Since then the music scene in Hong Kong has flourished. Strong support from the government also enabled the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra to turn professional in 1974, as well as the establishment of the Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra in the 1970s and the Hong Kong Sinfonietta in the 1990s. Hong Kong music lovers are proud of 2
the high international recognition of these flagship companies (the current Music Director of the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra, Jaap van Zweden, also serves as Music Director of the New York Philharmonic). A new arts infrastructure was set up shortly after the return of Hong Kong to China and the establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region in 1997, with arts managers of the Hong Kong Government’s Leisure and Cultural Services Department taking up responsibilities of cultural services provision (venue management, programme and festival presentation, audience building, etc.). From 2010, funding of the flagship companies has been channelled through the committee which advises the government on arts development. The Hong Kong Arts Development Council, a statutory body established in 1994, now focuses on arts promotion (local and overseas) as well as the funding of smaller arts groups and independent artists. The diversity of its grants scheme has contributed significantly to the rich variety of music activities in Hong Kong. The overall level of public support to the arts in Hong Kong compares favourably with other cities in the region. To a large extent, the financial (and administrative) capacity of arts groups in Hong Kong is determined by the nature and source of its public funding. Private funding has not been substantial but is increasing, partly as a result of the fundraising efforts of the major companies and festivals as well as the government’s Matching Grant Scheme introduced in recent years to encourage private support. Whilst direct government involvement yields quick results, building a sustainable cultural ecology requires time and cultivation of strong intermediaries – capable presenters, producers, artists agencies, sponsors, donors, administrators and marketeers. Hong Kong will benefit significantly from a clear cultural vision and well-defined development strategies. Currently the city is anticipating the opening of new cultural venues intended to alleviate the shortage of performing and rehearsal spaces. One of them is the West Kowloon Cultural District, which will be the largest integrated arts hub in the world. With museums and performing arts complexes spreading across 40 hectares of park environment whilst overlooking the spectacular views of Hong Kong harbour, the District has remarkable potential to serve both a regional and international audience. West Kowloon will make a major impact on the local cultural ecology by providing alternative modes of operation (such as introduction of artistic directors to its venues and co-productions with overseas presenters), as well as increasing competition as another key player in the ecology. China’s latest strategic initiative for deep integration of the Greater Bay Area (which comprises Hong Kong, Macau and much of Guangdong province) also has the potential to develop a bigger market in the Area for Hong Kong artists and groups. If experiences from cities in the region can be indicators, music development in Hong Kong is heading towards a bright future!
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Hong Kong’s Musicians, Music Groups and Works Mr. Jimmy SHIU Head of Radio 4, Radio Television Hong Kong
Owing partly to Hong Kong’s rapid economic and infrastructure development, openness to foreign cultures, specific geographical location, predominantly Chinese yet diverse ethnical mix, freedom of expression and long-time commitment to developing the arts, the territory’s music scene has become both wide-ranging and robust. Performing together While some musicians are hired by full-time orchestras (including a Chinese orchestra) and make a living by performing, there are many more accomplished performers working on a freelance basis. In schools, universities, different sectors (e.g. health, retirement) and communities, there are numerous orchestras, ensembles and choirs attracting an enthusiastic interest in music-making from their memberships. At the same time, Hong Kong’s concert (and some non-concert) venues host performances by saxophone ensembles, hand-bell choirs, flute choirs, recorder bands, cello orchestras, Chinese percussion ensembles, a cappella groups, marching bands, symphonic bands, jazz bands, jazz trios, pipe bands, guzheng ensembles, an early music consort (playing in historically informed performance style) and even a bassoon group, which once presented over 40 bassoons on one stage. Looking back, chamber music wasn’t heard as often as today. Since the turn of the 21st century, some music societies, universities and individual organisations have put together concerts with a strong emphasis on chamber music. Many international stars have appeared in these concerts, alongside many accomplished Hong Kong artists. Festivals and spectacular performer line-ups Hong Kong has many festivals featuring, for example, a cappella, jazz, world music, choral, chamber and contemporary music performances. On top of that, a huge annual arts festival promotes both music and other events. A wide range of soloists and groups, largely from the international arena, visit Hong Kong. The festival also creates an ideal platform for budding, as well as established local musicians. Music and cultural societies, consulates, venues both historical and new, universities as well as individuals also bring in world-renowned artists. The Hong Kong Government’s Leisure and Cultural Services Department, being the largest concert presenter in Hong Kong, regularly invites soloists, ensembles, choirs, orchestras and opera companies from different parts of the world. These presenters also promote renowned local musicians and groups, while there are other opportunities for up-and-coming musicians in special concert series. Let the people sing Choirs are a major attraction. Most, if not all, of us are born with a natural vocal instrument and the inclination to sing. There are numerous school, university, community, district and church choirs in Hong Kong. Some have a common interest within specific repertoire (e.g. sacred music, early music, Chinese music, etc.), with some conductor/choir partnerships emerging after rigorous training in particular genres, raising Hong Kong’s choral singing standard as a whole. 4
Young voices Another forte within Hong Kong’s singing tradition is children’s choir. Hong Kong’s biggest has an amazing 5,000-plus membership which may even be a world record. It’s common for young choristers (in fact also instrumentalists) to go on concert tours. Hong Kong also hosts large-scale festivals, bringing in youth and children’s choirs, as well as choral experts from various parts of the world. Singing is a popular activity for the younger generation. There is a large number of long-established youth and children’s district choirs and school choirs. Some school choirs in particular have become regular winners in international choral competitions. Music competitions Not just the young voices, Hong Kong’s musicians in general are keen to take part in competitions. We have produced international winners in many different instruments and disciplines including piano, strings, harmonica, oboe, singing, a wide range of Chinese instruments, conducting… you name it! Many of these prize winners are already active on the international music scene. Locally, a music festival for schools has been in operation since the 1940s. Last year, it drew over 120,000 entries, which again may well be a world record! Opera While Chinese Xiqu (‘Cantonese Opera’ in particular) has deeper roots in Hong Kong, the Western opera tradition also has its fans in Hong Kong despite its relatively short history here. While Western opera performances are growing in number, we also have more and more home-grown opera productions reflecting our own culture, legends and society. What do we hear? Diversity best describes what can be heard on Hong Kong’s concert platforms, with a vibrant mix of both Western and Chinese music and jazz, though the development of world music (except Chinese music) is slower by comparison. Contemporary Music Contemporary music is well represented in Hong Kong. We have organised the ISCM World Music Days three times. There are indeed regular contemporary music concerts, including an annual competition for young composers. This development has benefited from a handful of ensembles dedicated themselves to the performance of new music. Commissioning There are many composers here (Hong Kong composers with a doctorate degree easily numbering 50), including those who have received prizes and commissions from major international music organisations. Hong Kong performing groups and concert organisers are also keen to commission a wide range of works, from solos to chamber music, orchestral pieces to (mostly chamber) operas, etc. While large-scale works are less often commissioned and a challenge remains to attract the largest crowds for contemporary music, there seems to be a growing audience for new music now. Outlook… Hong Kong’s music industry will continue to flourish in a diverse way. With the development of the Greater Bay Area, Hong Kong will see more musical exchanges with neighbouring regions, in turn showcasing more new faces across our concert venues.
