In the twentieth century, chamber music discovered new horizons – and in France, especially, the magical sound of the harp brought an enchantment that's all its own. In this programme, players of the HK Phil rediscover the music of Albert Roussel and Jean Cras – master–composers who both started out as sailors! Debussy's exquisite Sonata for Flute, Viola and Harp conjures a new world of subtle shades and sun–kissed sounds. And two French classics will be familiar to anyone who loves romantic music (or just a beautiful tune): Massenet's 'Méditation' and Saint–Saëns's 'The Swan'. Join us, and discover a world of wonder!

The concert runs for 70 minutes without intermission.

Flute: Josep Portella Orfila

Violin: Li Chi

Viola: Ethan Heath

Cello: Tae-Mi Song

Harp: Louise Grandjean

Programme

ROUSSEL – Serenade, op. 30

MASSENET – Thaïs: Méditation, for Violin and Harp

DEBUSSY – Sonata for Flute, Viola and Harp

SAINT-SAËNS – The Carnival of the Animals: The Swan, for Cello and Harp

CRAS – Harp Quintet

Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra

The Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra (HK Phil) is regarded as one of the leading orchestras in Asia. Professionalised in 1974, the orchestra celebrates its 50^th anniversary during the 2023/24 season. Collaborating with internationally renowned conductors and soloists, the orchestra presents more than 150 concerts and attracts more than 200,000 music lovers annually. The HK Phil promotes the work of Hong Kong and Chinese composers, commissions new works, nurtures local talent and runs extensive education and community programmes. With Music Director Jaap van Zweden since 2012, the HK Phil has toured Europe, Asia, Australia and extensively across Mainland China. Long Yu has been Principal Guest Conductor since the 2015/16 season, and Lio Kuokman was appointed Resident Conductor in December 2020. The HK Phil won the prestigious UK classical music magazine Gramophone's 2019 Orchestra of the Year Award – the first orchestra in Asia to receive this accolade. Recent recording projects with Jaap include the complete Ring Cycle by Richard Wagner, Mahler's Symphony no. 10 (concert version ed. Mengelberg/Dopper), and Shostakovich's Symphony no. 10. In 2021, the HK Phil founded The Orchestra Academy Hong Kong (co-directed with The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts), aimed at offering professional training and facilitating orchestral careers for its participants.