Maestro Jaap van Zweden and Star Pianist Jean-Yves Thibaudet to Open the 40th Season of the Hong Kong Philharmonic (6&7 Sept)

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[29 August 2013, Hong Kong] The Hong Kong Philharmonic (HK Phil) and Music Director Maestro Jaap van Zweden celebrate the opening of the HK Phil’s 40th professional season on 6&7 September 2013 (Fri & Sat), with piano superstar Jean Yves-Thibaudet in Beethoven’s Emperor Concerto. The evening will begin with a fitting Chinese fanfare – Bright Sheng’s Shanghai Overture.  Dvořák’s ninth symphony captures the exhilaration of discovery, but not without a poignant look back at the old.  It is one of the best loved of all musical works.

Masterworks: “Season Opening Gala: Emperor and New World” will be held on 6&7 September 2013 (Fri & Sat), 8PM, in the Hong Kong Cultural Centre Concert Hall.Tickets priced: HK$480, HK$320, HK$220, HK$160 are now available at URBTIX. Free pre-concert talks will be given by Ms Jenny Lee, Founder and Artistic Director of The Silver Club, on both nights (6 Sept, English & 7 Sept, Cantonese) at the 4/F Foyer of the Auditoria Building of the Hong Kong Cultural Centre.
For enquiries, please call 2721 2332 or visit www.hkphil.org.

Jaap van Zweden, conductor [full biography]
Amsterdam-born Jaap van Zweden is one of today’s most sought-after conductors. Musical America’s Conductor of the Year for 2012, he has been Music Director of the Hong Kong Philharmonic since the 2012/13 season.

Maestro van Zweden is currently Music Director of the Dallas Symphony Orchestra, Honorary Chief Conductor of the Netherlands Radio Philharmonic Orchestra and Honorary Conductor of the Radio Chamber Philharmonic. Appointed at age nineteen as the youngest Concertmaster ever of the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra, he began his conducting career in 1995, successively holding the positions of Chief Conductor at the Netherlands Symphony Orchestra (1996-2000), Chief Conductor of the Residentie Orchestra of The Hague (2000-2005) and Chief Conductor of the Royal Flemish Philharmonic Orchestra (2008-2011).

Jean-Yves Thibaudet, piano [full biography]
Jean-Yves Thibaudet has the rare ability to combine poetic musical sensibilities with dazzling technical prowess. His talent at coaxing subtle and surprising colors and textures from even old favorites has led the New York Times to exclaim “…every note he fashions is a pearl…the joy, brilliance and musicality of his performance could not be missed.” Thibaudet, who has performed around the world for more than 30 years and recorded more than 50 albums, has a depth and natural charisma that have made him one of the most sought-after soloists by today’s foremost orchestras, conductors and festivals.

A recording artist for Decca, he has won the Schallplattenpreis, the Diapason d’Or, Choc du Monde de la Musique, a Gramophone Award, two Echo Awards, and the Edison Prize. . In 2007, he was awarded the Victoire d'Honneur, a lifetime career achievement award and the highest honor given by France's Victoires de la Musique. In 2010, the Hollywood Bowl honored Thibaudet for his musical achievements by inducting him into its Hall of Fame. Known for his style and elegance, Thibaudet wears a concert wardrobe designed by Vivienne Westwood.

Masterworks: Season Opening Gala: Emperor and New World
6&7 | 9 | 2013
FRI & SAT 8PM
HK Cultural Centre Concert Hall
HK$480 $320 $220 $160
Available at URBTIX now
For ages 6 and above

Click the thumbnail to download photos
Jaap van Zweden Photo credit: Cheung Chi Wai / HK Phil	Jean-Yves Thibaudet Photo credit: Decca_Kasskara	Hong Kong Philharmonic Photo credit: Keith Hiro / HK Phil

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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