50th Season Opening Concert: Music of the Sheng

Highlights

As the Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra enters its 50th season, the opening concert 'Music of the Sheng' serves as a monumental kickoff for the orchestra's half-century milestone and a cornerstone of the 'International Sheng & Reed Festival 2026'. The concert uses the 'Sheng' (reed) as a narrative thread to weave a grand symphonic landscape that traverses various regions, civilizations, and cultures. Audience members will experience a sensory feast that spans the strength of Shanxi folk singing, the classical elegance of the Tang-style Sheng from the Shosoin, the delicate melodies of the Lusheng from the Guizhou-Guangxi mountains, and the fantastical improvisations of the Russian Jaw Harp.

Program Introduction

This concert aims to present a comprehensive genealogy of reed instruments, revealing how different civilizations evolved unique artistic vocabularies through the same physical vibrations. A highlight of the evening is the composition 'Breath of the Universe', where the conductor will guide the audience to participate in unamplified humming, merging with the orchestra's texture. This performance breaks the boundaries between performer and listener, allowing the Sheng to become a medium that connects the breathing of all present. The program includes numerous commissions and world premieres, such as 'Taihe Chengfeng' by Zhou Xijie and 'Breath of the Universe' by Chan Ming-chi.

Performers

• Conductor: Yan Huichang
• Sheng: Weng Zhenfa, Wu Wei, Chen Yiwei, Wei Shenfu, Chen Zixu, Geng Sen, Liu Chang
• Lusheng: Yang Zhengping
• Thai Sheng: Sun Nantachai
• Japanese Sheng: Miura Satomi
• Jaw Harp: Olena UUTAi
• Organ: Wong Ching-yin (September 20th performance only)

Venue & Access

The performance will take place at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre Concert Hall. Audience members can travel via MTR to Tsim Sha Tsui or East Tsim Sha Tsui Station and follow signs to the Cultural Centre.

Ticketing

Tickets are now on sale. For purchases, please visit the art-mate online ticketing system. Patrons purchasing season main packages on or before July 31, 2026, can enjoy various package discounts (e.g., 20% off for 5+ concerts; 30% off for 7-9 concerts for Friends of HKCO members; 40% off for 10+ concerts for Friends of HKCO members). Half-price concessions are available for full-time students, senior citizens aged 60+, people with disabilities and their minders, and CSSA recipients. For inquiries, please call the Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra at (852) 3185 1600 or visit www.hkco.org.