Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra
Encyclopedia
The Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra , is the largest symphony orchestra in Hong Kong
. First established in 1895 as an amateur orchestra, under the name Sino-British Orchestra, it was renamed the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra in 1957, and became a professional orchestra in 1974 under the funding of the Government.
In February 1986, the HKPO made its debut tour of several cities in the People's Republic of China, with conductor Kenneth Schermerhorn
and soloists Stephanie Chase
(violin) and Li Jian (piano). In the autumn of 1995, the HKPO travelled to 9 cities in the United States and Canada in its North American début. In 2003, the orchestra made its European début with performances in London's Barbican Hall
, Belfast, Dublin and Paris (Théâtre des Champs-Élysées
).
Edo de Waart
has been the orchestra's Artistic Director and Chief Conductor since the 2004/2005 season, and he is scheduled to conclude his HKPO tenure after the 2011-2012 season. Past Music Directors include David Atherton
, who is now the orchestra's Conductor Laureate.
Of its HK$
108 million budget for the 2009/2010 season, about sixty percent came from the Hong Kong government. The remaining forty percent came from box office revenue, performance fees, sponsorship, advertising and donations.
The orchestra gives more than 140 performances annually to an audience of over 180,000 in various venues including the Concert Hall of the Hong Kong Cultural Centre
and the City Hall Concert Hall. In addition to classical performances, it occasionally appears backing local pop stars such as Hacken Lee
, Jacky Cheung
, Frances Yip
, Teresa Carpio
, Leehom Wang and Hins Cheung
.
Hong Kong
Hong Kong is one of two Special Administrative Regions of the People's Republic of China , the other being Macau. A city-state situated on China's south coast and enclosed by the Pearl River Delta and South China Sea, it is renowned for its expansive skyline and deep natural harbour...
. First established in 1895 as an amateur orchestra, under the name Sino-British Orchestra, it was renamed the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra in 1957, and became a professional orchestra in 1974 under the funding of the Government.
Background
The orchestra has promoted Hong Kong-based composers by commissioning and premiering numerous works of contemporary music, including the recent five-work cycle of Voices of Hong Kong, by John Chen, David Gwilt, Daniel Law, Law Ping-leung and Richard Tsang.In February 1986, the HKPO made its debut tour of several cities in the People's Republic of China, with conductor Kenneth Schermerhorn
Kenneth Schermerhorn
Kenneth Dewitt Schermerhorn was an American composer and orchestra conductor, most notably for the Nashville Symphony.-Biography:Schermerhorn was born in Schenectady, New York, where he studied clarinet, violin, and trumpet in school. At age 14, he forged a baptismal certificate to appear older so...
and soloists Stephanie Chase
Stephanie Chase
"One of the most respected classical violinists in the world," Stephanie Chase is an American concert violinist and educator.- Biography :...
(violin) and Li Jian (piano). In the autumn of 1995, the HKPO travelled to 9 cities in the United States and Canada in its North American début. In 2003, the orchestra made its European début with performances in London's Barbican Hall
Barbican Centre
The Barbican Centre is the largest performing arts centre in Europe. Located in the City of London, England, the Centre hosts classical and contemporary music concerts, theatre performances, film screenings and art exhibitions. It also houses a library, three restaurants, and a conservatory...
, Belfast, Dublin and Paris (Théâtre des Champs-Élysées
Théâtre des Champs-Élysées
The Théâtre des Champs-Élysées is a theatre at 15 avenue Montaigne. Despite its name, the theatre is not on the Champs-Élysées but nearby in another part of the 8th arrondissement of Paris....
).
Edo de Waart
Edo de Waart
Edo de Waart is a Dutch conductor, and the Music Director of both the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra and the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra....
has been the orchestra's Artistic Director and Chief Conductor since the 2004/2005 season, and he is scheduled to conclude his HKPO tenure after the 2011-2012 season. Past Music Directors include David Atherton
David Atherton
David Atherton OBE, is an English conductor.-Background:Atherton was born in Blackpool, Lancashire in a musical family. He was educated at Blackpool Grammar School. His father, Robert Atherton, was the Music Master at St Joseph's College, Blackpool and was also a conductor...