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New Music Composers in Hong Kong: 2013-2018 Professor CHAN Hing-yan James Chen and Yuen-Han Chan Professor in Music The University of Hong Kong The Hong Kong Composers’ Guild When the Hong Kong Composers Guild (HKCG) was founded in 1983, most of the then active local composers looked to it as an agency liaising with local and overseas organisations to create both performance and commission opportunities for its members. The past five years has seen the HKCG continue to organise its two annual signature events - New Generation (from 1989) and the Musicarama (from 1992); embark on a new yearly initiative SOUND-IMAGination (from 2012); present the Third Chinese Composers Festival in 2013; and host a 4-day mini festival entitled ISCM-Musicarama in 2015. Yet it is hard to compare the impacts of these activities, old or new, to those of their momentous counterparts in the 1980s and 1990s. LAW Wing-fai (b. 1949) has remained the most spirited amongst the generation of HKCG members who defined the 1970s-1990s local new-music scene. Law founded the plucked-string ensemble Wuji in 2003. Since then, he and his musicians have produced a series of works that he coined as “atmospheric music theatre”. In these compositions, Law combines traditional instruments, poetry, songs, dance, lighting and staging, as well as Kunqu singing, to cultivate a mood for reflection within his interpretation of various Chinese elements. The past five years has seen the completion of a five-piece cycle (2014, 2016, 2017 & 2018). The Flagship Orchestras, Hong Kong Arts Festival, and a New Impresario Among the three local flagship orchestras, it is the Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra (HKCO) that has maintained the closest symbiotic relationship with the HKCG since the 1980s. Recent highlights of this partnership include the 2015 CD project Chinese Orchestral Works by Hong Kong Composers, the 2016 Chinese Music Without Bounds – International Composers’ Summit and the 2017 Melodious Hong Kong commemorating the 20th anniversary of Hong Kong’s handover. From 2013 to 2018, the HKCO’s annual programming generously included at least three commissioned original compositions by local composers. The Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra chose to nurture young composers through two fringe activities (2017, 2019), while the Hong Kong Sinfonietta is the only local western orchestra that makes commissioning, performance and touring of new works by Hong Kong composers central to its mission. The last five years resulted in ten premières, including the set piece for the First Hong Kong International Conducting Competition presented by the orchestra in January 2018. The annual Hong Kong Arts Festival (HKAF) is an important platform for showcasing substantial works by Hong Kong composers. Notable projects commissioned and produced by the HKAF between 2013 and 2018 include two chamber operas by CHAN Hing-yan (b. 1963) about historical figures – Heart of Coral – after the life of Xiao Hong (2013) and Datong – the Chinese Utopia (about KANG Youwei and his daughter, KANG Tongbi, 2015); as well as two concerts on local themes: Images of Hong Kong (2014) and Hong Kong Odyssey (2017), involving five and four Hong Kong composers respectively. As the new impresario on the block since 2008, the Hong Kong New Music Ensemble (HKNME) has been renowned for its promoting zeal, quality of performances, and innovative programming, which are usually interdisciplinary collaborations involving artists from different fields. A typical HKNME composerdriven project is Our Audible City (2018, 2019). The work unfolds in a series of 6
six compositions for six non-concert hall locations, specifically created by Charles KWONG (b. 1985) and notated on maps drawn by a visual artist, providing a distinctive musical experience that both directly interacts with and transforms the city’s soundscape. The Post-Internet Generation Perhaps due to the advent of the Internet, and with other forms of global communication at one’s fingertips, many of the current generation of active composers are not members of the HKCG. A number also have their feet in more than one camp, wearing various music industry hats. Two bespoke examples are NG Cheuk-yin (b. 1978) and LEUNG Kei-cheuk (aka GayBird, b. 1972). Ng has established himself as a composer, music producer, sheng performer and a cappella artist. He is also the Music Director of the fusion group SIU2 and Artistic Director of the a cappella theatre company Yat Po Singers. Ng’s compositions range from chamber and orchestral works to electronic music, from rock music to musicals, from choral works to pop songs and music for crossover bands and ensembles. Equally multifaceted is GayBird, who, for more than twenty years, has worked as music director, composer and producer for over a hundred of music productions, concerts and TV commercials. He is also a core member of PMPS Music, a cutting-edge production unit in blending alternative cultures with contemporary music. Amongst composers born after 1970, Samson YOUNG (b. 1979) stands out as both the most articulate and international. At the heart of Young’s practice are multicultural paradigms, woven into a symphony of image and sound. His works emphasise a sense of play and intellectual wit by including unexpected sounds, resulting in peculiar scenarios that often challenge one’s everyday associations with objects, stories, and spaces. Young represented Hong Kong in the 57 th Venice Biennale in 2017. His other recent solo shows include Hiroshima City Museum of Contemporary Art (2015), Kunsthalle Düsseldorf (2016), and Centre for Contemporary Chinese Art in Manchester (2017). Young also preaches his cross-disciplinary sonic and musical practices via his 2007-founded Contemporary Musiking Hong Kong. Also recently emerging in Hong Kong are young performers who are keen advocates of new music. A case in point is the flautist Angus LEE Yi-wei (b. 1992), who also identifies himself as a conductor-composer. As a core musician of the HKNME, Lee has premièred works by numerous local composers both as flautist and conductor. His status as a performer-composer has taken him to various international summer academies for new music: London Sinfonietta Academy (2016), IMPULS Akademie with Klangforum Wien (2017), and the Lucerne Festival Academy (2013, 2015 & 2016), where he worked closely with soloists from Ensemble InterContemporain and performed as a soloist at Pierre Boulez’s 90thbirthday celebration concert series (2015) and memorial concert (2016). Overseas Achievements The past five years has seen Hong Kong young composers winning prestigious international competitions as well as recognition on the world scene. The following are but three examples. Daniel LO Ting-cheung (b. 1986) had his first English chamber opera premièred at the New Opera Days Ostrava festival (Czech Republic 2018). The libretto is based on a short story by Xi Xi (b. 1938), one of Hong Kong’s most-respected contemporary writers. Austin LEUNG Hin-yan (b. 1989) received the 2017 Royal Philharmonic Society Composition Prize (RPS) with a commission for the Philharmonia Orchestra in London. Gordon FUNG Dic-lun (b. 1988) was awarded the Composition Award (First Prize) at the Singapore International Competition for Chinese Orchestral Composition 2015. Leung and Fung are the first Hong Kong composers winning those awards since their inceptions (RPS in 1948 and Singapore in 2006). 7
10 - 11 Flagship Orchestras 12 - 35 Selection of Orchestras, Ensembles and Music Groups in Hong Kong
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Photo by Samuel Sianipar on Unsplash 9
Flagship Orchestras
Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra
hkco.org inquiries@hkco.org Genre:
