HK Phil Symposia on Wagner’s Ring Cycle
Registration is Now Open
18 NOV 2014
Hong Kong
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
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[18 November 2014, Hong Kong]Thanks to the support from the Contestable Funding Pilot Scheme of the Home Affairs Bureau, the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra (HK Phil) is proud to present a series of free symposia led by scholars and experts. Associated with the concert performances, these symposia are aimed to enhance understanding and appreciation of Wagner’s work, and the Ring in particular.
The three symposia are free of charge, but registration is essential.
Symposium 1: Wagner – His Life and Times | |
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| Date: | 29 Nov 2014 (Saturday) |
| Time: | 2:30pm – 5:30pm |
| Venue: | Lecture Theatre, Hong Kong Central Library |
| Speakers: | Mr Michael MacLeod, Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra |
| Professor Lo King-man, Director General of Musica Viva | |
| Players of the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra | |
| Summary: | Throughout his turbulent life, Wagner revolutionised every aspect of the operatic art form – not only in the development of an unprecedented new musical style, but in the fields of philosophy, visual arts, and psychology. He even changed forever the physical design of the operatic and musical theatres, in the pursuit of his artistic vision. This first symposium will discuss the context of Wagner’s achievement. |
| Registration: | http://mail3.hkphil.org/forms/ring/register.php |
Symposium 2: The Appeal of the Ring Cycle | |
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| Date: | 13 December 2014 (Saturday) |
| Time: | 2:30pm – 5:30pm |
| Venue: | Lecture Theatre, Hong Kong Central Library |
| Speakers: | Prof. Liu Ching-chih, Hon Research Fellow of the Hong Kong Institute for The Humanities and Social Sciences at the University of Hong Kong |
| Mr William Lau, Music Critic | |
| Mr Tam Wing-pong, Member of a Number of Advisory Committees of Home Affairs Bureau, LCSD and the Hong Kong Arts Festival Society | |
| Summary: | Today, Wagner’s Ring Cycle retains its position at the pinnacle of orchestral and operatic masterworks. Performances of the Ring are noted, followed and attended by devotees from across the globe. In terms of its demands on performers, its perception by the music world, and even its duration, the Ring Cycle is the orchestral equivalent of the Olympic Games. This symposium will explore the Ring Cycle in depth, featuring discussions about its themes and symbolism, its interpretation, and its immense influence on western art. The critical history of the Ring will be the focus. |
| Registration: | Please visit www.hkphil.org |
Symposium 3: Exposition of Das Rheingold | |
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| Date: | 24 January 2015 (Saturday) |
| Time: | 2:30pm – 5:30pm |
| Venue: | Concert Hall, Hong Kong Cultural Centre |
| Speakers: | Ms Sue Elliott, Director of Education of Seattle Opera |
| Summary: | With his Ring Cycle, Richard Wagner set out to create a new style of opera that would change the world. The first of the four operas, Das Rheingold, brims with unusual and powerful effects, both in sound and story. Join Seattle Opera’s Director of Education Sue Elliott for an entertaining and informative exploration of the opera’s creation, its themes and musical motives, and the foundations it lays for the three operas that follow. This guided journey through the first chapter of Wagner’s magnum opus is designed to help you make the most of your experience in the Concert Hall. |
| Registration: | Please visit www.hkphil.org |
Seats are limited; successful registrants will be notified by email.
For enquiries, please call HK Phil at +852 2721 2170 or visit our website www.hkphil.org
Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra
Music Director: Jaap van Zweden
The Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra (HK Phil) is the city’s largest and busiest musical organisation and is a vital part of Hong Kong’s cultural life. With its roots stretching back well over a century, the HK Phil made its professional début in 1974. It has now evolved into an orchestral powerhouse in the region, and an acclaimed cultural centrepiece of Asia’s World City.
The HK Phil is formed on the belief that a great city deserves a great orchestra. Annually it presents over 150 concerts attracting 200,000 music lovers. Through its acclaimed education programme, over 40,000 young people have learned about orchestral music last year. Featuring an enviable roster of international conductors and soloists, the HK Phil performs a broad variety of music, with many concerts presented free; among them the annual Swire Symphony Under The Stars.
The Swire Group has been the Principal Patron of the HK Phil since 2006. Through this sponsorship, which is the largest in the orchestra’s history, Swire also endeavours to promote artistic excellence, provide access and stimulate cultural participation in Hong Kong, and to enhance Hong Kong’s reputation as one of the great cities of the world.
The HK Phil’s members come from every corner of the globe, with a strong core of Hong Kong musicians. In September 2012 Jaap van Zweden became the orchestra’s Music Director. Future years will see an ambitious series of new projects, with major international tours, renewed local partnerships and large-scale concert events. The HK Phil has commenced a multi-CD recording project for Naxos featuring works by Chinese composers and Richard Wagner’s Ring Cycle.
The Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra is financially supported by the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
SWIRE is the Principal Patron of the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra
The Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra is a Venue Partner of the Hong Kong Cultural Centre
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