Symphony Under The Stars may be the biggest event in the HKPO's calendar this year, but it's just one in a busy programme of smaller-scale outreach projects that continue to be sponsored by Swire.
Swire Classic Insights takes adult education into the community in a series of free concerts for anyone aged 15 years and above who is interested in learning more about symphonic repertoire. The presentations show audiences how to immerse themselves in the music and understand the composer's creative process by deconstructing a major work to reveal the skills involved in its composition and orchestration.
Swire Classic Insights also supports a series of lectures in the Cultural Centre foyer preceding five major concerts which together constitute the Swire Maestro Series. The focus of the talks this year is on symphonic masterpieces by Schoenberg, Berlioz, Sibelius, Schumann and Richard Strauss.
The inclusive atmosphere is strengthened by talks in English and Cantonese presented by experts who are respected authorities in the Hong Kong classical music scene.
The HKPO is no stranger to performing outside the cosy setting of a concert hall, having appeared in venues ranging from shopping malls to museums, to the delight of the public. In collaboration with Swire Island East, the orchestra will present four spectacular outdoor programmes in Taikoo Place each week from November 20 to December 11.
Under the banner In Tune with Island East, the open plaza setting aims to cultivate appreciation of classical music by making it accessible to people from all walks of life. Programme booklets will be available for passers-by and each concert will be followed by an opportunity to meet the principal players and exchange views on music.