• Founded in 1977, the Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra • Growing repertoire including (HKCO) is the only professional full-sized Chinese traditional Chinese music and orchestra in Hong Kong, comprising 91 professional contemporary works with roots musicians playing in four sections: bowed-strings, in the Chinese cultural heritage plucked-strings, wind and percussion • HKCO explores new frontiers • Winner of numerous awards and such accolades through commissioning as “leader in Chinese ethnic music” and “cultural new works of various styles ambassador of Hong Kong” totalling about 2,300 original compositions and arrangements • Often invited to perform at world famous venues and at international festivals. Appreciated by audiences in Europe, North America, Asia, Australia and the Arctic Circle
Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra
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hkphil.org vennie.ho@hkphil.org rida.chan@hkphil.org Genre:
Photo Credit: CHEUNG Wai-lok
• One of the leading orchestras in Asia, the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra celebrates its 45th professional season in 2018/19 • Its annual schedule focuses on symphonic repertoire, with an extensive education programme, new commissions and nurturing local talent projects • With Music Director Jaap van Zweden since 2012, Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra has toured to Asia, Australia and Europe, including debuts in Vienna’s Musikverein and Sydney Opera House
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• Recording projects include a CD for children, works by TAN Dun and Bright SHENG conducted by the composers, and Wagner’s Ring Cycle following the Hong Kong premieres of all four operas
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Classical Music
Chinese Music
Contemporary Music
Hong Kong Sinfonietta
Vocal/Choir/Opera hksl.org info@hksinfonietta.org Genre:
Photo Credit: Hong Kong Sinfonietta
• Hong Kong Sinfonietta is one of Hong Kong’s flagship orchestras. With YIP Wing-sie as Music Director, the Orchestra has brought music closer to the community and achieved significant recognition both locally and internationally for its passionate performances and innovative programming • The Orchestra is a regular guest at international arts festivals and has performed in 39 cities around the world. In North America it has performed in Canada
and New York City; and in South America, in Brazil, Argentina and Uruguay. It has also performed at festivals in Italy, France, Germany, Switzerland, Poland, Portugal, Lithuania, Japan, Korea, Singapore, Taiwan, Beijing and Shanghai
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Selection of Orchestras, Ensembles and Music Groups in Hong Kong
Asian Youth Orchestra
asianyouthorchestra.com ayo@asianyouthorchestra.com Genre:
Photo Credit: Stephen NG & AYO
• Based in Hong Kong, the Asian Youth Orchestra (AYO) is a tuition-free cultural exchange summer program that involves Asia’s brightest young musicians in exceptional opportunities for study and performance in an international environment
• Recipient of Japan’s Praemium Imperiale and Nikkei Asia Prize, AYO is counted “amongst the finest youth orchestras around the world”
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• AYO is designed to ignite a pride for what can be achieved by Asian musicians in Asia, while affecting a positive influence on the brain and talent drain that continues to frustrate all Asian nations
Avant Music Group Association of Hong Kong
• Avant Music Group creates a platform for composers and musicians to communicate and bring their music alive by: - Promoting contemporary and original compositions in Hong Kong - Inviting professional musicians and performing groups from Europe for school visiting, performance and master class in Hong Kong
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amgahk.wixsite.com/amga amga.hk@gmail.com kimfungyip@hotmail.com
- Featuring different artists and different art forms, including fine art, sand painting, shadow puppet show and microfilm, etc. - Featured groups and musicians: Concorde contemporary music ensemble (Ireland), Ensemble Mise-en (USA), Dublin Conservatory, University of York (UK), Marco Ramelli (guitar), David Mooney (piano) and Dermot Dunne (accordion)
Genre:
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Classical Music
Chinese Music
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Bel Canto Singers
Vocal/Choir/Opera
facebook.com/HKBelCantoSingers hkbelcanto@gmail.com Genre:
Photo Credit: CHEUNG Chi-wai
• Bel Canto Singers aims to provide an active performance platform especially for homegrown vocal talents, as well as introduce a wider range of vocal works to the public
and even musical shows. It has also started a vocal ensemble to include more young singers into its shows
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• Since its incorporation into a Charitable Foundation on 2013, it has grown from a concert producing non-profit organisation, to a charitable foundation that produces a wide array of concerts, talks, recitals
City Chamber Orchestra of Hong Kong
ccohk.com info@ccohk.com Genre:
Photo Credit: City Chamber Orchestra of Hong Kong
• The City Chamber Orchestra of Hong Kong (CCOHK) has been one of Asia’s leading chamber orchestras since 1999, performed with such world-class artists as Sirs James Galway and Neville Marriner, Dame Evelyn Glennie, Sarah CHANG, Julian Lloyd Webber, Branford Marsalis and Philippe Entremont • CCOHK has collaborated with Hong Kong Ballet, Le French May Arts Festival, World Harp Conference and Radio Television Hong Kong Radio 4, as well as touring to Taipei, Beijing, Italy and the 2018 China Shanghai International Arts Festival
• Innovative new programmes for young audiences include The Star Bach, Vivaldi Unmasked, Magnificent Mozart and the musical Bug Symphony (Public Choice Award, YAMawards, Portugal 2017)
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• Internationally acclaimed recording with Danish recorder virtuoso Michala Petri
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Selection of Orchestras, Ensembles and Music Groups in Hong Kong
Concerto da Camera
concertodacamera.org admin@concertodacamera.org Genre:
Photo Credit: NGUYEN Bao Anh
• Concerto da Camera was established in 2004. Its uniquely designed concert programmes have been performed in various venues, giving educational concerts and workshops at schools and presenting music appreciation talks at universities, in order for audiences to arouse their interest in classical music and the art of chamber music playing • Its “Young Musicians’ Programme” launched in 2008, provides great opportunities for the younger generation to be trained and perform on stage, as well as gaining valuable experience on their learning paths
Contemporary Musiking Hong Kong
• Founded in 2007, Contemporary Musiking Hong Kong (CMHK) is a registered charitable organisation in Hong Kong devoted to the promotion, presentation and advocacy for cross-disciplinary practices in sound • CMHK presents a range of programs that supports the new technological, artistic and cross disciplinary demands that are placed upon composers, musicians and sound artists in the age of technological-convergence
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• Its Concerto da Camera Baroque Ensemble was formed in 2011. To bring authenticity to its performances, it gives concerts in various heritage sites in Hong Kong, performing 17th- and 18thcentury Western music on period instruments
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cmhk.org enquiry@cmhk.org Genre:
• CMHK aspires to becoming: (1) a cross-disciplinary support structure for composers and sound artists in the digital age; and (2) a platform for innovative, cross-media productions by composers and sound artists
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Classical Music
Chinese Music
Count-In Music
Contemporary Music
Vocal/Choir/Opera countinmusic@gmail.com Genre:
Photo Credit: Samson CHEUNG
• Count-In Music promotes local music, specialising in experimental and improvised music • Count-In Music’s programme includes the organisation of musical events, festivals, workshops and cultural exchange programs
