A year of sustained high notes for classical music in Hong Kong

A year marked by orchestral playing of the highest calibre, top-notch soloists and programming that appealed to seasoned and uninitiated concertgoers alike leaves Hong Kong’s flourishing classical music scene in a healthy state.

The Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra went from strength to strength in 2018 under music director Jaap van Zweden. At its best playing works from the 19th and 20th centuries, its robust and finely polished sound was in evidence in November’s glorious interpretation of Mahler’s Symphony No 7.

Equally impressive was the orchestra’s performance of Rachmaninov’s Symphony No 2 in September, which oozed passion and precision, and a no-holds-barred rendition of Saint-Saëns’ Organ Symphony in June under van Zweden, who gives the orchestra much of its musical energy. It remains to be seen whether the Phil can do full justice to the works of 18th century titans Haydn and Mozart; the performance of the latter’s ‘Jupiter’ Symphony in September was a disappointment, lacking both drama and clarity.

While the city’s other flagship ensembles – the Hong Kong Sinfonietta and the City Chamber Orchestra of Hong Kong – continue their quest for tighter ensemble playing and greater spontaneity, both offered some imaginative programming this year.

Delightfully presented and conducted by Christopher Poppen with violin soloist Noah Bendix-Balgley, the Sinfonietta’s highly informative and entertaining look at Mozart’s composition of his violin concertos and cadenzas in July was appreciated by children and adults alike.

Sinfonietta music director Yip Wing-sie’s legacy of promoting diversity and including contemporary works will hopefully continue when she relinquishes that role in 2020.