Hong Kong Philharmonic Celebrates the 100th Anniversary of the Première of Stravinsky’s The Rite of Spring
Maestro Oleg Caetani to Lead the HK Phil in a Re-Run of the Historic 1913 Paris Première (31 May & 1 June)
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[27 May 2013, Hong Kong] 2013 marks the 100th anniversary of one of the most remarkable moments in the history of 20th century music – the première of Igor Stravinsky’s The Rite of Spring on 29 May 1913, at the Théâtre des Champs-Élysées, Paris. Although the première ended in a riot, the work undoubtedly remains one of the most influential compositions of the century.

To celebrate the centenary of this groundbreaking masterpiece, the Hong Kong Philharmonic (HK Phil) presents Swire Maestro: “The Rite Centenary”, conducted by Maestro Oleg Caetani, will recreate the programme performed that evening – Chopin’s delightful waltzes in orchestral form, evoking the elegance of classical ballet, followed by the violence and mayhem of Stravinsky’s masterwork. As a tribute to the city where this took place, the programme begins with Mozart’s salute to Parisian style in his “Paris” Symphony.

Swire Maestro: “The Rite Centenary” will be held on 31 May & 1 June 2013 (Fri & Sat), 8pm, in the Hong Kong Cultural Centre Concert Hall. Tickets priced: $320, $240, $180, $120 are now available at URBTIX. Free pre-concert talks will be given by Prof. Daniel Chua, Professor and Head of the School of Humanities, The University of Hong Kong (Fri, 31 May in English) and Mr Dennis Wu, Music writer and critic (Sat, 1 June in Cantonese), at 7:15pm, on the 4/F Foyer, Auditoria Building of the Hong Kong Cultural Centre. For Enquiries, please call 2721 2030 or visit www.hkphil.org

Artist

Oleg Caetani, conductor [full biography]
Born in Switzerland of Russian and Italian descent, Oleg Caetani studied with Nadia Boulanger before entering the Conservatory of Santa Cecilia in Rome, where he attended conducting classes with Franco Ferrara and studied composition with Irma Ravinale. After studying all the Shostakovich Symphonies with Kondrashin at the Moscow Conservatory, he graduated from the St Petersburg Conservatory with maximum votes, conducting Shostakovich’s Fifth symphony.

Winner of the RAI Turin Competition and Karajan Competition in Berlin, Caetani conducted Eugene Onegin at the age of 24 in 1981 as his opera début when graduating from the St Petersburg Conservatory.

Caetani has also devoted himself to recording and conducting less-known composers of the twentieth century such as Mosolov, Pizzetti and Gerhard. His recordings of Tansman’s symphonies, released by Chandos, won three Diapason d’Or in 2006 and 2008.

Swire Maestro: The Rite Centenary
31|5 | & 1 |6 | 2013
FRI & SAT 8PM
HK Cultural Centre Concert Hall
HK$320 $240 $180 $120
Available at URBTIX now
For ages 6 and above

An Event of Le French May

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Ticketing Information
Credit Card Booking
(852) 2111 5999
Online Booking
www.urbtix.hk

For programme enquiry, please call HK Phil at
(852) 2721 2030
Or go on our website:
www.hkphil.org

HONG KONG PHILHARMONIC
Music Director: Jaap van Zweden

As the city’s largest and busiest musical organisation, the Hong Kong Philharmonic is a vital part of Hong Kong’s cultural life. In 2013/14 the HK Phil will celebrate its 40th professional season, but its roots stretch back well over a century. The HK Phil has now evolved into an orchestral powerhouse of the region, and an acclaimed cultural centrepiece of Asia’s World City.

The HK Phil is founded on the belief that a great city deserves a great orchestra. Annually it presents over 150 concerts for 200,000 music lovers. Featuring an enviable roster of international and local artists, with many concerts presented free, among them the annual Swire Symphony Under The Stars. Through its acclaimed education programme, over 40,000 young people learned about orchestral music last year.

The HK Phil’s members come from every corner of the globe, joining its 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 recently commenced a multi-CD recording project for Naxos, featuring works by Chinese composers.

The Hong Kong Philharmonic is financially supported by the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
SWIRE is the Principal Patron of the Hong Kong Philharmonic
The Hong Kong Philharmonic is a Venue Partner of the Hong Kong Cultural Centre

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