• It gathers local and overseas artists and musicians for crosscultural projects
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• It has cultivated a jazz education network for local musicians
cuchorus.org.hk Chinese University of cuchorus@cuchorus.org.hk Genre: Hong Kong Chorus Association
Photo Credit: Chinese University of Hong Kong Chorus Association
• Founded in 1972, the Chinese University of Hong Kong Chorus is a group with both strong vision and versatility to bridge the Hong Kong choral field to the international stage • The Chorus is an advocate of Cantonese choral music by commissioning and publishing original and arranged choral works
• The Chorus’ cover version of Finlandia-Hymni, which is rarely sung in original Finnish outside Finland, is the most-viewed video by a non-Finnish choir on YouTube
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• The Chorus sings various Western repertoire in highly-innovative concert programming, with their concert videos on YouTube attracting many online viewers around the world
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Selection of Orchestras, Ensembles and Music Groups in Hong Kong
Die Konzertisten Charity Institute
diekonzertisten.com Genre:
Photo Credit: Calvin SIT
• One of Hong Kong’s foremost chamber choirs, Die Konzertisten, led by Music Director Felix YEUNG and Resident Conductor Sanders LAU, performs Renaissance polyphony, Baroque masterpieces, Romantic and newly commissioned works • Internationally renowned collaborators include John Butt (Bach's St John Passion), Stephen Layton (Mozart’s Requiem), countertenor Iestyn Davies (Pergolesi’s Stabat Mater) and Jonathan Cohen (Handel’s Messiah and Israel in Egypt). In the 2018/19 season Cohen and his UKbased ensemble Arcangelo partnered the choir in various Baroque masterpieces including Bach’s B-Minor Mass
Drip Music
• As a keen advocate of Baroque music it founded Hong Kong’s first period-instrument orchestra, Cammer Musicus, for its Bach Pilgrimage Series. Local composer Kenny LAM’s new commission for the choir aims to expand the repertoire and explore new instrumental possibilities • Local and overseas appearances include the Hong Kong Arts Festival, the Musicarama Festival, the Chinese Composers’ Festival and at Singapore’s Victoria Theatre
dripmusicrecords.com dripmusicrecords@gmail.com Genre:
Photo Credit: Kii Studios Photography & Film
• Drip Music, a Hong Kong-based music production agency, was found in 2016 • One of its most remarkable productions, Hong Kong Episodes, premiered at the World Cultures Festival 2015 presented by Hong Kong Government's Leisure and Cultural Services Department, and toured to eight different cities in 2017 including London, Taipei and Shanghai, etc. • Its recent project, Ensemble Transience: Composition & Improvisation, is a 15-month programme, financially supported by the Arts Capacity
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Development Funding Scheme of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region • Ensemble Transience is a chamber group focuses on contemporary music with hybrid of modern jazz and classical music languages, incorporate improvisation into composed materials
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Classical Music
Chinese Music
Contemporary Music
Vocal/Choir/Opera
Flower Music
flowermusic.hk info@flowermusic.hk Genre:
• Founded in 2008, Flower Music is a music label, event and production company dedicated to the promotion of different music practices in Hong Kong
• Flower Music is committed to promoting visionary artists across multiple disciplines to push the boundaries of music expression while fuelling new momentum into the field
• Aside from organising concerts and music events in Hong Kong and abroad, Flower Music also provides administrative support to local arts and cultural organisations
• Flower Music 10, is a music space helmed by the team, where it brings together with artists and organisations that share our commitment to unleash creativity
Fragrant Village
fragrantvillage.com info@fragrantvillage.com Genre:
• Fragrant Village is founded in 2016. It aims at creating music that comes from the lands and people of Hong Kong rural areas, where it finds lots of stories and histories. It connects different communities with various forms of musical events and creations
• In 2016, it made its first debut album Fragrant Village, which includes songs and music co-created by local villagers and musicians
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Selection of Orchestras, Ensembles and Music Groups in Hong Kong
Friends of the Harp
facebook.com/friendsoftheharp friends@friendsoftheharp.org Genre:
Photo Credit: Friends of the Harp Charity
• The Friends of the Harp is a registered music charity providing a platform to promote harp music and to use the harp to touch the lives of the underprivileged. It supports children’s harp learning, promote young harpists performances and organise music outreach
• The HarpFest conducts harp performances in concert halls as well as taking the harp music to public venues such as the harbour-front space of the Hong Kong Cultural Centre
• Its formation was inspired by the unprecedented support for the first Hong Kong Harp Festival founded in 2006
• Its goal is to make harp music more accessible to the community
Gustav Mahler Orchestra
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gmohk.com info@gmohk.com Genre:
Photo Credit: Gustav Mahler Orchestra
• Founded by award-winning young conductor Wilson NG in 2014, Hong Kong’s Gustav Mahler Orchestra (GMO) offers a nurturing platform to develop local musical talent, making classical music accessible through innovative programming and educational concerts • GMO has pioneered a critically acclaimed new performance concept, Musicians without Borders, placing its musicians among audiences • GMO’s Mahler 1 CD garnered Leo LEE Ou-fan’s praise: “Wilson NG’s emphatic yet graceful
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conducting… led a spirited performance… and stretched… the orchestra to its fullest”
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• In 2017 GMO joined the Vienna Boys’ Choir in the Hong Kong– Vienna Music Festival and debuted internationally at South Korean’s Busan Maru International Music Festival. GMO performed with Vadim Repin and star ballerina Svetlana Zakharova at the 2018 Hong Kong Arts Festival
Classical Music
Chinese Music
Contemporary Music
HKFYG The Hong Kong Melody Makers
• The Hong Kong Melody Makers, a youth singing ensemble established in 2004 by The Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups, is well-known for its vocal bands • Awards include: “Best Vocal” (Incheon World A Cappella Competition), “Golden Harmony” (first place), “Best Vocal” and “Best Arrangement” (3rd Asian Youth A Cappella Singing Competition) • Has toured to Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Vietnam, Mainland China, Taiwan and Macau,
Hong Kong Bamboo Flute Society
• Founded in 1996, the Hong Kong Bamboo Flute Society comprises a group of Hong Kong flute players and enthusiasts. It is an open non-profit concert academic group that promotes the art of Chinese bamboo flute, promoting lectures, concerts and opportunities for enthusiasts to exchange ideas • In 1997 it participated in the Hong Kong Handover Music Festival • Its 2003 two-week ancient Chinese and foreign flute expo allowed the public to deepen their
Vocal/Choir/Opera
acappella.hkfyg.org.hk | facebook.com/fygaca facebook.com/hongkongmelodymakers hkmm@hkfyg.org.hk Genre:
participating in Arts Festivals in Auckland, Perth, Qingdao and Shenzhen
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• Has performed in the 1st China International Import Expo (CIIE), Opening Ceremony of the 40th Hong Kong Arts Festival, FIVB Volleyball Nations League, and twice at TEDx, among others
facebook.com/hkbfs chooboonchong1031@yahoo.com.hk Genre:
understanding of flutes in China and around the world
