Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra - Emanuel Ax and Edo de Waart
Hong Kong Cultural Centre
November 4
Despite a large number of empty seats, the Hong Kong Philharmonic's performance on Thursday was an important occasion for local lovers of classical music.
Emanuel Ax is among the world's top-ranking classical pianists, while conductor Edo de Waart enjoys international fame as the Philharmonic's artistic director.
Ax demonstrated superb musicianship, wielded with unforced virtuosity in Brahms' second concerto, tackling demanding passages with grace and enormous power. His interpretation was short of being visionary, but possessed gentle warmth and an entrancing poetic discourse.
Ax and de Waart responded to each other like they were in a chamber performance, coaching the orchestra with de Waart leading and Ax providing added inspiration.