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To mark the 150th anniversary of the birth of the French Impressionist composer Claude Debussy, the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) is organising a series of concerts to be performed by overseas and local musicians and groups from September to December.
Young pianist Zhao Ning, winner of the 6th J. N. Hummel International Piano Competition in Bratislava in 2008, will give her first formal Hong Kong recital in September. Zhao will perform one of Debussy's masterpieces, "Images, Book I", which includes "Reflets dans l'eau", "Hommage ˆj Rameau" and "Mouvement".
"Piano Recital by Zhao Ning"
8pm, September 28 (Friday)
Theatre, Hong Kong City Hall
Tickets: $110 and $160
The Opus One Piano Trio's Warren Lee (piano), Wong Sze-hang (violin) and Richard Bamping (cello) will collaborate with clarinettist Andrew Simon for a concert featuring Debussy's "Premier Rhapsody for Piano and Clarinet", "Petite Piˆoce for Piano and Clarinet" and "Piano Trio in G".
"Opus One Piano Trio"
8pm, October 3 (Wednesday)
Theatre, Hong Kong City Hall
Tickets: $110 and $160
Comprising young pianists Hui Ling and Julie Kuok, the HK Duo (H for Hui and K for Kuok) will perform Debussy's "Printemps" (two-piano version), originally a piece for orchestra and women's chorus. Kuok will also pay tribute to the composer by performing her new work, "Image - the Reflection of Don Juan".
"Two-Piano Concert by HK Duo"
8pm, October 9 (Tuesday)
Theatre, Hong Kong City Hall
Tickets: $110 and $160
Pianists Raymond Young and Ma Cong will collaborate in a two-piano concert presenting a feast of dance-related compositions. Debussy's famous "The Afternoon of a Faun" will be heard in the composer's own arrangement for two pianos, and will be paired with his "Lindaraja", a posthumously published evocation of the Alhambra.
"Two-Piano Concert by Raymond Young and Ma Cong"
8pm, October 19 (Friday)
Theatre, Hong Kong City Hall
Tickets: $110 and $160
Four outstanding local instrumentalists, namely Kitty Cheung (violin), Chang Pei-chieh (viola), Sophia Yang (piano) and Ken So (piano), will collaborate for a concert of all of Debussy's chamber music. The programme includes "Cello Sonata" and "Violin Sonata", the two-piano work "En blanc et noir", the four-hand work "Petite Suite" and "Piano Trio in G".
"Debussy's Chamber Music"
8pm, October 22 (Monday)
Theatre, Hong Kong City Hall
Tickets: $110 and $160
Internationally acclaimed pianist Krystian Zimerman will return with an all-Debussy recital, featuring the composer's masterpieces "Images, Book I", "Estampes", "Prˆmludes" (selections) and "Twelve Etudes". Undeniably one of the greatest pianists today, Zimerman has enjoyed a brilliant career spanning more than 35 years since his triumph at the 1975 International Chopin Piano Competition. Zimerman is well-known for having limited his concert appearances, so the recital in Hong Kong presents a rare opportunity for local audiences.
"Encore Series: Piano Recital by Krystian Zimerman"
8pm, November 7 (Wednesday)
Concert Hall, Hong Kong Cultural Centre
Tickets: $200, $360, $480 and $620
Having actively participated in different concerts with an aim of promoting classical music to Hong Kong people, the Hong Kong Virtuosi will give a concert in November. Under the baton of the promising conductor Yang Yang, the ensemble will perform Debussy's "Prˆmlude ˆj l'aprˆos-midi d'un faune" (chamber version), and "5 Songs", featuring local young soprano Louise Kwong and arranged by local composer Lam Fung.
"Concert by Hong Kong Virtuosi"
8pm, November 17 (Saturday)
Auditorium, Tsuen Wan Town Hall
Tickets: $80, $120 and $160
Renowned French pianist Monique Duphil and local radio broadcaster Jonathan Douglas are collaborating for three performances. At the Museum of Art, by the sparkling waters of Victoria Harbour, a world of water will be created through set and lighting design. Poems and reminiscences relating to Debussy will be read out alongside music directly related to the theme. Works to be performed include "Jardins sous la pluie", "Reflets dans l'eau", "Poissons d'or", "Clair de lune" and "Les sons et les parfums tournent dans l'air du soir". Young violinist Andrew Ling will also perform in "Violin Sonata" with Duphil.
"Reflection on the Water - Monique Duphil Plays Debussy"
8.30pm, November 23 to 25 (Friday to Sunday)
Foyer, 1/F, Hong Kong Museum of Art
Tickets: $250
One of the oldest and most distinguished dance companies in the United Kingdom, Rambert Dance Company has long enjoyed a reputation for its innovative works. The company will make its Hong Kong debut in September, bringing its classic repertoire, "L'Aprˆos-midi d'un faune", with a music score by Debussy. The company will also bring three more dance pieces with great variety to local audiences.
"Rambert Dance Company"
8pm, September 14 to 15 (Friday to Saturday)
3pm, September 16 (Sunday)
Auditorium, Kwai Tsing Theatre
Tickets: $180, $280, $360 and $420
Hong Kong soprano Chan Siu-kwan will host the four-lecture "Discover Debussy" music lecture series on the life of Debussy and the characteristics of his compositions across a variety of styles. Young local soprano Amanda Li will join in the second lecture about enchanting songs that are less often performed.
Music lecture series "Discover Debussy" (conducted in Cantonese)
7.30pm, October 3, 10, 17 and 24 (Wednesdays)
Lecture Hall, Hong Kong Space Museum
Tickets: $50 per lecture
Tickets for the above events are now available at URBTIX outlets, on the Internet and by credit card telephone booking. Half-price tickets are available for senior citizens aged 60 or above, people with disabilities and their minders, full-time students and Comprehensive Social Security Assistance (CSSA) recipients (limited tickets for students and CSSA recipients available on a first-come, first-served basis). A maximum discount of 25 percent is offered for various booking packages.
For programme enquiries, please call 2268 7321 or visit www.lcsd.gov.hk/CE/CulturalService/Programme/en/music/00000400.html. Ticketing enquiries can be made on 2734 9009 and credit card telephone bookings on 2111 5999. Tickets can also be booked online at www.urbtix.hk.
Ends/Tuesday, August 28, 2012
Issued at HKT 11:00
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