Hong Kong pianist at peace with controversial choice of Lang Lang for handover anniversary show
City’s taxpayers face HK$10 million bill for two concerts featuring mainland-born musician and the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra
Hong Kong-born pianist Colleen Lee Ka-ling is staying focused on her career and says she is at peace with the controversial pick of Shenyang-born Lang Lang to perform with the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra to mark the 20th anniversary of the city’s return to China’s sovereignty.
“I know it was a hot talking point when the news broke last December but I really don’t feel anything about it,” she told the Post ahead of her performance on Sunday with the Hong Kong Sinfonietta. “I’m ready to play with any orchestra, if I get invited.”
Taxpayers will have to foot a bill believed to be pay more than HK$10 million for the two Hong Kong concerts on November 10 and 11. Critics have questioned the need for such a huge outlay when there was more than enough local talent.
Box office concern was cited as one reason for the choice of Lang Lang, who became a Hong Kong resident through the Quality Migrant Scheme launched in 2006, to play with the Berlin band, which is widely regarded as the world’s best – and most expensive to engage.
She received international acclaim when she won sixth place at the prestigious 2005 International Chopin Piano Competition in Warsaw, where she was up against 300 of the world’s finest pianists. She studied in Germany from 2004 to 2013.