The Leisure and Cultural Services Department has once again invited members of "Fountain de Chopin", a local emerging jazz music group, as the speakers and demonstrators for a  ecture demonstration series entitled "Jazz Appreciation from Legends" that will be held from June to August. This new series consists of 10 lectures, each featuring one renowned jazz musician and his/her profound impact on future generations in each lecture. Complemented by live demonstrations of the musicians' iconic compositions, audiences will be guided to appreciate the unique styles of various jazz music genres.

     Details of each lecture are as follows:

Lecture 1: John Coltrane
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Date: June 6 (Friday)

     As one of the most influential and acclaimed figures in the history of jazz, jazz saxophonist John Coltrane's "Giant Steps" defies traditional harmonic patterns of jazz music, and demands exceptional technical mastery from its players. With demonstration performances, the speakers will guide audiences to appreciate Coltrane's works and explore his influence on jazz music.

Lecture 2: Ella Fitzgerald
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Date: June 13 (Friday)

     Ella Fitzgerald is known as the "First Lady of Jazz". Her improvisational vocal technique of "scat singing" has inspired other singers to build up their unique styles by adding improvisational elements to their performances. The speakers will introduce Fitzgerald's interpretation style in different works, allowing audiences to experience her unique display of improvisational flair and "swing" style.

Lecture 3: Paul Desmond
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Date: June 20 (Friday)

     Jazz saxophonist Paul Desmond, a core member of the famous Dave Brubeck Quartet, is regarded as one of the icons of "cool jazz". The speakers will highlight Desmond's contributions across different jazz music genres. With live demonstrations, audiences will be allowed to enjoy his warm and lyrical saxophone style.

Lecture 4: Chet Baker
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Date: July 4 (Friday)

     Chet Baker was an accomplished jazz trumpeter and vocalist, with a magnetic voice and superb brass technique, favouring heartfelt melodic expression over technical showmanship. Through demonstration performances, the speakers will give audiences a taste of the raw emotions of the jazz superstar that defines his timeless appeal. 

Lecture 5: Bill Evans
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Date: July 11 (Friday)

     Bill Evans was a renowned jazz pianist of the 20th century. Trained in classical music from an early age, he was later influenced by impressionist composers, resulting in his distinctive musical style. The speakers will introduce Evans' compositions featuring waltz, impressionism and complex melodic lines through lecture and demonstrations, guiding audiences into the musical world of the jazz piano poet.

Lecture 6: Kenny G
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Date: July 18 (Friday)

     Kenny G is one of the most widely recognised jazz saxophonists of the 1990s. His works blend elements of traditional jazz, R&B (rhythm and blues) and pop music, and his instrumental piece "Songbird" has soared up the Billboard charts. The speakers will introduce how Kenny G's catchy melodies and expressive tones achieve commercial success, and his contribution to contemporary jazz music. 

Lecture 7: Herbie Hancock 
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Date: August 1 (Friday)

     Jazz musician Herbie Hancock's musical style is a fusion of traditional jazz, funk, fusion jazz and electronic music elements, inspiring the next generation of musicians to explore and experiment in cross-genre musical combinations. Through live demonstrations, the speakers will elaborate how Hancock seamlessly integrates electronic textures with classical jazz that expands the possibilities of fusion jazz while presenting his personal charisma to audiences.

Lecture 8: Pat Metheny
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Date: August 8 (Friday)

     Inspired by The Beatles, Pat Metheny developed a deep passion for the guitar. His affiliated group, the Pat Metheny Group, has been active in the jazz scene for over three decades, striving to blend different music genres and foster the diversity and popularity of jazz music. The speakers will introduce Metheny, one of the most outstanding jazz guitarists in the world today, by demonstrating his compositions that integrate folk, rock, world music and other elements. 

Lecture 9: Miles Davis
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Date: August 15 (Friday)

     Jazz trumpet legend Miles Davis emphasised improvisation in musical performance. His simple yet profound musical expression has inspired other musicians to explore the possibilities of improvisation. His music is a fusion of jazz, bebop, blues and other avant-garde elements. The speakers will revisit the musical journey of the jazz superstar and explore how his music shaped the genres that followed.

Lecture 10: Louis Armstrong
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Date: August 29 (Friday)

     Louis Armstrong, the trumpeter and vocalist known as the "Father of Jazz", was one of the first artists to display individual improvisations on recordings. His classic "What a Wonderful World" brought jazz music to a wide audience. In the final lecture, the speakers will elaborate on Armstrong's contribution of integrating jazz elements into the pop music of his time, as well as the development of jazz music.

     "Fountain de Chopin" was established in 2021 by local musicians dedicated to promoting local jazz development. The group focuses on organising small-scale performances, listening sessions, and improvisational concerts. Its core members include Bowen Li (pianist), Michael Chan (guitarist), Nelson Fung (bassist), Timothy Wan and Brian Cheung (saxophonists), Dean Li and Jason Wong (drummers). The group has also been invited to participate in various local music events, and has engaged in interdisciplinary collaborations with musicians. 

     All lectures will be conducted in Cantonese and will start at 7.30pm in the Lecture Hall of the Hong Kong Space Museum. Each lecture will run for about one hour and 30 minutes. Tickets priced at $120 (for each lecture, with free seating) are now available at URBTIX (www.urbtix.hk). For telephone bookings, please call 3166 1288. For programme enquiries, please call 2268 7321 or visit www.lcsd.gov.hk/CE/CulturalService/Programme/en/music/programs_1835.html.

Ends/Friday, May 2, 2025
Issued at HKT 11:00

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