After an 11-year hiatus, the internationally renowned Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra (Orchestra) is returning to Hong Kong to stage two concerts, on October 24 and 25 (Monday and Tuesday) respectively, by invitation from the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD), giving music lovers an opportunity to experience the acclaimed performances of this premier Orchestra that should not be missed. Tickets will be available from October 10 (Monday) onwards for each concert, as part of the programmes celebrating the 25th anniversary of the establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR). It is also under the exclusive sponsorship of the Hong Kong Jockey Club (HKJC) as one of the many initiatives supported by the HKJC's approved donation of $630 million to the Government of the HKSAR to mark the 25th anniversary of the establishment of the HKSAR, demonstrating that the HKJC is resolute in pursuing its purpose of acting continuously for the betterment of society, all in support of creating a stronger community together.
Under the baton of distinguished conductor Franz Welser-Möst, over 100 members of the Orchestra will perform an array of classics from the romantic era. In the first concert on October 24, the Orchestra will present Wagner's "Prelude to Parsifal, WWV 111", Strauss's "Death and Transfiguration, Op. 24" and DvoÅ™ák's "Symphony No. 8 in G, Op. 88". In the second concert on October 25, the programme includes Brahms's "Tragic Overture, Op. 81" and "Symphony No. 3 in F, Op. 90", as well as Strauss's "Thus Spoke Zarathustra, Op. 30".
Founded in 1842, the Orchestra has had a very close association with the history and tradition of European classical music for the past 180 years. Its unique system of guest conductors allows the Orchestra to promote artistic encounters with the most prominent conductors of each generation. The Orchestra has worked with countless famous conductors, including Hans Richter, Gustav Mahler, Richard Strauss, Herbert von Karajan and Leonard Bernstein. The Orchestra performs about 40 concerts every year in Vienna, and schedules international tours in countries such as China, Germany, the United States and Japan.
As a guest conductor of the Orchestra, Welser-Möst has enjoyed a close partnership with the Orchestra over the past years. He has twice appeared on the podium for their celebrated New Year's Concert, and regularly conducts the Orchestra in subscription concerts, as well as overseas tours. Welser-Möst has also been the Musical Director of the Cleveland Orchestra for 20 years. Under his leadership, the Cleveland Orchestra has demonstrated its musical excellence, which has been repeatedly praised by international critics, including the New York Times, which hailed it "America's finest (orchestra)" in 2020.
The concerts "Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra" will be held at 8pm on October 24 and 25 at the Concert Hall of the Hong Kong Cultural Centre. Tickets priced at $380, $680, $980, $1,280, $1,680 and $1,980 will be available at URBTIX (www.urbtix.hk) from October 10 onwards. For telephone credit card bookings, please call 2111 5999. Each person can purchase a maximum of four tickets each time on the first day of ticket sales. For programme enquiries and concessionary schemes, please call 2268 7321 or visit www.lcsd.gov.hk/CE/CulturalService/Programme/en/music/programs_1403.html.
To allow more music lovers to enjoy this spectacular music event, the LCSD will arrange live broadcasts on radio, television and online platforms. Details will be announced on the above website later.
Two pre-concert talks (to be conducted in Cantonese) will be held at 6.45pm on October 24 and October 25 respectively at the Foyer Reception Area, 4/F, Auditoria Building, Hong Kong Cultural Centre. The first talk entitled "Darkness and Light" will be hosted by local music critic Ernest Wan, while the second talk entitled "'Brahmsschwärmerei': Richard Strauss's adoration to the master and their footprints in Vienna" will be hosted by the Director of Marketing of the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra, Mr Dennis Wu. Admission is free with limited seats available on a first-come, first-served basis and for walk-in only.
In order to comply with the requirements stipulated in the Prevention and Control of Disease (Requirements and Directions) (Business and Premises) Regulation (Cap. 599F) and relevant requirements of administrative instructions, members of the public are required to scan the "LeaveHomeSafe" venue QR code with their mobile phones/other mobile devices before being allowed to enter performing arts venues managed by the LCSD for necessary contact tracing if a confirmed case is found. In accordance with the Prevention and Control of Disease (Vaccine Pass) Regulation (Cap. 599L) and relevant requirements of administrative instructions, all persons entering indoor venues under the management of the LCSD must comply with the requirement of the Vaccine Pass. According to the latest requirement on the Vaccine Pass announced by the Government, persons with their Vaccine Pass QR codes displayed in red or amber are not allowed to enter performing arts venues managed by the LCSD.
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