Tune in to Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra’s Pastoral Harmony and Tunes of Tianjin and Northern China concerts on 20 and 27 April for the ultimate musical immersion.
Looking for weekend things to do in Hong Kong? Escape from the hustle and bustle of urban life with the Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra (HKCO), as they transport you to completely different soundscapes in two upcoming Saturday concerts: Pastoral Harmony on 20 April and Tunes of Tianjin and Northern China on 27 April. Experience profound wonder and serenity as the music unfolds, with the earlier programme recreating environmental backgrounds of various landscapes, and the later concert showcasing the unique cultural and artistic characteristics of Tianjin in northern China.
Pastoral Harmony: A melodious journey through nature
When’s the last time you stopped and listened to the wonderful sounds of nature? Renew your appreciation for the beauty of our ecosystem at Pastoral Harmony, a programme curated by HKCO to encourage everyone to protect and to live in harmony with the natural environment. Recreating the sonic environment of different natural landscapes, the programme begins with three Hong Kong premieres: “The Big Tide” (from Sound Portrait of Qiantang River) by Wang Yunfei; the Tone Poem “Dream of Bathing in HuaQing” (Act III of the dance drama Dream Back to the Tang Dynasty) by Han Lankui; and Portraits of Mount Wuyi Landscape by Liu Bin. These pieces are followed by more Chinese musical pieces, all evoking images of nature, including waterfalls, lakes, and mountains, portrayed by the Orchestra alongside the exceptional guest performing soloist, Zhang Yadi, on the pipa.
Pastoral Harmony is held at 8pm on 20 April 2024 (Saturday) at the Hong Kong City Hall Concert Hall. Tickets go from $200 and are now available on Urbtix.
Tunes of Tianjin and Northern China: A celebration of Tianjin’s musical traditions
For those of you who have yet to visit Tianjin, this is your chance to experience the “Home of Song Art” – without having to leave our city! Putting the spotlight on the unique arts and culture of Tianjin, Tunes of Tianjin and Northern China incorporates an array of folk elements, such as Chinese New Year paintings, folklore, folk song classics, Tianjin local customs, Peking Opera, and folk songs from the northern region. The programme features famous tunes like “Jasmine Flower” (from Chinese Sights and Sounds) by Bao Yuankai; a thrilling Percussion Concerto, Taste of Tianjin, by Wang Danhong; a Suona Concerto, Farewell My Concubine, by Zhu Yi (arranged by He Shaoying); and more. Witness Tianjin talents converge at the concert as guest performers, with Wang Zhanzhan (Deputy Head of Chinese Music at the Tianjin Conservatory of Music) on the suona, as well as Gao Chao and Gao Yue (lecturers at the Conservatory) on percussion.
Tunes of Tianjin and Northern China is held at 8pm on 27 April 2024 (Saturday) at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre Concert Hall. Tickets go from $200 and are now available on Urbtix. Psst – we hear the HKCO will be hosting an open rehearsal and even an exclusive backstage tour on the day, too! Sign up to get up close and learn about the concert behind the scenes.
Find out more about Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra’s Pastoral Harmony and Tunes of Tianjin and Northern China.
This post is sponsored by the Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra.