Discover Classical Romance With The HK Phil's Great Principal Players

The Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra (HK Phil) is proud to present a concert that features Michael Wilson, Andrew Simon, Benjamin Moermond and Lin Jiang, four of the principal players of the orchestra. In this only performance on 11 January 2019 in the Tsuen Wan Town Hall Auditorium, conductor David Stern will return to direct the orchestra for the first time since 2017.

The programme includes Mozart's midnight masterpiece - Don Giovanni Overture - which he wrote in a single evening just before the opera's premiere in Prague in 1787. A splendid showcase for the orchestra's own wind principals follows in the shape of the melodious Sinfonia Concertante which is often claimed to be by Mozart but whose real composer remains a mystery.

The programme also includes a rare performance of a forgotten masterpiece by a forgotten composer. Although the music of Hans Rott received high praise from Gustav Mahler and Anton Bruckner, it is just little known today. Mahler said of Rott that "it is completely impossible to estimate what music has lost in him. His First Symphony soars to such heights of genius that it makes him - without exaggeration - the founder of the New Symphony". For the final year of his studies in 1878, Rott entered the first movement of his Symphony in E into a composition competition. The symphony was completed in 1880 but never received a public performance during the composer's lifetime.

Do not miss the opportunity to travel through time with the HK Phil and enjoy this rare musical gem and true classics from 18th century Austria.

The HK Phil and conductor David Stern will stage the same programme in the Zhuhai Huafa & CPAA Grand Theatre on 13 January 2019 (Saturday), sharing the joy of time travelling with and presenting a New Year blessing to the audience in the region.

Discover: Discover Classical Romance will be held on 11 January 2019 (Fri), 8PM in the Tsuen Wan Town Hall Auditorium. Tickets price: HK$320, $280, $180, $120 are now available at URBTIX. For enquiries, please call +852 2721 2332 or visit hkphil.org.

David Stern, conductor [full biography]
David Stern's musical leadership is spread across three continents. Whether conducting a major symphony orchestra, baroque opera, teaching vocal master classes or defending cultural activities, Stern keeps his musicians, students and audiences riveted by sharing his strong musical convictions, his flexibility of approach and his belief that music is relevant and indeed essential in today's world. He is the Founder and Director of the Paris-based opera studio and period-instrument ensemble Opera Fuoco, as well as Artistic Adviser and Chief Conductor of the Shanghai Baroque Festival and Chief Conductor of the Palm Beach Opera in Florida.

Michael Wilson, oboe [full biography]
Michael Wilson was appointed Principal Oboe of the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra in September 2009. Prior to this he was Co-Principal Oboe from September 2005. Before moving to Hong Kong, he worked regularly with London-based orchestras including the London Philharmonic. Michael studied at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London where he graduated with First Class Honours and received the Philip Jones prize for woodwind.

Andrew Simon, clarinet [full biography]
A graduate of The Juilliard School, acclaimed clarinettist Andrew Simon has appeared as soloist and guest lecturer on four continents. As Principal Clarinet of the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra, Simon has recorded solo works by Baermann and Stravinsky and has given over 60 concerto performances. As guest lecturer, he frequents institutions such as Yale University, the Sydney Conservatorium, the Royal College of Music in London, and the Central Conservatory in Beijing.

Benjamin Moermond, bassoon [full biography]
Benjamin Moermond has been Principal Bassoon with the HK Phil since 2010 and is an active teacher and performer in Hong Kong and throughout the region. Previous solo engagements include the Haydn Sinfonia Concertante and Mozart Bassoon Concerto. Prior to joining the HK Phil Benjamin completed his studies at The Juilliard School under the tutelage of Judith LeClair. He was an active chamber musician with the PUFF! woodwind quintet and toured extensively over summer festivals.

Lin Jiang, horn [full biography]
Lin Jiang began playing the horn at the age of ten and continued his studies at Scotch College in Melbourne, the Victorian College of the Arts, and graduated from the University of Melbourne with a Bachelor of Music degree with honours. He has performed with the major orchestras in Australia. Lin has won many major prizes in Australia, he also won prizes in international horn competitions and was a finalist in the prestigious Freedman Fellowship Program as well as a semi-finalist in the ARD music competition Munich.

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