One Night in Paris

Introduction

Come with us to the Paris of days gone by, where music filled the air, from the bustling Avenue des Champs-Élysées to the city’s grandest concert halls. Along the way you’ll experience a rich melodic tapestry, from timeless pop to classical elegance. Soprano Yuki Ip opens the evening with the unforgettable songs of French chanson icon, Edith Piaf. Pianist Vanessa Wong then guides you into the world of French impressionism, with Debussy’s Preludes. And finally, enjoy a performance of Fauré’s Piano Quartet No. 1, with members of the CONG Quartet joining Vanessa, to bring this Parisian adventure… to an end.

Creative Team List

Nancy Yuen

Nancy Yuen is one of Asia’s most acclaimed singers. A graduate of the Royal Academy of Music, London, she made her debut with Welsh National Opera in Madama Butterfly to great acclaim, later reprising the role worldwide with companies including English National Opera, Scottish Opera, and Singapore Lyric Opera. Her repertoire spans leading roles such as Violetta (La Traviata), Aida, Tosca, Mimi (La Bohème), and Liu (Turandot). A versatile recitalist, she has performed with major orchestras including the BBC Concert Orchestra and Singapore Symphony. She is Honorary Artistic Director of Singapore Lyric Opera, Professor at HKAPA, and a respected adjudicator and educator.

NHKP

Kinwai Shum

Hong Kong pianist Kinwai Shum has performed recitals across Europe, North America, and Asia, and as concerto soloist with the Dortmund Philharmonic and Hong Kong Symphonia. His all‑Schubert album was released by Universal Music in 2014 to rave reviews. Awards include 3rd prize at the 1999 Hilton Head International Piano Competition (US), 4th at the 2007 Schubert Competition (Germany), and Audience Prize at the 2008 New Orleans Competition. He received Hong Kong's Ten Outstanding Young Persons Award (2013). He teaches at HKAPA, HKBU, and EdUHK.

Louise Kwong

Louise Kwong, a Hong Kong soprano, was awarded the Ten Outstanding Young Persons Award in 2019 and the Young Artist Award (Music) in 2014. Internationally, she debuted at Rome Opera House as Mimì in La bohème and as Micaëla in Carmen at Caracalla in 2018, with further appearances at Amsterdam’s Concertgebouw, Graz Opera House, and Beijing’s National Centre for the Performing Arts. Her repertoire includes Cio‑cio‑san (Madame Butterfly), Liù (Turandot), Santuzza (Cavalleria rusticana), La Contessa (Le nozze di Figaro), and Fiordiligi (Così fan tutte). Kwong has won prizes at major competitions, including Austria’s Tagliavini, Italy’s Salice d’Oro and Città di Iseo, and Belgium’s Bell’arte.

Nicole Ho

Nicole Ho, collaborative pianist, graduated from the University of Hong Kong and London’s Guildhall School of Music and Drama with a Master of Music in Performance. She has performed with renowned artists such as Sir James Galway, Robert Aitken, and Adam Rapa, and collaborated with members of the Hong Kong Philharmonic, Sinfonietta, Korean Chamber Orchestra, and Shenzhen Symphony. Currently Adjunct Piano Faculty at the Education University of Hong Kong and teaching at the HKSAR Music Office, she also holds a Post‑Graduate Certificate in Education. Nicole curates and performs in the French May Festival’s Rendezvous Chamber Concert Series (2019–2024), now entering its sixth year.

Producer: Tina Ma

Executive Producer: Raymond Chung