"BE THE STARS” this Saturday when the HK Phil goes online with Swire Symphony Under The Stars 2020

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The Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra rehearsing for Swire Symphony Under The Stars 2020. Photo credit: Christine Cheuk/HK Phil

Published: 10:42am, 11 Dec 2020Updated: 10:42am, 11 Dec 2020

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Get set for an acoustic feast on this Saturday night in the comfort of home when the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra (HK Phil) takes the virtual stage for the first time for Swire Symphony Under The Stars 2020.

Your Starry Moment

While Hong Kong is in the grip of the COVID-19 fourth wave with live performances cancelled, classical music lovers are in for a serotonin boost when the HK Phil goes online on 12 December at 7:30pm this Saturday. Instead of going to the Central Harbourfront where the immensely popular annual outdoor musical extravaganza is traditionally held, tune in to HK Phil’s website, YouTube channel and Facebook page.

You will enjoy rousing orchestral music that will celebrate, comfort and uplift in these testing times. With “Be the STARS” as this year’s theme, the free online concert accessible world-wide will connect people’s values to the stars and capture their messages in a collective expression of gratitude and hope.

HK Phil newly appointed Resident Conductor Lio Kuokman will take to the podium for Swire Symphony Under The Stars 2020. Photo Credit: Tey Tat Keng

And suppose you have submitted photos of someone or something special in your life to the HK Phil for their new “Your Starry Moment” campaign. In that case, you will see them popping up on the screen in collages set to music, making this concert a uniquely personal performance and experience. The addition of animations and multi-media effects to the event will bring people’s aspirations and joys to a global audience.

Music to the ears

Phoebus Chan is the Creative Director of Swire Symphony Under The Stars 2020.

Be prepared to spend around 1.5 hours being mesmerised by some of the beloved masterpieces created by your favourite composers. The programme includes music by Copland, Mozart, Bizet, Vivaldi, Debussy, Tan Dun, Bernstein and more.

Jin Wang, Concertmaster of the HK Phil and violinist for Swire Symphony Under The Stars 2020. Photo Credit: Cheung Wai-lok

Taking to the podium for this event curated by Creative Director Phoebus Chan is HK Phil’s newly appointed Resident Conductor Lio Kuokman. Praised by the Philadelphia Inquirer as “a startling conducting talent”, Lio has worked with many leading orchestras around the world including The Philadelphia, Detroit Symphony, Radio France Philharmonic, Seoul Philharmonic, NHK Symphony, Tokyo Metropolitan Symphony and Moscow Philharmonic orchestras.

Commenting ahead of the concert, Lio said, “What’s special about the Hong Kong Cultural Centre Concert Hall that I am currently at is that I cannot recognise it because of the dazzling special effects. It’s stunning, and it - you can even say - has transformed the Cultural Centre into an amazing stage, which everyone can enjoy online.”

Critically acclaimed violinist Jing Wang, one of the most versatile and dynamic violinists of his generation, also the Concertmaster of the HK Phil, will be one of the soloists for the concert. He’s also filled with anticipation for the performance. “The online version of Swire Symphony Under The Stars means that everybody throughout the world can watch this event and we are going to have a massive audience more than ever, and it’s going to be better than ever.”

Other musicians performing include Richard Bamping (Principal Cello), Andrew Simon (Principal Clarinet) and Lin Jiang (Principal Horn), alongside members of the HK Phil.

Taking part in Swire Symphony Under The Stars 2020 are (from left): Principal Cello Richard Bamping (Photo Credit: Cheung Wai-lok) , Principal Horn Lin Jiang (Photo credit: Ka Lam/HK Phil) and Principal Clarinet Andrew Simon.

Share your joy with HK Phil’s new IG filter

Aside from enjoying the online concert, use HK Phil’s two sets of newly created IG filter to share your joy of classical music or everyday happiness on the Internet. One of the filters has been specially developed for Swire Symphony Under The Stars (SUTS) to virtually recreate the blaze of colourful fireworks that wrap up the mega show every year. And use the hashtag #HKPhilSUTS2020 to follow the event or spread the word to fellow music lovers.

Now set aside the time on Saturday wherever in the world you are and prepare to enjoy this musical extravaganza which has been generously and continuously supported by the orchestra’s Principal Patron Swire Group. Make sure you watch out for the interactive game on HK Phil’s Facebook during the performance. You will stand a chance of winning a HK Phil giveaway by giving the correct answer to a simple question at the end of the performance.

Swire Symphony Under The Stars 2020 is a performance not to be missed, with the programme highlighted by:

COPLAND (Fanfare for the Common Man)

MOZART (The Marriage of Figaro Overture)

MOZART (Horn Concerto no. 3, K.447: 3rd movement)
(Lin Jiang, horn)

BIZET (Carmen Suite no. 1: Intermezzo)

VIVALDI (The Four Seasons: Summer)
(Jing Wang, violin)

MASCAGNI (Cavalleria Rusticana: Intermezzo)

MILHAUD (Scaramouche: 3rd movement “Brazileira”)
(Andrew Simon, clarinet)

DEBUSSY (Clair de lune)

TAN Dun (Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon Concerto: 1st movement)
(Richard Bamping, cello)

BERNSTEIN (On the Town: Three Dance Episodes)

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