Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra

The acclaimed Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra directed by Jaap Van Zweden celebrates its 50th anniversary with a game of tributes. In his Rhapsody on a Theme by Paganini, Rachmaninoff turns an iconic melody by the notorious ‘devil’s artist’ inside out. 24 variations – some virtuoso, some tender or jazzy – allow both soloist and orchestra to see every corner of the room. Fortunately the young piano prodigy Alexandre Kantorow is not easily daunted.

Half a century before Rachmaninov, Brahms presented his own tribute to a musical hero: in the finale of his first symphony, he cited Beethoven’s Ode to Joy. This was both a nod to tradition and the self-aware announcement of a new symphonic beginning. To complete the meeting of generations in this concert, the orchestra, conducted by Jaap van Zweden, premieres a commissioned piece by the young composer Daniel Ting-cheung Lo.

Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra

Jaap Van Zweden – musical direction 

Alexandre Kantorow – piano

programme

Daniel Ting-cheung Lo (1986) 

Asterismal Dance: new work, commissioned by Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra

Sergei Rachmaninoff (1873-1943)

Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini Op. 43

Johannes Brahms (1833-1897)

Symphony No. 1 in c, Op. 68

evening programme

17:45              Reception with aperitive

18:15               Welcoming speech

18:25              Walking dinner

19:45              Guided walk to Bozar

20:00            Concert in the Henry Le Boeuf Hall of Bozar

21:30              Afterdrink in Fumoir (Bozar)