Musicus Fest 2016

Northern Stars Join International and Local Talents to Light up Musicus Fest 2016

Hong Kong, October 7, 2016 – Northern stars will shine brightly in Hong Kong this November as Musicus Fest 2016 showcases the leading lights of the Finnish classical music scene alongside a collection of acclaimed international and local artists.

Led by Artistic Director Trey Lee and fully supported by the Government of HKSAR and Credit Suisse, Musicus Fest 2016 continues to expand Hong Kong’s musical landscape while exploring the city’s unique heritage and nurturing its emerging talents.

This year’s festival features five programs with six concerts that celebrate music’s rich cultural traditions from across the globe.

As Finland prepares to celebrate the 100^th anniversary of its independence, guest artists will include the country’s violin phenomenon Pekka Kuusisto and renowned pianist Paavali Jumppanen, alongside Finland’s brilliant Tapiola Sinfonietta. There’s also an array of international artists and talents including Romanian violist Vladimir Mendelssohn, Italian cellist Rocco Filippini, and Hong Kong’s soprano Louise Kwong and violist Born Lau.

Musicus Fest 2016 will explore Finland’s unique musical accomplishments at the Festival Opening sponsored by Breguet, while finding inspiration among some classics of art and literature, during such events as the Chamber Music Gala. There’s also a unique “Musical Brew” and, as always, Musicus Fest looks to immerse festival-goers in Hong Kong’s history with its Musicus Heritage initiative.

“We are happy to welcome back Credit Suisse as Musicus Fest 2016 Lead Partner and excited by the fascinating program we have in store with both our international guests and Hong Kong’s rising stars,” said Trey Lee.

“This year marks a unique cross-cultural initiative: as we welcome the outstanding Finnish musicians for Musicus Fest 2016, our Finnish friends will host nine Hong Kong musicians in their home country in April 2017 with a ‘Musicus Fest in Espoo.’ This collaboration is a huge step forward in our mission to promote Hong Kong talents around the world.”

Francois Monnet, Head of Private Banking for Greater China at Credit Suisse said: “Art and cultural sponsorship is a longstanding tradition at Credit Suisse and an integral part of our corporate philosophy. Our partnership Musicus Society underscores Credit Suisse’s commitment to enriching the Hong Kong community, a critical hub for the bank in the Asia Pacific Region.”

Highlights of this year’s program include:
Breguet’s Celebration of Excellence Festival Opening: A Dazzling Night of Northern Stars (Nov 23): Artistic Director Trey Lee will open the festival with Finland’s violin sensation Pekka Kuusisto, who will lead the Tapiola Sinfonietta on the orchestra’s return visit to Hong Kong. Works include Grieg’s beloved Holberg Suite as well as a showcase of Finland’s greatest composer, Sibelius in his brilliant Humoresques.

Musicus Heritage: A Fiddler in the City (Nov 24): The urban labyrinth of Kowloon’s Nan Lian Garden will host renowned violinist Pekka Kuusisto performing a program inspired by Hong Kong’s unique cityscape together with his own original music, much of which will be improvised. Works include world premieres of pieces by local rising star composers Hippocrates Cheng and Denise Hofmann inspired by Nan Lian Garden.

Breguet’s Celebration of Excellence Chamber Music Gala: The Garden of Earthly Delights (Nov 25): A celebration of Dutch master painter Hieronymous Bosch’s most celebrated work, and an “all-star” night, featuring all the festival’s soloists, that will take the audience from Hell to Heaven, and then down to Earth. Works include Schubert’s Lieder and Franck’s Piano Quintet.

Children’s Concert: Babar and Friends (Nov 26): A musical escapade from Provence, France to the big forest of the elephants (with a special guest flying in from the Arctic Circle just for the occasion – the authentic Santa Claus from Finland!). Works include Milhaud’s La Cheminée du Roi René (The Fireplace of King René) and Poulenc’s L’Histoire de Babar, le petit éléphant (The Story of Babar, the little elephant) performed by members of Tapiola Sinfonietta with local talents.

Finale Concert: A Musical Brew (Nov 27): A festive night that will celebrate the history of music with highlights from the world’s most cherished composers, featuring works from Mendelssohn, Mozart and Beethoven.

Musicus Fest 2016 will also again feature a Master Class program, open to the public as well as students, and run by distinguished festival guests.

For more information about Musicus Fest 2016, please refer to website http://www.musicussociety.org. Tickets are now available at Urbtix (www.urbtix.hk) (for Nov 23, 25, 26, 27 concerts only), Cityline (for Musicus Heritage – A Fiddler in the City (Nov 24) only) and Tom Lee Music outlets.

A recipient of the Springboard Grant under the Arts Capacity Development Funding Scheme of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government, Musicus Society gratefully acknowledges its sponsors and partners for Musicus Fest, including Credit Suisse, Breguet, CITIC Telecom CPC, Consulate General of Finland, Visit Finland, Wild Taiga, Kuhmo Chamber Music Festival, Leisure and Cultural Services Department and RTHK Radio 4.