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• In 2005, with the Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra, it coorganised the Hong Kong Dizi and Xiao Festival which received a Guinness World Record for having the largest number of people playing the flute together
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Selection of Orchestras, Ensembles and Music Groups in Hong Kong
Hong Kong Composers’ Guild
hkcg.org info@hkcg.org Genre:
Photo Credit: Sunny CHAN
• Founded in 1983, the Hong Kong Composers’ Guild is a professional association of serious composers with the objective of promoting and cultivating music composition in Hong Kong by working closely with professional musicians and institutions • It organises concerts, publishes scores and produces recordings of works by Hong Kong composers
and sending composers to the community and schools
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• One of the cultural ambassadors of Hong Kong, it has established strong links with international organisations and has played a significant role in international music exchange
• It promotes composition especially to young people and develops music as a vital creative art form in Hong Kong through composition competitions
Hong Kong International Saxophone Society
isshk.net isshk@hotmail.com Genre:
Photo Credit: YIP Chun-kit
• Hong Kong International Saxophone Society (HKISS), established in 2009, is led by renowned saxophone artist, Dr. Kenneth TSE, Professor of University of Iowa. His first Hong Kong International Saxophone Symposium in 2009 introduced Hong Kong saxophonists to internationally renowned faculties. Master classes, lectures and various performances were held during the seven-day symposium and the result was overwhelming
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• Apart from organising the Symposium every two years, the Society actively nurtures young music lovers (not only saxophone) by organising various types of lectures, master classes, concerts and workshops to help them appreciate classical and modern music
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Classical Music
Chinese Music
Hong Kong New Music Ensemble
Contemporary Music
Vocal/Choir/Opera hongkongnewmusic.org info@hknme.org Genre:
Photo Credit: CHEUNG Chi-wai
• Hong Kong New Music Ensemble is a 15-member professional music ensemble specialising in contemporary classical music found in 2008 by violist and Artistic Director William Lane. LIO Kuokman has been Principal Conductor and Music Director since 2017 • Over 100 commissions and world premieres with a focus on new musical compositions from East Asia, including significant interdisciplinary productions • Regular appearances in major arts festivals in Hong Kong, such as Hong Kong Arts Festival, New Vision
Hong Kong Oratorio Society
• The Hong Kong Oratorio Society (HKOS) is a nonprofit-making organisation founded in 1956, with more than one hundred members
Arts Festival and Le French May. Overseas tours include Cycle Music and Art Festival (Iceland), Tongyeong International Music Festival (South Korea), Shanghai New Music Week (China), ECHOFLUXX Festival (Czech Republic), MaerzMusik (Germany) and MONA FOMA (Australia). Future tours to the United States, Europe and Australia • Initiator of several modern music training courses for emerging professionals or advanced student performers and composers
oratorio.org.hk enquiry@oratorio.org.hk Genre:
• HKOS believes that choral singing and music bring joy to singers and listeners alike, as well as enhancing the personal quality • The current Music Director is Prof. CHAN Wing-wah, JP and enriching the spiritual and cultural life of the audience • Under the leadership of great musicians over the years, HKOS has become the most active choir with the longest history and largest membership in Hong Kong
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Selection of Orchestras, Ensembles and Music Groups in Hong Kong
Hong Kong Professional Zheng Ensemble
• Hong Kong Professional Zheng Ensemble (HKPZE) is an ensemble founded by four young zheng virtuosi - CHOW Lai-kuen, MOK Wai-leung, CHIN King and IU Yan - in 2006. The co-founders are all graduates of The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts • The Ensemble’s mission is to promote a diversified and innovative technique of traditional and modern guzheng music
zhengmusic.com.hk musicroom@zhengmusic.com.hk Genre:
artists in past years. In 2012, “HKPZE Junior” Guzheng Ensemble was established, training local guzheng students. “HKPZE Junior” is devoted to giving back to the community and participating in various community performances and workshops
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• It has held several concerts, workshops, master classes, and lectures with foreign and domestic
Hong Kong String Orchestra
stringorchestra.org.hk info@stringorchestra.org.hk Genre:
Photo Credit: Hong Kong String Orchestra
• The Hong Kong String Orchestra (HKSO), founded by virtuoso YAO Jue, BBS, JP, has achieved significant recognition locally and internationally for its “music uniqueness fusing Eastern and Western influences”. Bringing together the best local elite string players in Hong Kong, HKSO strives to expand musical horizons and promote new music • Under Artistic Director YAO Jue’s leadership, HKSO showcases its talents to audiences all over the world
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• HKSO has been invited to perform in the U.S., Finland, Sweden, etc., and participated in various international arts festivals. In 2019 the Orchestra embarks on a Southeast Asia tour
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Classical Music
Chinese Music
Contemporary Music
Vocal/Choir/Opera
Hong Kong Wind Kamerata
hkwk.org info@hkwk.org Genre:
Photo Credit: Hong Kong Wind Kamerata
• Led by the renowned oboist YIU Song-lam, the Hong Kong Wind Kamerata features Hong Kong’s most talented wind players and is dedicated to promoting the rich wind repertoire throughout the region • The Kamerata has toured to Switzerland, New York City, Tokyo, Taiwan, Beijing, Shanghai, Macau and appeared in festivals at home like the ISCM World Music Days, ISCM-Musicarama and Le French May
• The Kamerata has performed with some world class prominent artists, such as legendary oboist Maurice Bourgue, bassoonist Martin Gatt, flautist Pierre-Yves Artaud, French horn player André Cazalet, trumpeter Guy Touvron and clarinettists Philippe Cuper and Florent Héau
Hong Kong Wind Philharmonia
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hkwp.org info@hkwp.org Genre:
Photo Credit: George WONG
• Founded in 2002, the Hong Kong Wind Philharmonia (HKWP) was the first wind band formed by professional musicians • Professor Jerry F. Junkin from the University of Texas at Austin, U.S.A. has been Music Director and Conductor since 2003 • In 2005, HKWP was invited to perform at the World Association for Symphonic Bands and Ensembles (WASBE) Conference • HKWP has both premiered many new works in Hong Kong and commissioned works by composers
around the world, bringing the highest artistic level of wind band music to Hong Kong audiences
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• HKWP founded the Hong Kong Youth Wind Philharmonia in 2003, and the Hong Kong Chamber Wind Philharmonia in 2008, to extend educational possibilities to and create a new platform for young musicians
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Selection of Orchestras, Ensembles and Music Groups in Hong Kong
Hong Kong Youth Choir
hkyc.org info@hkyc.org Genre:
Photo Credit: Martin LEE
• Hong Kong Youth Choir (HKYC) is an energetic and creative choir which has an inclusive repertoire from Baroque to contemporary works. It also dedicates itself to championing local and Asian premieres of various choral pieces • Recent notable performances include a complete Les Misérables, the Choral Panorama - Local Sound Series, an all-Rutter programme conducted by the composer himself and J.S. Bach’s complete motets.
