Tsuen Wan Town Hall | Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra Youth Ensemble: Passing the Torch – "Heritage‧Classics 2025": A Musical Journey Through Time

Description

The Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra (HKCO) is dedicated to promoting the development and heritage of Chinese music. On 1 March, its affiliate Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra Youth Ensemble will present the annual concert 'Heritage‧Classics 2025' at the Concert Hall of Tsuen Wan Town Hall, under the baton of Assistant Conductor of HKCO and Principal Conductor of the Youth Ensemble, Joseph Hu. The young musicians will perform a range of classic works, from the majestic ancient tune 'The Removal of the Armour' to the newly commissioned work 'Speed‧Stillness‧Rhythm' by local composer Cheng Ching-wan, especially for the Youth Ensemble and shortlisted in the 'Compositions from the Heart' project. The concert will take the audience on a journey through time, showcasing the enduring appeal of Chinese music.

The concert programme is a rollercoaster of emotions, opening with the majestic and ethnically rich 'Bumper Harvest'. A modern erhu piece 'The Initial Heart' by young national composer Li Bozhan has been adapted for the orchestra, with its delicate and smooth melody flowing into the audience's hearts and building to a grand climax. The sheng concerto 'Rainbow' blends Chinese and Western musical elements, featuring young soloists Sze Long-hei and Li Tse-long, offering a unique musical experience that fuses East and West.

The world premiere of 'Speed‧Stillness‧Rhythm' by local composer Cheng Ching-wan showcases the beauty of music transitioning through different rhythms in a single piece. The concert also presents classic Chinese orchestral works, including 'Fisherman's Song of Victory', featuring the Zhejiang Zhoushan drum and performed by percussionist Yang Linqi, and the large-scale martial suite 'The Removal of the Armour' led by pipa virtuoso Chan Yi-lik. The pipa and the orchestra intertwine to depict the mighty strength and heroic spirit of the Chu monarch Xiang Yu, as well as his softer side after the loss of his beloved Consort Yu. The grand finale is the first-ever Chinese symphonic poem in the Peking opera style, 'Mu Guiying Takes Command', which concludes the concert with a majestic and powerful depiction of a female general's courage and determination.

Joseph Hu, Assistant Conductor of HKCO and Principal Conductor of the Youth Ensemble, said, 'This is the fifth year of the 'Heritage‧Classics' concert series by the Youth Ensemble, which aims to nurture a new generation of musical talent and pass on the torch. The ensemble, comprising young musicians aged 10 to 35, brings fresh interpretations and vitality to the classic works. They will also present the world premiere of 'Speed‧Stillness‧Rhythm' at this concert, reflecting the HKCO's motto of 'Rooted in Tradition, Branching into Innovation.'

Sze Long-hei, who joined the Youth Ensemble in 2022, will perform the sheng concerto 'Rainbow' with Li Tse-long: 'The ensemble provides a wealth of valuable performance opportunities. 'Rainbow' blends traditional and Western music elements, and I deepened my understanding of the work by listening to and referencing different interpretations while preparing for the concert. This performance is undoubtedly a precious learning experience.' Li Tse-long said, 'Being selected as a soloist for this concert is a chance to showcase the fruits of my labour. The piece is challenging both technically and emotionally, and it carries a profound expression of feelings.'

Pipa player Chan Yi-lik, a student at the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts, will perform 'The Removal of the Armour' at the concert: 'I am grateful to be part of 'Heritage‧Classics 2025'. I hope to share my understanding and emotions for this piece with the audience through my performance, and I look forward to promoting Chinese music on different stages in the future, so that more people can appreciate and experience its unique charm.'

Percussion soloist Yang Linqi shared: 'Fisherman's Song of Victory' carries a deep cultural heritage and showcases the unique charm of Chinese music. I hope that through my performance, the audience will feel the elegance and composure of the fishermen setting out to sea, as well as their reverence for nature and love for life.'