HK Phil en pointe in a satisfying mixed programme

By Christopher Halls, 03 May 2021

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“Koncz’s concise and compact conducting style was purposeful”

Reviewed at Hong Kong Cultural Centre: Concert Hall, Hong Kong on 1 May 2021

Beethoven, Leonore Overture no. 3, Op.72b

Liszt, Les Préludes, symphonic poem no. 3, S 97

Fauré, Pelléas et Mélisande, Op.80 (excerpts)

Mozart, Serenade no. 13 in G major, "Eine kleine Nachtmusik", K525

Ravel, Piano Concerto in G major

Hong Kong Ballet

Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra

Chiyan Wong, Piano

Christoph Koncz, Conductor

Septime Webre, Choreography

The Butterfly Lovers: Hong Kong Ballet makes the old new

Carla Escoda, 22nd August

A ballet about love transcending death – and also about two people who transgress gender and class boundaries. A singular achievement by Hong Kong Ballet arrives in New York.

*****

Hong Kong Ballet visits NY

Andrew Blackmore-Dobbyn, 16th March

The program that the Hong Kong Ballet presented at the Joyce Theater showed a company that is disciplined and technically accomplished.

***11

Pinocchio, the Hong Kong Ballet

Carla Escoda, 28th August

Elegance and wit are on ample display in Pär Isberg's new Pinocchio for Hong Kong Ballet, with a score by Respighi, arranged by maestro Benjamin Pope and vibrantly delivered by the Hong Kong Sinfonietta.

****1

Hong Kong ballet's Turandot

Kevin Ng, 7th February

The Hong Kong Ballet graced the staged of the Cultural Centre with Natalie Weir's Turandot. Though interesting, and very well performed, the ballet lacks focus at first, and Pucini's music sometimes overtakes the music.

***11

Hong Kong Ballet's 35th anniversary programme

Kevin Ng, 25th October

Hong Kong Ballet presents a very mixed oprogramme , in celebration of their 35th anniversary.

***11

Don Quixote, Hong Kong Ballet

Kevin Ng, 23rd August

Does the classical warhorse that is Petipa's Don Quixote suit Hong Kong Ballet's 40-strong troupe? Guest dancers Anna Tsygankova and Matthew Golding are the highlight of this new, two acts Ananiashvili production for the Hong Kong Ballet.

****1

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Christopher Halls

Sparked by a keen interest in early performance practice whilst studying violin at universities in Melbourne and Vienna, Chris embarked on a freelance career with ensembles in Europe, America, also performing regularly with the Australian Brandenburg Orchestra back in his native homeland. Pragmatic and undeterred from continuing his journey after a serious accident abruptly ended his violinistic ambitions, he now shares his knowledge and insight into performance as a music critic, formerly writing for Vienna’s Wiener Zeitung and currently for the South China Morning Post in Hong Kong, where he also studies wine, his other great passion!

Hong Kong Phil en pointe in a satisfying mixed programme with Christoph Koncz