The Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra, known as "Asia's Heavenly Orchestra", has embarked on a seven-city tour in the Mainland in its 50th professional season. On the evening of May 9, the orchestra, led by conductor Yu Long, appeared at the Shanghai Oriental Art Center, joining hands with two Chinese soloists, cellist Wang Jian and violinist Su Qianxun. This is the Hong Kong Philharmonic's largest mainland tour in recent years, and many audiences have heard the unique "sound of the Hong Kong Philharmonic" for the first time.
In the first half, violinist Su Qianxun, who has just turned 18, served as the soloist and performed the violin concerto "Butterfly Lovers". This work, composed by Chen Gang and He Zhanhao in the late 1950s, has become a contemporary Chinese orchestral classic over the past half century. It is not only well-known in China, but has also become increasingly popular due to its interpretation by many international violinists. Known to overseas audiences in many places.
Hong Kong violinist Su Qianxun
As a violinist who grew up in Hong Kong, China, Su Qianxun first collaborated with the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra at the age of 8. The Hong Kong Philharmonic’s unwavering support of young musicians has also helped Su Qianxun become a prime candidate in the classical music scene. A rising star in the limelight. This concert is Su Qianxun’s first performance of a Chinese symphony work.
Su Qianxun said: "My mother is from Suzhou, and I have listened to many masterpieces of Chinese classical music since I was a child. Although this is the first time to perform "Butterfly Lovers", I feel that I am already very familiar with the music, especially the melody of Yue Opera. , makes me feel very friendly, thinking of the scenery of my mother’s hometown.”
Wang Jian (first from left), Su Qianxun, and Yu Long
Another star in the first half is the world-renowned cellist Wang Jian. Wang Jian, who was admitted to the Primary School Affiliated to the Shanghai Conservatory of Music in 1978 and started his professional music career in Shanghai, officially returned to his alma mater to teach last year. In this concert, he collaborated with Yu Long, who has been friends with him for decades, which gave Tchaikovsky's "Variations on a Rococo Theme" a richer emotional dimension.
"Variations on a Rococo Theme" is not only a representative of Tchaikovsky's beautiful melodies, but is also considered a challenge by many cellists because of its difficult playing skills and rich musicality.
Cello player Wang Jian
Director of the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra Fok Pinda said: "The two soloists are from different generations. One is a young man who has just embarked on the road to performing arts, and the other is a very mature cellist. They can be in the same It was a great experience for the orchestra to work with two soloists in this concert."
The highlight of the second half of the concert was Rimsky-Korsakov's "Arabian Nights", which started with "The Arabian Nights." Inspired by the collection of Arabic folk tales "One Thousand and One Nights", it is known as a model of orchestral orchestration. "Arabian Nights" is the repertoire of conductor Yu Long. The two parties work together in perfect harmony. The music is full of emotions and rich in color, showing the audience a fantasy Arabian fairy tale world.
Wang Jian and "old friend" Long Yu shared the stage
After multiple curtain calls, Long Yu returned to the podium and performed an encore with the Hong Kong Philharmonic, "Under the Lion Rock" with a strong Hong Kong flavor. A music fan said: "This is the first time I have listened to the symphony version of "Under the Lion Rock". The melody is deeply rooted in people's hearts. 'Lion Rock' is also a symbol of Hong Kong's pioneering and enterprising spirit of self-improvement. It is very touching."
As the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra Chief Guest Conductor, Long Yu has had a long and close collaboration with this orchestra, but this is his first time performing with the HK Phil in Shanghai. Hopinda said: "For the Hong Kong Philharmonic, the mainland tour is of great significance. We look forward to having more exchanges with the mainland audience. Performing in Shanghai, the cultural atmosphere of this city makes me feel like going home. There is also China here. The oldest symphony orchestra. "
Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra at the Oriental Arts Center
This "Hong Kong Philharmonic 50th Anniversary" tour will be held at seven city landmark theaters, including the Oriental Arts Center, Wuxi Grand Theater and Wuhan Qintai. Concert Hall, Changsha Concert Hall, Harbin Concert Hall, Shenyang Shengjing Grand Theater, and will end at the National Center for the Performing Arts in Beijing on May 18. Huo Pinda said: “I am particularly looking forward to Harbin because Harbin has the second oldest symphony orchestra in China and its cultural and historical features are also very charming.There is still a lot of room for the future, and we hope to develop more touring cities in the mainland. "
This tour is supported by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Office in Beijing, the Economic and Trade Office in Shanghai, the Economic and Trade Office in Wuhan and the Liaison Office in Liaoning, and is the chief sponsor of the Swire Group.
