Programme

“The piano, as an instrument, is nearly as versatile as an entire orchestra… both the piano and the orchestra can conjure a sonic cosmos on their own. A piano concerto, therefore, represents an encounter between two musical worlds, like parallel universes interwoven.”

Commissioned by Hong Kong Sinfonietta and written for star pianist Colleen Lee, leading local composer Charles Kwong’s Piano Concerto “Hereafters” is his intriguing play on the traditional piano concerto form and its inherent symbolism. The work embodies the existential exploration of humankind, while serving as a tribute to the legendary jazz pianist Keith Jarrett. The commission, to be premiered under the baton of award-winning conductor Clemens Schuldt, comes after many successful collaborations between Kwong and renowned orchestras and organisations such as the London Philharmonic Orchestra, Orchestre Philharmonique de Radio France, Lucerne Festival etc. The programme also includes Sibelius’ breathtaking Symphony No 2 and Lutosławski’s charismatic Little Suite.

Colleen Lee (Piano/HKS Artist Associate 2010-2011)

“A rare interpretive ability… a model of control, nuance and balance…delightful in every way.”
New York Concert Review

• 6^th Prize, International Frederic Chopin Piano Competition 2005
• Has performed extensively throughout Asia, Europe and North America in solo recitals and with orchestras such as the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra, Warsaw Philharmonic Orchestra, Galacia Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Sendai Philharmonic Orchestra, China Philharmonic Orchestra
• A featured artist at several international music festivals including the International Chopin Festival in Duszniki and Gdansk in Poland, Assisi International Piano Festival in Italy, Meissen Pianoforte Festival in Germany, International Keyboard Festival in New York, Bowdoin International Music Festival and Musicus Fest in Espoo, Finland

Clemens Schuldt (Conductor)

• Music Director, Orchestre symphonique de Québec

Charles Kwong (Composer/HKS Artist Associate 2020-2022)

• Has been commissioned by Lucerne Festival, ensemble recherche etc
• Works performed by London Philharmonic Orchestra, Ensemble intercontemporain, Orchestre Philharmonique de Radio France etc
• Artist-in-Residence, Zürich University of the Arts 2020
• Co-founder & Artistic Director, PROJECT21st

Featured artists:

Clemens Schuldt
(Conductor)

Colleen Lee
(Piano / HKS Artist Associate 2010-2011)

Charles Kwong
(Composer / HKS Artist Associate 2020-2022)