HK Philharmonic Orchestra
HK Cultural Centre Concert Hall
Feb 9 and 10, 8pm; Feb 10, 3pm
When musical theatre singer-actress Lea Salonga sang her first note at an audition for Claude-Michel Schonberg's Miss Saigon almost two decades ago, the panel knew instantly its long search for the lead was over. The judges were stunned by her gifted voice - she was perfect for the Vietnamese bar girl character Kim.
The role is the toughest Salonga has ever played but one that has driven her career, which took off when she made her professional debut at the age of seven in Repertory Philippines' musical The King and I.
The 36-year-old singer is in town to perform with the Hong Kong Philharmonic for a concert of Disney and Broadway musical tunes. The programme includes Reflection (Mulan), Colours of the Wind (Pocahontas), I've Never Been In Love Before (Guys and Dolls) and I'd Give My Life For You (Miss Saigon).
'Kim is an incredibly vocally demanding role to play, and the fact that I played her while so young was doubly challenging,' says Salonga of the role she got at 17 and performed for a decade.