A Taste of Spanish Fantasy with the HK Phil and Classical Guitarist Extraordinaire – Xuefei Yang
Xuefei Yang | Sketches of Spain (10 & 11 December) 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact: 
Meggy Cheng
Director of Marketing 
Tel: (852) 2721 9035
Email: meggy.cheng@hkphil.org 
 

[25 November, 2021 Hong Kong] The Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra (HK Phil) welcomes the return of world-renowned classical guitarist Xuefei Yang, while Spanish-American conductor François López-Ferrer makes his HK Phil debut in a colourful Spanish themed programme. This musical showcase will be held at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre Concert Hall on 10 & 11 December 2021 (Fri & Sat).

Xuefei Yang was named by UK classical music magazine Classic FM as one of Classic FM’s top 100 best artists. BBC Music Magazine listed Xuefei Yang as one of the six best classical guitarists of the last century. Xuefei Yang is also the first Chinese classical guitarist to achieve international popularity with tours and concerts to more than 50 countries.

"A Chinese classical guitarist and really one of the most extraordinary instrumentalists in the world." 
- New York Sun

"Her lyrical playing, warm sound and charismatic artistry connect with audiences far beyond the guitar fraternity." 
- Classic FM

Xuefei Yang’s performances not only exude an aura of delicate oriental poetry, but also depict courage, strength and tension – a rare quality among guitarists. Her virtuosity allows her to perform freely in solo, chamber and concerto repertoire. In her album 40 Degree North Xuefei Yang’s performances of famous Chinese and Spanish works serve to bridge the cultures of both East and West. Undoubtedly, her romantic, lyrical and transparent expressions through the instrument speak to a wide variety of audiences. 

Yang returns to the HK Phil stage with Rodrigo’s iconic Concierto de Aranjuez. She will also perform in the Spanish Romance from Jeux Interdits and Piazzolla’s Libertango. Native Spanish composers Turina and Falla bring the authentic voice of Spain, while Debussy’s Images evoke the sights and sounds of Spain. 

Xuefei Yang is invited through a special collaboration between the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra and Premiere Performances of Hong Kong.
 

Xuefei Yang | Sketches of Spain will be held on 10 & 11 December 2021 (Fri & Sat) at 8PM at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre Concert Hall. Tickets priced at HK$580, $480 and $380 are available on URBTIX. For programme inquiries, please call + 852 2721 2332 or click on hkphil.org.

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Artists

François López-Ferrer, conductor [detail introduction]

Spanish-American conductor François López-Ferrer came to international attention after a critically acclaimed debut at the 2018 Verbier Festival, where he jumped in for Iván Fischer in a shared programme with Sir Simon Rattle and Gébor Takécs-Nagy. He was winner of the inaugural 2015 Neeme Järvi Prize awarded at the Menuhin-Gstaad Festival, and received third prize at the 2018 OFUNAM International Conducting Competition. He was previously a member of the prestigious Deutsche Dirigentenforum.

Xuefei Yang, guitar [detail introduction]

Xuefei Yang is acclaimed as one of the world’s finest classical guitarists. Her debut in Madrid at the age of 14 was attended by the composer Joaquín Rodrigo and, when John Williams heard her play, he gave two of his own instruments to Beijing’s Central Conservatoire especially for her and other advanced students. She has made many acclaimed albums. Her latest recordings include a new EP, Winters Song (Nov 2021) and a CD Sketches of China, released in 2020 on Decca.

XUEFEI YANG| SKETCHES OF SPAIN

10 & 11 | 12 | 2021
FRI & SAT 8PM 
Hong Kong Cultural Centre Concert Hall
HK$580 $480 $380 
Tickets now available at URBTIX

For ages 6 and above

Artists

Programme