Sean Shibe & Ema Nikolovska: Orlando Variations

Overview

Following a highly acclaimed debut in 2024, Scottish guitarist Sean Shibe returns to Hong Kong with a groundbreaking new project, 'Orlando Variations.' For this performance, he is joined by mezzo-soprano Ema Nikolovska. This innovative production, which has captivated audiences at world-renowned venues such as Wigmore Hall and the Elbphilharmonie, marks a bold exploration of the myth of Orlando.

Program Highlights

'Orlando Variations' is a genre-defying musical journey that traces the legend of Orlando across centuries and continents. The program seamlessly weaves literary elements from Virginia Woolf's fantasy novel with a diverse repertoire that spans from Renaissance composer John Dowland to Romantic masters like Massenet and Schubert, and contemporary voices including Bob Dylan, Laurie Anderson, and Thomas Adès. By blending acoustic and electric guitar soundscapes, the artists create an immersive, multi-dimensional experience that interrogates themes of courtly love, identity, and transformation.

Performers

Sean Shibe, a Gramophone Award and Borletti-Buitoni Trust winner, is celebrated for his visionary approach to the guitar and his ability to push artistic boundaries. He is paired with the charismatic mezzo-soprano Ema Nikolovska, an artist equally recognized for her dynamic stage presence and interpretive depth. Together, they offer a fresh, intellectually stimulating, and emotionally resonant concert experience.