“The piano, as an instrument, is nearly as versatile as an entire orchestra… both the piano and the orchestra can conjure a sonic cosmos on their own. A piano concerto, therefore, represents an encounter between two musical worlds, like parallel universes interwoven.”
Commissioned by Hong Kong Sinfonietta and written for star pianist Colleen Lee, leading local composer Charles Kwong’s Piano Concerto “Hereafters” is his intriguing play on the traditional piano concerto form and its inherent symbolism. The work embodies the existential exploration of humankind, while serving as a tribute to the legendary jazz pianist Keith Jarrett. The commission, to be premiered under the baton of award-winning conductor Clemens Schuldt, comes after many successful collaborations between Kwong and renowned orchestras and organisations such as the London Philharmonic Orchestra, Orchestre Philharmonique de Radio France, Lucerne Festival etc. The programme also includes Sibelius’ breathtaking Symphony No 2 and Lutosławski’s charismatic Little Suite.
Colleen Lee x Hong Kong Sinfonietta: Hereafters – Programme
Lutosławski, Little Suite
Charles Kwong, Piano Concerto “Hereafters” (2023) (world premiere)
*Commissioned by Hong Kong Sinfonietta
Sibelius, Symphony No 2 in D, Op 43