, who is now the orchestra's Conductor Laureate.
Of its HK$
Hong Kong dollar
The Hong Kong dollar is the currency of the jurisdiction. It is the eighth most traded currency in the world. In English, it is normally abbreviated with the dollar sign $, or alternatively HK$ to distinguish it from other dollar-denominated currencies...
108 million budget for the 2009/2010 season, about sixty percent came from the Hong Kong government. The remaining forty percent came from box office revenue, performance fees, sponsorship, advertising and donations.
The orchestra gives more than 140 performances annually to an audience of over 180,000 in various venues including the Concert Hall of the Hong Kong Cultural Centre
Hong Kong Cultural Centre
The Hong Kong Cultural Centre is a multipurpose performance facility in the Tsim Sha Tsui area of Hong Kong. Located at Salisbury Road, it was founded by the former Urban Council and, after 2000, is administered by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department of Hong Kong Government...
and the City Hall Concert Hall. In addition to classical performances, it occasionally appears backing local pop stars such as Hacken Lee
Hacken Lee
Hacken Lee Hak Kan is an award winning Hong Kong based Cantopop singer and lyricist, actor, Master of Ceremonies and Association football sportscaster.-Early years: 1985-1995:...
, Jacky Cheung
Jacky Cheung
Jacky Cheung is a Hong Kong singer-songwriter and actor. The Chinese language media refers to him, Aaron Kwok, Andy Lau and Leon Lai as the Cantopop Four Heavenly Kings , with more than 60 million records sold as of 2000....
, Frances Yip
Frances Yip
Frances Yip Lai-yee is a Hong Kong Cantopop singer. She is best known for performing many of the theme songs for television series produced by TVB in the 1980s and early 1990s....
, Teresa Carpio
Teresa Carpio
Teresa Carpio is a Hong Kong English pop and Cantopop singer, actor and singing teacher, born in Hong Kong. She is the mother of singer T. V. Carpio.-Family background:Carpio's father is Filipino and her mother Chinese. Born into a musical family...
, Leehom Wang and Hins Cheung
Hins Cheung
Hins Cheung is a Cantopop singer and songwriter in Hong Kong. He studied and graduated from the Guangzhou City 7th Secondary School. He is now under contract with Universal Records.He is 175 cm tall. In 2008, he performed at the S.U.C.C.E.S.S...
.
Conductors
Artistic Directors
|
Conductor Laureate
Principal Guest Conductors
Resident Conductors
|
Other Hong Kong orchestras
- City Chamber Orchestra of Hong KongCity Chamber Orchestra of Hong KongThe City Chamber Orchestra of Hong Kong was founded in 1999. The chief conductor is Jean Thorel, who has held the post since 2008.-Background:The CCOHK was founded in 1999 by oboist Leanne Nicholls, who is also the artistic director. It is known for having a very large repertoire spanning many...
- Hong Kong Chamber OrchestraHong Kong Chamber OrchestraThe Hong Kong Chamber Orchestra was founded in 1976 by a small group of musicians who felt that there was a need in Hong Kong for a chamber-sized orchestra aiming at a high standard of music making. The Orchestra consists of around 30 professional and non-professional musicians and gives around...
- Hong Kong Chinese OrchestraHong Kong Chinese OrchestraThe Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra is an orchestra of Chinese traditional instruments based in Hong Kong. It was established in 1977 and comprises 85 musicians. The Artistic Director and Principal Conductor is Yan Huichang.-External links:**...
- Hong Kong SinfoniettaHong Kong SinfoniettaThe Hong Kong Sinfonietta is a professional symphony orchestra based in Hong Kong, China. It was established in 1990 by a group of local music graduates. It has always aimed at promoting classical music to the public. The orchestra was reorganized 1999, with Tsung Yeh, an American conductor of...
- SAR Philharmonic OrchestraSAR Philharmonic OrchestraThe SAR Philharmonic Orchestra is a Hong Kong symphonic orchestra founded in 1999 by Dr Y.K. Wong and is the musical arm of SAR Philharmonic Charitable Foundation. Under the leadership of K. K. Chiu, the chief conductor of the orchestra, the SARPO performs charity concerts regularly to raise money...