Message From The Artistic Director
Yi: Boundless Grandeur and Radiance
Each season, the Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra selects a single Chinese character as its artistic motto. This year, we choose 「奕」(Yi).
According to ancient texts, “Yi denotes greatness” and is a symbol of grandeur and brilliance. Standing on the conductor’s podium, I often ponder what constitutes the most beautiful expression of Chinese orchestral music. To me, it embodies the spirit of Yi — a grand narrative and a resplendent sonic palette.
Examining the strokes for the Chinese character 「奕」, one notices that its intersecting lines are completely open, without any enclosing or restrictive shapes, which perfectly aligns with the orchestra’s long-held ethos: “From traditional Roots, to cutting-edge visionary. Embracing diversity and eclectic styles”. Yi represents full openness and all-encompassing expansion. In our 50th anniversary season, we hope our music will gallop freely through Hong Kong, showcasing the purest and most magnificent vitality of Chinese orchestral art.
Golden Jubilee: 50 Years of Glory, Embarking on a New Voyage
For an orchestra that has grown alongside the city and resonated with the times, 50 years is not merely a gloriousmilestone but a new point of departure.
Looking back over the past five decades, we have remained steadfastly “From traditional Roots, to cutting-edge visionary”.From our pioneering days to today’s stature on the international stage as a leading force in Chinese orchestral music,the ensemble has not only preserved the essence of a 1000-year-old tradition but also continuously advocated modernisation and internationalisation.
For the past 50 years, we have proudly served as a “Cultural Ambassador of Hong Kong”. From 10,000 drummers performing together at the Hong Kong Drum Festival to bringing eco-friendly huqin instruments to the world, we strive for artistic excellence, having forged a unique contemporary Chinese orchestral aesthetic that belongs distinctly to Hong Kong.
Every achievement in these 50 years has been the result of the dedication and hard work of each musician in the orchestra,as well as the enthusiastic support and applause of our audiences.
Radiance: Captivating Chapters of the 50th Season
In this golden jubilee season, we have curated a series of musical feasts fully embodying the spirit of Yi and honouringthe number “50”:
The Opening Concert “Thousand Reeds, One Universe” traces the genealogy of reed instruments from the robust tune-typesof Northern Shanxi to the elegance of the Tang-dynasty sheng preserved in Japan’s Shosoin Repository, from the graceful melodies of the bamboo lusheng in the mountains of Guizhou and Guangxi to the southern charm of theThai khaen, and even the fantastical improvisations of the Russian Jew’s harp and the pipe organ known in Europe as the“King of Instruments.” This concert epitomises a true fusion, dissolving boundaries and honouring diversity.
We pay tribute to the masters. At the invitation of the Xinghai Concert Hall, the orchestra will perform “The Spirit of theMasters” at the Greater Bay Area Arts Festival before bringing these masterpieces back to Hong Kong.
We are committed to promoting the finest in Chinese music. With the leading figure in Chinese contemporary music Maestro Yu Feng on the podium, “New Chapter of Golden Tone” features winners of the Chinese Golden Bell Awards for Music in atour de force programme, showcasing the grandeur and exquisite artistry emblematic of the highest standards of Chinese music performance today.
Music is architecture in motion, it speaks from the heart. 50 years ago, we planted a seed. Today, under the radiance of Yi, we invite you to enter this temple of sound with us. Basked in the brilliance of Yi, let us join together to create glorious music in the next 50 years.
