Tchaikovsky's Fifth provides sumptuous feast in Hong Kong

By Dr. Anton D. Luiten, 22 August 2021

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“the energy was maintained, right through to a thrilling conclusion”

Reviewed at Hong Kong City Hall: Concert Hall, Hong Kong on 21 August 2021

Vasks, Musica serena (2015, Asian première)

Tchaikovsky, Violin Concerto in D major, Op.35

Bach, Violin partita no. 2 in D minor, BWV1004: Sarabande

Tchaikovsky, Symphony no. 5 in E minor, Op.64

Dmitry Sitkovetsky, Violin

Hong Kong Sinfonietta

Daniel Raiskin, Conductor

Cinematic Shostakovich and jazz-tinged Ravel in Hong Kong

Christopher Halls, 4th November

A memorable evening with the Hong Kong Sinfonietta, who are joined by pianist Alexandre Tharaud for Ravel's Piano Concerto in G major.

****1

A tale of two pianists: the HK Sinfonietta at La Roque

David Karlin, 22nd July

Yip Wing-sie and the HK Sinfonietta show admirable qualities in their Beethoven cycle. François-Frédéric Guy plays a splendid Third Piano Concerto but Anne Queffélec is disconnected from the orchestra in the Fourth.

****1

Intrigue in outer space plus a pair of Russian favourites in Hong Kong

Christopher Halls, 9th March

The Hong Kong Sinfonietta intrigues with the world premiere of Lam Lai's There is no place like home (beta), impresses in Shostakovich’s brooding Chamber Symphony, while Pavel Kolesnikov proves a fine soloist in Rachmaninov's Third Piano Concerto.

***11

Brilliant Barber and Anna Clyne's Sound and Fury in Hong Kong

Christopher Halls, 27th August

A showcase of works from the past century by Clyne, Prokofiev, Stravinsky and Barber allow the Hong Kong Sinfonietta to shine under Ken Lam's baton at Hong Kong's City Hall.

***11

Pidoux delivers a polished contribution to Le French May

Dr. Anton D. Luiten, 23rd June

Jason Lai returns to Hong Kong with French oboist Gabriel Pidoux in an emotionally fulfilling rendition of Vaughan Williams' Oboe Concerto.

***11

Mesmeric musicality from Jamal Aliyev in Hong Kong

Christopher Halls, 21st May

Hong Kong Sinfonietta's Cellomania program showcased the young Turkish cellist's towering talent with a potpourri of show-stoppers.

****1

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Dr. Anton D. Luiten

Dr. Anton D. Luiten is an educator and music critic. Based in Hong Kong, Dr. Luiten writes on western art concerts and reviews international artists. He also works for the International Baccalaureate as a lead educator, examiner and runs workshops on themes such as critical and creative thinking, and international mindedness. He is passionate about curriculum development, affording opportunities for students to nurture their talents, and educating the public on western art matters of historical significance as well as musical interpretation. His goal is to bring greater understanding and appreciation of music to the widest possible audience.