Mahler, Tchaikovsky and Bruckner on Jaap van Zweden’s schedule for Hong Kong Philharmonic’s 2022-23 season

Music director Jaap van Zweden will endure three hotel quarantines in order to lead the Hong Kong Philharmonic in a series of programmes in its 2022-23 season

He will conduct symphonies by Beethoven, Shostakovich, Bruckner, Mahler and Tchaikovsky, concertos by Elgar and Prokofiev along with premieres of new works

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Jaap van Zweden, music director of the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra, will open the 2022-23 season with a weekend of concerts featuring music
by Mozart and Beethoven. Photo: Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra

Published: 9:45pm, 4 Jul 2022

Jaap van Zweden is to return to the rostrum of the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra in September after a prolonged absence from the city during the coronavirus pandemic.

The orchestra’s Dutch music director will open the new season on September 9 and 10 with a programme that includes Mozart’s Piano Concerto No 22, with Avan Yu as soloist, and Beethoven’s Symphony No 9 featuring singers Barry Banks, Shenyang, Caitlin Hulcup and Louise Kwong.

“I think there is not a better way to come together and celebrate with you, our audience, [the] homecoming of the orchestra and me onstage in Hong Kong,” van Zweden said in a recorded message.

“I really think, and I really feel, that it is absolutely time that we see each other again and that we make music again for you, our audience, who I personally missed tremendously.”

Van Zweden has not conducted the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra (above) since the autumn of 2021. Photo: Hong Kong Philharmonic

After he was denied a Hong Kong quarantine waiver in October 2021 (when people arriving in the city had to quarantine in a hotel for 21 days – since reduced to 7 days), van Zweden, 61, cancelled all remaining scheduled appearances to conduct the orchestra in its 2021-22 season.