Hong Kong Philharmonic’s Salute to a Cultural Icon, with Orchestral Music and Footage from Leslie Cheung’s Greatest Films Conducted by Gerard Salonga (19&20 March)

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[4 February 2013 – Hong Kong]A versatile actor with an extraordinary range, Leslie Cheung was a rare talent that shone equally brightly in films and music. On the 10th anniversary of his death, the Hong Kong Philharmonic (HK Phil), under the baton of The Philippines’ most accomplished conductor Gerard Salonga, offers a musical salute to this cultural icon.

“An Orchestral Celebration of the Films of Leslie Cheung” will be held on 19&20 March 2013 (Tue & Wed), 8PM, in the Hong Kong Cultural Centre Concert Hall.Tickets priced: HK$480 $320 $220$160 will be available at URBTIX from 5 February. For enquiries, please contact us at 2721 2030 or www.hkphil.org

The Hong Kong Philharmonic is the 37th Hong Kong International Film Festival supporter

Gerard Salonga, conductor [full biography]
Gerard Salonga is one of the Philippines’ most accomplished musical directors, conductors and arrangers. A multi-platinum record producer as well, he has worked with the country’s biggest musical artists, including Lea Salonga, Regine Velasquez, Gary Valenciano and Martin Nievera.

Currently the Music Director and Conductor of FILharmoniKA, Gerard Salonga spent two years as arranger and resident conductor of the Manila Philharmonic Orchestra and as the guest conductor of the Peace Philharmonic Philippines.

Wu Tong, sheng [full biography]
Born to a musical family in Beijing, Wu Tong has become his generation's most visible proponent of traditional Chinese music. As a founding vocalist of the pioneering rock band Lunhui (Again), which merges Western and Asian traditions, a performer with the Silk Road Ensemble, and a soloist with the New York Philharmonic, London Sinfonietta and Singapore Symphony Orchestra, Wu has achieved an unparalleled following for Chinese music on three continents.

In 2010, the album Yo-Yo Ma & Friends: Songs of Joy & Peace won the Best Classical Crossover Album in the 52nd Grammy Award, which Wu Tong participated in the album production.

Programme
Our celebration of the life and work of this legend of the Hong Kong film world includes a special commission from American composer Eli Marshall for Ashes of Time (commissioned by The Octavian Society Limited), as well as music from films in which Cheung memorably starred: Days of Being Wild, Farewell My Concubine and the distinctive strains of Piazzolla’s Tango music as used in the soundtrack to Happy Together. Cheung responded with unique genius to the musical gifts of these composers, evoking the spirit, charm and romance of some of his finest films.

An Orchestral Celebration of the Films of Leslie Cheung
19&20 | 3 | 2013
TUE & WED 8PM
HK Cultural Centre Concert Hall
HK$480 $320 $220 $160
Available at URBTIX from 5 February
For ages 6 and above

The Hong Kong Philharmonic is the 37th Hong Kong International Film Festival supporter
 

Click the thumbnail to download photos

Music from:
Ashes of Time
Farewell My Concubine
Days of Being Wild
Happy Together

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

The Hong Kong Philharmonic is a vital part of Hong Kong’s cultural life, as the city’s largest and busiest musical organisation. In 2013/14 the HK Phil will celebrate its 40th professional season, but its roots are well over a century old. The HK Phil has now evolved to become 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 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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