The "Hong Kong Artists" Series 2026, presented by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD), will launch in September. The opening performance will be led by local percussionist Elise Liu. Centred on the theme "The Voice Within", Liu will join forces with four closely knit musical friends to curate a musical journey spanning intimate contemplation to outward expression. The concert will seamlessly blend a diverse array of percussion instruments and rich musical styles with multimedia, literary and vocal elements.

     For this performance, Liu has specially invited three local percussion talents, Karen Yu, Samuel Chan and Eugene Kwong, alongside soprano Rachel Kwok, to perform a variety of distinct contemporary works. Over 20 percussion instruments, including the marimba, vibraphone and crotales, will be utilised on stage. Through the collision and resonance of different instrumental materials, the performance will reveal unique sound textures, promising an all-encompassing percussion experience for the audience.

     The first half of the recital is a poetic, introspective dialogue. The opening piece, Curlee's "The Ending of Things from a Distance", weaves together marimba and electronic parts to delicately capture the passing of time and the elusiveness of the end. This is followed by Takemitsu's "Rain Tree" for percussion trio, which exudes a Zen-like spirituality, utilising metal percussion instruments to depict an ethereal yet visceral sound world akin to the fluidity of water. Cerrone's "Goldbeater's Skin" is brilliantly performed by a percussion quartet and soprano. The poetic passages within the work are separated by percussion interludes of a single material (wood, metal or skin), creating a soundscape where dreamlike vocals intertwine with tactile rhythms.

     The second half shifts towards the external world, responding to the relentless rhythm of contemporary life. Jodlowski's multimedia work "Time & Money" cleverly integrates percussion, video and electronics, using a progressively accelerating rhythm to mirror the anxiety and oppression of modern society. Following this, Honstein's marimba solo "Hymning" takes the stage, dissolving the restless atmosphere with its peaceful and serene harmonies, guiding the audience to rediscover their steps forward in tranquility. The performance will culminate in a perfect conclusion with Laurello's "Spine" for percussion quartet, amidst the rhythmic and powerful layering of percussion textures.

     Liu graduated from the Eastman School of Music and the Haute École de Musique Lausanne, Switzerland, where she received a Bachelor of Music and a Master of Music in Percussion Performance. She was named "Young Musician of the Year" at the 70th Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod in Wales, and was honoured with first prizes at the Australian Marimba Competition and the Italy Percussion Competition. An experienced performer, Liu has collaborated with world-renowned composer Tan Dun, the City Chamber Orchestra of Hong Kong and the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra. In recent years, she curated and presented the radio series "Striking Sounds - The Visceral Power of Percussion" on RTHK Radio 4, and currently lectures on music history at Hong Kong Baptist University.

     The "Hong Kong Artists" Series 2026: Percussion Recital by Elise Liu and Friends will be staged at 8pm on September 13 (Sunday) at the Theatre of Hong Kong City Hall. Tickets priced at $220 are now available at URBTIX (www.urbtix.hk). For telephone bookings, please call 3166 1288. Other recitals to be held from September to November include the Saxophone Recital by Charles Ng on October 8, the Piano Recital by John Lee on October 27 and the Dizi Recital by Candy Yau Kwan-lam on November 9. Package discounts and Group Booking discounts are also available. For discount schemes and programme enquiries, please call 2268 7321 or visit www.lcsd.gov.hk/CE/CulturalService/Programme/en/music/programs_1986.html.

      The "Hong Kong Artists" Series of the LCSD aims to provide a platform for local artists to showcase their remarkable talent. In addition to the above-mentioned recitals, this year it will present two dance programmes. Related programme details and booking schedules will be announced in due course. For more information about the "Hong Kong Artists" Series 2026, please visit www.lcsd.gov.hk/CE/CulturalService/Programme/en/music/groups_1985.html.

Ends/Thursday, August 13, 2026
Issued at HKT 11:00

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