Hong Kong Zheng Orchestra
• The Hong Kong Zheng Orchestra was formerly the So Chun-bo Zheng Ensemble, the first ever ensemble of the genre of Hong Kong founded in 1971, with So as the founder • Since its establishment, the Orchestra has performed at more than 60 events, some of the most significant including Chinese and Japanese Vocal and Instrumental Concerts; the Hong Kong, Taiwan, Singapore International Virtuosi Concerts;
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• The choir was awarded prizes at international choral competition in Singapore and Taipei
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• Now entering its 20th year, the choir continues its mission to present quality choral music in Hong Kong and around the globe
hkguzhengacademy.hk info@hkguzhengacademy.hk Genre:
the Zheng, Koto and Kayagum Concerts; Hong Kong Zheng Virtuosi in Concert; and the Chinese Instrumental Series Zheng • The Orchestra also made recordings from 1975-1977 and 1985-1993
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Classical Music
Chinese Music
Contemporary Music
John Chen Ensemble
Vocal/Choir/Opera
facebook.com/johnchenensemble john.kp.chen@gmail.com Genre:
• John Chen Ensemble, founded in 2005, focuses on creating, performing and promoting original world music with a unique Hong Kong style • In addition to concert performances, the group also partners with guest musicians as well as artists and groups from other artistic genres such as modern dance, theatre, video and visual art, sometimes incorporating advanced music technologies into their shows
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• Members of the Ensemble come from different musical backgrounds and, by applying musical ideas and instruments from East and West, they fuse different music cultures seamlessly into what is truly “Music Without Boundaries”
Kung Music Workshop (Kung Music Studio)
kungmusic.hk kungmusicworkshop@gmail.com Genre:
Photo Credit: Eddy ZEE
• Kung Music Workshop (KMW) is a pioneer organisation in Hong Kong that curates concerts and performances comprising different genres of music and arts at different venues, including nontraditional concert locations
• Its cross-disciplinary and cross-genre performances both introduce audiences to various arts forms and create a special vibe and platform for the birth of many quality creative arts and collaborations
• Founded in March 2008 by KUNG Chi-shing to discover and nurture new music talents and to bring music to new audiences outside of established formats, venues and channels
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Selection of Orchestras, Ensembles and Music Groups in Hong Kong
La Sax
lasax.org lasaxhongkong@gmail.com Genre:
Photo Credit: La Sax
• With its versatility and astounding dynamic, La Sax was one of the earliest saxophone ensembles in Hong Kong, founded in 2005 by local saxophone talents • It is dedicated to providing high quality concerts to the audience with the goal of encouraging public interest in the art of classical music
Luo Jing Gu-Zheng Ensemble
• It is comprised of professional musicians, music degree graduates and students from local institutions who share the same passion of pursuing artistic excellence
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facebook.com/LuoJingGuZhengEnsemble ljzhengensemble@gmail.com Genre:
Photo Credit: Luo Jing Gu-Zheng Ensemble
• Luo Jing Gu-Zheng Ensemble, a Hong Kong music ensemble established in 2003, is directed and guided by Miss LUO Jing, Zheng Principal of the Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra • The Ensemble promotes the oriental beauty of Chinese music by collaborating with virtuosos in different countries to bring about quality music concerts and performances. It also strives to bring together talents and young performers of different performing arts, including calligraphy and Kunqu
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• The Ensemble has produced and been invited to perform locally and internationally, it has been featured in concerts in Shenzhen, Shanghai, Xi’an, Sichuan and Taiwan, etc.
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Classical Music
Chinese Music
Contemporary Music
Music Lab
Vocal/Choir/Opera musiclab.hk info@musiclab.hk Genre:
Photo Credit: CHEUNG Wai-lok
• Founded in 2013, Music Lab is a non-profit organisation that believes in the value of performance; of its power to connect with people; and its influence by sharing ideas and thoughts • Music Lab values and promotes local artists who strive for artistic excellence and follow their passion • Serving as a collaborative platform, Music Lab unites artists and adds diversity to the city’s arts scene by pouring old wine into new bottles
• Music Lab insists on the relevance of music to the society on and off the stage. On stage, Music Lab is dedicated to provide enriching concert experiences. Off stage, Music Lab intends to convey messages to the society via the exploration of societal issues and cultural meaning through its innovative productions
Musica Viva Hong Kong
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musicavivahk.org info@musicavivahk.org Genre:
Photo Credit: Musica Viva Hong Kong
• Musica Viva Hong Kong was founded in 2008 with founding members possessing extensive experiences in advising at policy level on developmental, outreach and educational aspects in performing arts • Dedicated to promoting original performing arts, in particular, the appreciation, study, education and performance of music, opera and vocal art, as well as to creating opportunities for creative and professional development for budding artists
• Champions performing formats that demonstrate aesthetic refinement, genuine artistic content and insightful interpretations presented with honesty and economy
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• Director-General LO King-man is a renowned opera producer with over 180 productions across three continents
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Selection of Orchestras, Ensembles and Music Groups in Hong Kong
Musicus Society
musicussociety.org enquiries@musicussociety.org Genre:
• Founded in 2010 as a registered charity by renowned cellist Trey LEE, Musicus Society has a mission to promote music and music education through cross-cultural collaboration between local and overseas artists • Its annual Musicus Fest provides a meeting point for artists from across the world
• The Musicus Inspires! education program nurtures aspiring young musicians in Hong Kong, as well as cultivates students from all social backgrounds • It is financially supported by the Art Development Matching Grants Scheme of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
• The Musicus Heritage Community Concert Series brings world-class artists to local heritage sites
Opera Hong Kong
operahongkong.org enquiry@operahongkong.org Genre:
• Established in 2003, Opera Hong Kong is committed to enhancing the appreciation of opera art in Hong Kong and promoting local music talents
• It launched a 3-year “The Jockey Club Opera Hong Kong Young Artist Development Programme” in 2015 to nurture professional young local artists
• It stages operas, concerts, commissions new works and regularly organises outreach programmes for young people
• It established Opera Hong Kong Chorus and Opera Hong Kong Children Chorus in 2004 and 2008 respectively
• Its Artistic Director is Warren MOK, a distinguished Hong Kong tenor and currently one of China’s Three Tenors who has performed frequently in leading opera houses worldwide
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Classical Music
Chinese Music
Contemporary Music
Premiere Performances of Hong Kong
Vocal/Choir/Opera pphk.org info@pphk.org Genre:
Photo Credit: CHEUNG Chi-wai
• Premiere Performances of Hong Kong brings internationally celebrated musicians and the world’s brightest rising stars to Hong Kong for solo recitals, chamber music and community outreach • Founded in 2007, Premiere Performances presents over 100 events each year reaching 30,000 people • Premiere Performances has four major programmes: a year-round Recital Series (4-6 concerts in major
RhapsoArts Management
concert halls), Beare’s Premiere Music Festival, an annual twoweek festival (6 concerts and 20 free events), a Family Series (3-4 concerts in venues across the city, in Cantonese or English), and an Education & Outreach Programme including 60 performances in local schools
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rhapsoarts.com | facebook.com/RhapsoArts info@rhapsoarts.com Genre:
• Set up in 1998, RhapsoArts Management specialises in arts management and provides professional services in arts administration for artists, performing groups and arts organisations
• Technical and production support for presentations, along with providing artists, event and logistics management
• Arts education support includes promoting community arts, organising school touring programmes and co-ordinating educational workshops, seminars, conferences and exhibitions
• Arts administration consultation includes media and press liaison, publicity and promotion, translation, copywriting and editorial services
• Artist management services include arranging tours, workshops, seminars, project management and administration
• Sponsorship services include fund-raising for non profit-making organisations and application for grants from government funding bodies/private foundations, etc.
