Arts preview: Sinfonietta tackles Beethoven & Brahms

BEETHOVEN & BRAHMS
Hong Kong Sinfonietta

Although works by Beethoven and Brahms are standard fare at classical events, it's particularly worth checking out the Hong Kong Sinfonietta's upcoming concert for its slightly offbeat programming.

The growing enthusiasm for choral elements in concerts in the city is reflected by the inclusion of two items not often heard: Brahms' Schicksalslied (Song of Destiny) for chorus and orchestra, and Beethoven's Fantasia for Piano, Chorus and Orchestra, commonly known as his Choral Fantasy.

The Sinfonietta and its music director, Yip Wing-sie, are joined by young American pianist Ben Kim and the SingFest 2013 Festival Chorus for Beethoven's slightly eccentric offering, which is shot through with references to one of his best-known works.

"It's rather like a miniature of Symphony No9," Yip says. "And it's a very interesting experience to hear how a pseudo piano concerto and the chorus part combine in just 20 minutes."

The chorus also takes centre stage in the Brahms work which, in turn, puts the spotlight on SingFest's director and chorus master, Patrick Chiu, and the festival's artistic director, Helmuth Rilling, the veteran choral expert with whom Chiu previously studied. Although this is the Sinfonietta's first collaboration with the festival chorus, Yip says, "with Dr Rilling and Patrick in command, I have every confidence in working with them".

"The Schicksalslied is very well structured, and not very long," she says. "I regard the piece as one of Brahms' most important choral works after his A German Requiem."

As soloist in Beethoven's Piano Concerto No4, Kim will no doubt be exhibiting the sensitivity and subtlety for which his playing has become noted. He has already released CDs on the Decca and Sony Classical labels.

He'll also be aiming to offset the dour and cranky reputation Beethoven has been given by history. "The piano concerto and the Choral Fantasy are perfect examples of how he was to the contrary," Kim says.

"Beethoven may have been known as a sour, moody fellow," adds the 29-year-old, "but what a gift he had to be able to transmute his demons into something greater than we will ever hope to understand."

48hours@scmp.com

Concert Hall at City Hall, 5 Edinburgh Place, Central, August 17, 8pm, HK$140-HK$320 at Urbtix. Inquiries: 2836 3336