A triumphant return to Singapore by the Hong Kong Philharmonic

Jaap van Zweden, Alexandre Kantorow and the Hong Kong Philharmonic

Jaap van Zweden and the Hong Kong Philharmonic

By Chang Tou Liang, 21 February 2024

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“a performance of fine contrasts and nuanced balances”

Reviewed at Esplanade Concert Hall, Singapore on 20 February 2024

Lo Ting-cheung, Asterismal Dance (world premiere)

Rachmaninov, Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini in A minor for piano and orchestra, Op.43

Mompou, Cancion y dansa no. 6 (Cancion)

Mahler, Symphony no. 1 in D major "Titan"

Dvořák, Slavonic Dance no. 8 in G minor, Op.46 no.8

Alexandre Kantorow, Piano

Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra

Jaap van Zweden, Conductor

Hong Kong Philharmonic offer precision and poise in Seoul

SangKwon Lee, 19th October

Two contemporary works pave the way for a big Tchaikovsky pairing at the Seoul Arts Center, with Yekwon Sunwoo joining the Hong Kong Philharmonic for the First Piano Concerto.

****1

Hong Kong Phil revels in Schoenberg’s beefed-up Brahms

Christopher Halls, 17th October

Led by celebrated Chinese conductor Long Yu, the Hong Kong Philharmonic shines in Schönberg’s bold Brahms “makeover” and features two of their own as soloists in a finely contoured performance of the Double Concerto

****1

A tokenistic Turandot in Hong Kong

Dr. Anton D. Luiten, 10th October

Veronika Dzhioeva presents a menacing Turandot in Opera Hong Kong's latest production which attempts to merge historical accuracy with the complexities of Orientalism.

***11

Lang Lang sparkles in Hong Kong Beethoven

Christopher Halls, 15th December

Star pianist Lang Lang delivers a drama-packed Beethoven concerto; Jaap van Zweden and the Hong Kong Phil impress in Copland's fanfare-filled Third Symphony.

****1

Hong Kong Philharmonic packs a punch with Tarmo Peltokoski at the helm

Christopher Halls, 30th June

Memorable Tchaikovsky from Leonidas Kavakos and the Hong Kong Philharmonic is flanked by strong performances of Sibelius and Shostakovich.

****1

Järvi and the HK Phil: swans in Sibelius, sparkle in Liszt

Christopher Halls, 7th April

The Hong Kong Philharmonic under Paavo Järvi seduce with delicious Strauss, a mighty Sibelius Fifth and Zee Zee’s vibrant Liszt Piano Concerto no. 2.

****1

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Chang Tou Liang

Chang Tou Liang, a native of Singapore, is a family physician by profession. Actively following the classical music scene in Singapore since 1979, he has been a music reviewer of The Straits Times from 1997, contributing over 2300 articles to the national daily. He was also editor of several local musical newsletters and served as Artistic Director of the Singapore International Piano Festival from 2004 to 2008. His blog Pianomania has covered international piano competitions and musical events in four continents. He has a keen interest in travelling, street food and cat photography.