Expansion plan to add more strings to Philharmonic's bow

The Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra will expand gradually to meet top international standards following a surge in audience sizes and sponsorship, according to chief executive Timothy Calnin.

Mr Calnin said the orchestra wanted to recruit six more full-time musicians over the next three years, boosting its ranks to 96.

He said most of the world's top orchestras had more than 100 full-time musicians, with the optimal size about 105.

The orchestra saw a 22 per cent rise in audiences last season, including a 74 per cent jump in season-ticket holders. Average attendance is now nearly 80 per cent, approaching the levels of overseas counterparts.

Sponsorship jumped from just HK$3.5 million in 2003-04 to HK$26 million in the last financial year.

Although the surge in revenue was partially offset by a cut in its government subsidy, which has fallen from HK$66 million five years ago to HK$56 million, the orchestra now has a budget of about HK$105 million a year.