The Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra will be serenading music-loving office workers next week
HONG KONG IS known as a city of workaholics, and for many people there is not much more to lunch than a rushed break or a sandwich 'al desko' at work.
Tim Calnin, chief executive of the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra (HKPO), is hoping to change that, for five days at least, when the free Lunchtime Harmonies concerts start on Monday in the Sky Lobby of the American International Group (AIG) Tower.
The tower opened this month, and celebrations are marked by a sense of history. The Connaught Road site in Central is where the AIG opened its first Hong Kong office back in the 1930s.
'We have been looking for opportunities to increase access to the performances of the Hong Kong Philharmonic,' said Mr Calnin, who became chief executive in June this year.
'This orchestra is here for the whole community of Hong Kong to enjoy and appreciate. Part of our mission is to take the orchestra to unusual places, rather than spending all of our time in the confines of the traditional concert venues,' he said.
The concerts are the brainchild of artistic director and chief conductor Edo de Waart, who has been trying to bring the project to life since he joined the orchestra last year.
