Hong Kong City Hall, Central | Music Performance by Hong Kong Cantonese Orchestra

Description

As the second performance of the 'Cantonia in Hong Kong' series by the Hong Kong Cantonese Music Ensemble, this Chinese New Year concert brings together renowned and emerging masters of Cantonese music. With classic pieces, diverse interpretations, and the re-presentation of classic legacy works, it promises to be a Cantonian musical feast worth anticipating.

The concert is full of highlights: renowned pianist Cai Chongli will perform 'Willow Gold', a Cantonese folk song adapted by Russian composer Shaliko, offering a unique listening experience that blends Western and Chinese instruments. Chen Hongyan, Gao Zhiqun, Luo Qing'er, and other Cantonese music masters will present classic works such as 'Autumn Thoughts at the Dressing Table', 'Fishing Boat', and 'Hungry Horse Rings a Bell', recapturing the original essence of Cantonese music.

Huqin performer Zeng Qiujian will present a double feature, first performing the Cantonese music masterpiece 'Victory' on the erhu, and then collaborating with piano on Gaohu to play 'Bird into the Woods', adapted by Zeng Yujié, showcasing the unique beauty of different huqin instruments combined with piano. The plucked instrument section is equally captivating, with guzheng performer Rao Shu's 'Zen Temple Bells' and yangqin performer Lai Yingbin's 'Song of Wang Zhaojun' interpreting the unique charm of plucked instruments to perfection.

Representing the new generation of Cantonese music, Zeng Yujié brings a double surprise, not only performing the Cantonese opera masterpiece 'Peacock Screening', but also presenting her adapted version of 'Dry Day Thunder' for Cantonese music quartet, showcasing the creativity and performance prowess of the emerging generation. Well-known Cantonese opera singer Miss Bai Yanfei also makes a surprise appearance, interpreting the hand-copied masterpiece 'Wu Song Fighting Tiger' with a vigorous singing style, infusing the concert with a rich Cantonese flavor.

This concert also presents a heartwarming return — two precious legacy works by Cantonese music master Lu Wencheng, 'Couple Bicker' and 'Selling Youtiao', which reappear after their first performance at the 2024 Chinese New Year concert. As a milestone figure who laid the foundation for modern Cantonese music, Lu Wencheng's compositions are known for their flowing melodies and lively rhythms, and these two pieces are especially rich in the lively interest of street life. This reprise will allow the audience to relive the timeless charm of Cantonese music classics that transcend time.