Synopsis

“Back On Stage” was recorded live in June during the closure of Hong Kong City Hall Concert Hall due to the Covid-19 outbreak, featuring the strings section of Hong Kong Sinfonietta, led by concertmaster James Cuddeford and conducted by Music Director Emeritus Yip Wing-sie. The concert is a special tribute to everyone in Hong Kong, spreading the healing and the love through music.

The concert presents four works which represent the best of strings-only music spanning four centuries, from the eccentrically genius work by 17th-century Austrian composer Biber (Battalia), to one of the most known works in the Baroque repertoire (Vivaldi’s The Four Seasons: Summer), and two dance suites – one in neo-classical style by Norwegian composer Grieg (Holberg Suite), and the other from the Hungarian giant Bartók, depicting seven folk tunes from Romania (Romanian Folk Dances). The programme, chosen specially for its high spirits and energy, forms one hour of music with colourful juxtaposition – with introduction by Yip Wing-sie and James Cuddeford – and is accompanied by unseen behind-the-screen footage in the Special Extended Version shown at the cinemas.

Following the first round of sold-out screenings, two additional showings will be held on 13 & 15 October, where “Project FLY” – a ground-breaking online collaboration between Hong Kong Sinfonietta, composer Ng Cheuk-yin and international artists – will also make an appearance to complement the concert.

Details of concert
Orchestra: Hong Kong Sinfonietta
Programme:
Bartók Romanian Folk Dances for String Orchestra
Vivaldi The Four Seasons: Summer
Biber Battalia
Grieg Holberg Suite, Op 40