Following a successful run of concert dates at venues across Russia, the Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra has emphasised its commitment to fostering cultural exchange between the two countries.
Throughout October, HKCO performed with 80 musicians at the Chelyabinsk Opera House, the Ekaterinburg Philharmonic Hall (pictured) and the Tyumen Philharmonic Hall, as well as an ensemble concert at the Moscow House of Architects. The three larger concerts attracted audiences of around 1,000 people.
Speaking exclusively to IAM, executive director Celina Chin said: ‘We received an enthusiastic response from the audience and I think there will be more cultural exchange with Russia, and other countries, in the future.’
She continued: ‘International Music Festival Eurasia [held in Ekaterinburg] has already mentioned that they would like to invite Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra again and we would love to bring our music there again – it all depends on availability of funding.’
Chin also said the orchestra is exploring the possibility of inviting Russian musicians to China for future collaborations.
Commenting on the importance of the orchestra’s international collaborations, Chin added: ‘We are glad that we are able to bring the beauty of Chinese orchestral music to other countries and promote the cosmopolitan image of Hong Kong via our music.’
‘Ranging from traditional and contemporary as well as works from Hong Kong composers, the orchestra’s tours will project the diversity of Chinese orchestral music and it also broaden the artistic horizons of our musicians and the Orchestra alike,’ said Chin.