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Selection of Orchestras, Ensembles and Music Groups in Hong Kong
Romer String Quartet
romerstringquartet.com romerstringquartet@gmail.com Genre:
Photo Credit: Jacky CHEE
• Formed in 2013, the Romer String Quartet is named after Hong Kong’s endemic Romer’s Tree Frog. Its genuinely local ensemble is formed by musicians all born and raised in Hong Kong • Romer has performed at New York’s Carnegie Hall, Tokyo’s Toppan Hall, Shanghai Concert Hall, Eastman School of Music in USA, Beijing’s Central Conservatory of Music and Hong Kong City Hall
Cultural Services Department's Our Music Talents Series, Hong Kong Composers’ Guild’s Musicarama 2013 & 2014, Hong Kong Week 2017 in Taiwan, and Kota Kinabalu String Music Festival in Malaysia • Romer frequently collaborates with composers and multimedia artists, and has given world-premieres of many commissioned works
• Romer featured in the 42nd Hong Kong Arts Festival ExxonMobil Vision Series production Images of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Government's Leisure and
SingFest
singfest.hk info@singfest.hk Genre:
Photo Credit: Carmen SO
• SingFest is a charitable organisation with a mission to provide the highest quality of performances and innovative educational opportunities connecting local singers, instrumentalists, audiences and donors • Education is at the heart of SingFest. Since 2012, SingFest has launched a series of choral-related education programmes for professional musicians, school teachers, university and secondary students, as well as music enthusiasts, under the guidance of world-class maestros
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• In the 2018/19 season, SingFest promotes another year-round project choral: Images, presenting staged productions of Bach’s works and micromovies featuring Monteverdi’s madrigals, to promote choral arts and inspire humanity through the beauty of music
Classical Music
Chinese Music
SIU2
Contemporary Music
Vocal/Choir/Opera flowermusic.hk/SIU2 siu2@flowermusic.hk Genre:
• SIU2, the renowned fusion band, features the sheng, an ancient Chinese musical instrument, together with sanxian, zheng, piano, electric organ, bass guitar and drums • SIU2’s resulting musical tapestry flows seamlessly through the East and West, past and present while melting down borders between genres, juxtaposing disparate Hong Kong cultural elements • Since its debut Sheng It Up in the 2008 Hong Kong Arts Festival, New Vision Arts Festival and Jockey
The Chopin Society of Hong Kong
Club New Arts Power, it has given concerts in 2010, 2012 and 2017
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• SIU2 has appeared on stages and music festivals overseas with critical acclaim: Bordeaux Music Festival, Beishan International World Music Festival, Huayi Festival, etc. • SIU2 has released three albums: Sonic Traveler (2013), KonFusion (2010) and Open Door (2008) chopinsocietyhk.org afreris@netvigator.com info@chopinsocietyhk.org Genre:
Photo Credit: The Chopin Society of Hong Kong
• The Chopin Society of Hong Kong was founded in 1995 and since 2005 concentrated in organising an annual Joy of Music Festival (JOMF), and the triennial Hong Kong International Piano Competition (HKIPC) • The Society also organises free music master classes and lectures/presentations, promotes the music culture and music education in Hong Kong and contributes to making Hong Kong a centre of musical excellence
• The Society has presented so far four HKIPCs, with the 5th to be presented in October 2019, and 13 annual JOMFs, hundreds of hours of educational activities involving tens of thousands of audience and thousands of students and teachers
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Selection of Orchestras, Ensembles and Music Groups in Hong Kong
The Hong Kong Bach Choir
bachchoir.org.hk info@bachchoir.org.hk Genre:
Photo Credit: Atta WONG
• Founded in 1970, The Hong Kong Bach Choir (HKBC) enjoys a multinational membership of 100+ singers • HKBC is known for artistic quality and especially for its creative and stimulating programming • Newly commissioned works and local premières are featured regularly among HKBC’s offerings.
• HKBC has performed major standard-repertory works including Beethoven, Bruckner and Stravinsky's Masses, Duruflé, Fauré and Mozart's Requiems, J.S. Bach’s Christmas Oratorio, C.P.E. Bach’s Magnificat, Orff’s Carmina Burana and Beethoven’s Symphony No.9
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• Jerome Hoberman, HKBC’s Music Director, formed The Hong Kong Bach Orchestra in 1995 to accompany HKBC in its 25th anniversary performance of Bach’s B-Minor Mass
The Majestic G
facebook.com/majesticghk mwh144@gmail.com Genre:
• The Majestic G is an original funk/soul septet with music spanning across a wide music spectrum including pop, jazz, soul, funk, rock, classical music, and traditional Chinese music • The band consists of bassist LEE Chak-man Leonard, vocalist Sonia Raphael, guitarist TJOE Man-cheung, keyboardist Ricky WONG, drummer Vic TSUI, suona player MA Wai-him and trombonist Tony TSUI
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• The Majestic G strives to make music that pushes the boundaries, connects the dots and reflects the changing times
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Classical Music
Chinese Music
Contemporary Music
Toolbox Percussion
Vocal/Choir/Opera
toolboxpercussion.org toolboxpercussion@gmail.com Genre:
Photo Credit: Yvonne CHAN
• Toolbox Percussion is a creative incubator working to make new music happen by commissioning, developing, collaborating, professional training, performing, recording and touring contemporary performances
• Has toured to Gwangju’s Asia Culture Center and makes its US debut at the San Francisco International Arts Festival in 2018/19
• Its acclaimed Toolbox Percussion Trilogy was a proven success spreading over three years in creating innovative programmes that challenged local artists, enhanced cultural exchange with world-class musicians and developed outreach professional educational activities
• In January 2019 it co-presented the Toolbox International Creative Academy (TICA) with the University of Oklahoma
Windpipe Chinese Music Ensemble
• Founded in 2003, Windpipe Chinese Music Ensemble is a professional Chinese music ensemble that bears the artistic motto “Small but Elegant, Simple yet Refined” of characteristic Chinese music, passing on Cantonese, Hakka and Chiuchow music culture • Actively presenting local talent it produces quality chamber concerts with a mission to promote Chinese music culture in Hong Kong and to show the unique charm of Chinese instrumental ensemble
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hkwindpipe.org ensemble@hkwindpipe.org
• It has presented over 50 series concerts and 500 outreach concerts, premiering over 50 new works by Hong Kong composers
Genre:
