In a hasty presentation just before Friday's season-opening concert of the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra (HKPO), they announced that pianist Yundi Li would be their artist-in-residence for the next three years. Originally, a longer press conference was planned the day before, but it was postponed as the 'piano prince' had some 'unexpected travel arrangement discrepancy' that was never explained. Instead, the news was revealed in a 10-minute ceremony also attended by Chief Executive Donald Tsang Yam-kuen and HKPO chairman Edward Ho Sing-tin.
Since he had to prepare himself to play a little Ravel, shortly after, Li didn't take questions from the assembled media. However, Mr Ho explained that as artist-in- residence Li would, in addition to collaborating with maestro Edo De Waart on performances, also 'inspire young musicians and music lovers in Hong Kong through master classes and outreach activities. This includes being the ambassador of the Young Audience Scheme'.
Incidentally, it's worth noting the chief executive didn't stay for Li's concert, as he had to attend another event that evening. Missing completely were Timothy Fok Tsun-ting, who is supposed to be the Legco rep for sports and arts, and Secretary for Home Affairs Tsang Tak-sing, whose responsibilities include the arts. Their absence from an important night like the orchestra's season opener says a lot about what their priorities are and are not.