Young performers celebrate Cultural Centre’s 30th anniversary and city’s vibrant classical music scene in concert
- As eight Hong Kong musicians gear up for ‘Now, 30’ performances, they share memories of the iconic concert venue on Tsim Sha Tsui waterfront
Contrary to popular belief, classical music is alive and kicking. In fact, it is thriving in Hong Kong, according to local musicians.
“I often hear people say that opportunities are scarce and classical music is dying, but I actually find it quite nurturing and enriching here for young artists,” pianist Wong Ka-jeng says.
“Classical music is taught widely in Hong Kong, so there is no shortage of students, nor concerns about struggling to sustain a livelihood as a musician. If music graduates work hard and strive for an international level, there are numerous opportunities for them to perform here and outside of the region. I rarely meet struggling top artists in Hong Kong, something that can’t be said about many other big cities. Audiences here are supportive, public funds are available and venues are there for you to hire.”
Pianist Chau Lok-ting, who performs in a duo with her twin sister Chau Lok-ping, describes the classical music scene in Hong Kong as vibrant and creative, thanks mainly to support from the government and organisations such as the Hong Kong Arts Festival, the Musicus Society, Musica del Cuore and the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra.
“These organisations support local musicians so they can perform regularly, every season,” Chau says. “We’re able to work on most of the music projects we like, as there are many music lovers who are passionate and devoted to providing assistance to make performances happen.”
Hong Kong’s lively scene draws home many talented musicians that have studied or performed abroad. In Hong Kong, they find the room to explore different possibilities.
“Hong Kong gives musicians the opportunity to present music in different ways and environments,” Chau says. “Instead of only in conventional spaces, they can perform in small studios, outdoor open spaces, or even in rehabilitation centres or homes for the elderly. Playing chamber music and small gigs can be the most passionate and rewarding.”
Classical music is taught widely in Hong Kong, so there is no shortage of students, nor concerns about struggling to sustain a livelihood as a musician
Audiences are also to be thanked, for creating a welcoming and supportive atmosphere.
“Audiences have, along with us musicians, evolved over the years, having been exposed to high-quality productions that enrich our lives and culture. As audiences grow, there is an increasing incentive for government bodies to support our local talent more substantially,” Wong says.
“Good hardware, such as performance venues and concerts, attracts interesting activities, which inspires artistic exchange and education. Education then grooms generations of talent, who evolve into artists. These artists are the software of our culture,” he says. “I’m proud to be part of this engine.”
While audiences in other parts of the world are ageing, classical music in Asia attracts audiences of all ages.
“In Europe, for example in Germany, most classical music lovers are older, but in Hong Kong there’s a wider range, with many more younger listeners,” Chau says. “There’s still a big demand for classical music in Asia, especially in mainland China and Korea.”
Chau and Wong will be performing in a concert on October 20 to celebrate 30 years of the Hong Kong Cultural Centre. Called “Now, 30”, the concert features a cast of outstanding musicians playing modern classical music on piano, double bass, saxophone, percussion and harmonica.
In Europe, for example in Germany, most classical music lovers are older, but in Hong Kong there’s a wider range, with many more younger listeners
“We can largely attribute the thriving, colourful classical music scene in Hong Kong over the last 30 years to this iconic venue,” Wong says. “Numerous foreign artists have shared their art in this centre, and their experience and creativity have inspired our younger generation, including myself, to aspire to high artistic levels. As the cultural centre turns 30, so this generation of artists is now approaching their third decade of making music.”
In the first half of the “Now, 30” concert, Wong and fellow pianist Wong Wai-yin will perform American composer Leonard Bernstein’s West Side Story suite, arranged for two pianos. Raymond Vong and Emily Cheng, the RE•Mix Percussion Duo, provide backing for the suite.
We’ll have a rare combination of ensemble – along with the two pianos, we also have percussion and bass, which provide the rhythmic support, and an exciting, jazzy atmosphere
Duo Ping & Ting will perform French composer Claude Bolling’s jazzy Sonatas for Two Pianists, collaborating with Chan Chun on double bass and Vong on percussion.
“It’s a unique piece of chamber music that combines classical and jazz in a very special arrangement: the first piano plays the classic role, and the second piano the jazz role, with a wonderful dialogue between the two pianists,” says Chau.
“In addition, we’ll have a rare combination of ensemble – along with the two pianos, we also have percussion and bass, which provide the rhythmic support, and an exciting, jazzy atmosphere.”
Chau describes the first and third movements as “fun and virtuosic”, while the middle movement is “expressive and romantic”.
“We play all three movements in one breath,” she says. “Bolling’s piece is rich and unusual, and we’re sure the audience will love it. Audiences generally enjoy jazz as the melodies are often easy-going and the rhythm lively and energetic.”
Both the Bernstein and the Bolling pieces add up to an entertaining first half.
“The music in the first half is a lot of fun, with genres that include jazz and 20th century American-style musicals. It’s a tribute to modern popular styles,” Wong says.
In the concert’s second half, Wong will perform with Timothy Sun on saxophone and CY Leo on harmonica as musical trio Smash, which smashes together genres ranging from classical to jazz, from pop to movie soundtracks. The trio has recently moved on to composing original works, and their concert “Smash: Originals”, performed at the University of Hong Kong last year, was a success.
“It will be the trio’s first time to perform at the cultural centre,” Wong says. “We’re collaborating with young local visionary composers, and we’ll be experimenting with new sounds, fusions of genres, and new ideas. Expect to hear tunes from Harry Potter and Star Wars films, and music by, possibly, Michael Jackson, Japanese composer Ryuichi Sakamoto, Perry Lau and Joyce Cheung. The spirit of Smash is wanting to always surprise our audiences.”