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• Working with many international and local conductors it has represented Hong Kong with over 20 countries and regions in various cultural exchange performances
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Selection of Orchestras, Ensembles and Music Groups in Hong Kong
Wuji Ensemble
facebook.com/Wuji.Ensemble fionasiu@rhapsoarts.com Genre:
• Founded in 2003, Wuji Ensemble is dedicated to creating a performance platform for musicians as well as a distinctive performing style of creative expression • Embracing Chinese music steeped in oriental aesthetics, and complementing it with Western music and theatrical elements it creates a multimedia experience
and rapport among themselves. Off stage, they follow a regular regimen including meditation and calligraphy
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• It continues with its latest project, exploring “Atmospheric Music Theatre”
• On stage, members are required to memorise all the scores with no conductor, enhancing communication
Yao Yueh Chinese Music Association
yaoyueh.com yycohkhk@yahoo.com.hk Genre:
Photo Credit: Ray CHAN
• Yao Yueh Chinese Music Association, a Chinese orchestra with 80 players led by LEUNG Chi-cheung, was founded in 1974; one of Hong Kong’s longstanding orchestras • Appeared at the 30th Macau International Music Festival and in the likes of Singapore and Zhongshan. Featured in the art film Orchestra produced by Samson YOUNG, screened in Geneva and Hong Kong • Recorded music for award-winning movie Wukong (2017) starring Eddie PENG and Shawn YUE
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• From the Press: “professional and outstanding”, “enhanced to a higher level of professionalism”, “melody touches the heart of audiences”, “filled with creativity beyond time and space”, “led audiences to the delightful world of Chinese music”, “full of highlights and surprises”
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Classical Music
Chinese Music
Yat Po Singers
Contemporary Music
Vocal/Choir/Opera yatposingers.org info@yatposingers.org Genre:
Photo Credit: Yvonne CHAN
• The Yat Po Singers was the first professional a cappella choral theatre company in Hong Kong, under the direction of the founding Co-Artistic Directors Patrick CHIU, NG Cheuk-yin and Yuri NG
• It aims at enriching the arts scene particularly by nurturing young composers and artists, audience building and arts education
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• It focuses on producing and developing original works to promote a cappella art and demonstrate the innovative interaction of music and theatre
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Key Music / Music-related Festivals in Hong Kong Beare’s Premiere Music Festival
(formerly Hong Kong International Chamber Music Festival) Month: January Website: pphk.org
Hong Kong Arts Festival Month: February to March Website: hk.artsfestival.org
Music Lab Festival Month: around February to June Website: musiclab.hk/musiclab-festivals
Hong Kong International a cappella Festival Month: around March to April Website: acappella.hkfyg.org.hk
Intimacy of Creativity - The Bright Sheng Partnership: Composers Meet Performers in Hong Kong Month: April to May Website: ic.shss.ust.hk
Great Music Month: April to December Website: lcsd.gov.hk/CE/CulturalService/Programme/en/music
Le French May Month: May Website: frenchmay.com
Hong Kong International Operatic Singing Competition Month: June to July (every two years) Website: competition.musicavivahk.org
Hong Kong International Drummer Festival Month: around June to August Website: hkdrumfest.com
World Youth & Children’s Choir Festival - Hong Kong Month: July (every two years) Website: wyccaa.com
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Jockey Club New Arts Power Month: September to January Website: newartspower.hk
Freespace Happening Month: September to March Website: westkowloon.hk/en/performing-arts/freespace-happening
Hong Kong Contemporary Music Festival Month: September to October (every two years) Website: hkcg.org/hkcmfhkdelights
The Joy of Music Festival & Hong Kong International Piano Competition Month: October Website: chopinsocietyhk.org
New Vision Arts Festival Month: October to November (every two years) Website: newvisionfestival.gov.hk
World Cultures Festival Month: October to November (every two years) Website: worldfestival.gov.hk
Musicus Fest Month: November Website: musicussociety.org
House Music Series (formerly Jockey Club Street Music Series) Month: throughout the year Website: facebook.com/hkstreetmusic
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Selected Venues for Music Performance in Hong Kong ArtisTree Maximum Audience Capacity: 300 Website: taikooplace.com/en/artistree.aspx
Asia Society Hong Kong Center - The Hong Kong Jockey Club Hall Maximum Audience Capacity: 240 Website: asiasociety.org/hong-kong
East Kowloon Cultural Centre (Open in 2022)
Maximum Audience Capacity: 1200
Freespace
(Open in mid-2019) Maximum Audience Capacity: 900 Website: westkowloon.hk/en/the-district/architecture-facilities/freespace
Fringe Club - Fringe Underground Maximum Audience Capacity: 120 Website: hkfringeclub.com
Hong Kong City Hall - Concert Hall Maximum Audience Capacity: 1434 Website: lcsd.gov.hk/en/hkch
Hong Kong Cultural Centre - Concert Hall Maximum Audience Capacity: 2020 Website: lcsd.gov.hk/en/hkcc
Kwai Tsing Theatre - Auditorium Maximum Audience Capacity: 899 Website: lcsd.gov.hk/en/ktt
Sai Wan Ho Civic Centre - Theatre Maximum Audience Capacity: 482 Website: lcsd.gov.hk/en/swhcc 38
Sha Tin Town Hall - Auditorium Maximum Audience Capacity: 1372 Website: lcsd.gov.hk/en/stth
Sheung Wan Civic Centre - Theatre Maximum Audience Capacity: 480 Website: lcsd.gov.hk/en/swcc
Tai Kwun - JC Cube Maximum Audience Capacity: 200 Website: taikwun.hk
The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts - Lyric Theatre Maximum Audience Capacity: 1181
- Recital Hall Maximum Audience Capacity: 202 Website: hkapa.edu
Tsuen Wan Town Hall - Auditorium Maximum Audience Capacity: 1420 Website: lcsd.gov.hk/en/twth
Tuen Mun Town Hall - Auditorium Maximum Audience Capacity: 1368 Website: lcsd.gov.hk/en/tmth
Youth Square - Y Theatre Maximum Audience Capacity: 643 Website: youthsquare.hk
Yuen Long Theatre - Auditorium Maximum Audience Capacity: 923 Website: lcsd.gov.hk/en/ylt
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Special Thanks Prof. CHAN Hing-yan Mr. Jimmy SHIU (RTHK Radio 4) Prof. TSENG Sun-man
Published by Hong Kong Arts Development Council Tel: +852 28278786 Website: www.hkadc.org.hk Email: hkadc@hkadc.org.hk Address: 10/F, 1063 King's Road, Quarry Bay, Hong Kong Project Team of Hong Kong Arts Development Council Winsome CHOW (Chief Executive) Anne CHAN (Arts Development Senior Manager) Kitty LAU (Arts Development Project Coordinator) Sherry CHUNG (Arts Development Senior Officer) Graphic Design MAJO Printed in 2019