Letting Go – The Waiting Pavilion Closing Concert [Chords Unbound – Music Without Boundaries 2026]

Highlights

Tai Kwun proudly presents 'Chords Unbound – Music Without Boundaries 2026', kicking off the autumn festival with the immersive musical performance 'Letting Go'. This concert serves as the grand finale for 'The Waiting Pavilion', a public art installation by acclaimed Polish artist Alicja Kwade situated in the Prison Yard. Audiences are invited to traverse the historical Prison Yard and the Laundry Steps, experiencing a profound connection between music, space, and the human condition, exploring themes of freedom and restriction.

Program

This one-hour performance (no intermission) offers a free-flowing, immersive viewing experience through Tai Kwun's iconic historical grounds. The program features a curated selection of classical and contemporary pieces, chosen to reflect the spirit of resilience and hope in adversity. The repertoire includes:

• Liao Zicheng: Selections from 'Prison Diary'
• Olivier Messiaen: 'Quatuor pour la fin du Temps' (Quartet for the End of Time) — II. 'Vocalise, pour l'Ange qui annonce la fin du Temps' & VII. 'Fouillis d'arcs-en-ciel, pour l'Ange qui annonce la fin du Temps'
• Richard Strauss: 'Frühling' (Spring) & 'Im Abendrot' (At Sunset), from 'Four Last Songs'
• Beethoven: 'Prisoners' Chorus' from 'Fidelio'
• John Tavener: 'Song for Athene'

These compositions resonate with the poems of Ho Chi Minh’s 'Prison Diary', creating a meditative journey through history.

Performers

Directed by Zhao Bocheng, with Li Jiaqi as assistant director, the concert is conducted by Sun Zicheng. It features a distinguished ensemble including soprano Ruan Miaofen, pianist Nancy Loo, and instrumentalists Ruda Lee (violin), Ip Chun-hei (cello), Fung Yat-shan (clarinet), Ma Sze-king (flute), and Choi Wai-hang (chromatic harmonica), joined by a male choir.

Venue & Access

Located at Tai Kwun, Central, the performance takes place at the Prison Yard and the Laundry Steps. Attendees are advised to arrive early to soak in the atmosphere of this revitalized historical heritage site.

Ticketing

This event is free of charge, but prior registration is required. Please check the official Tai Kwun website for registration details and availability to ensure your spot.

Note: Program content and arrangements are subject to change. Please refer to official announcements for the latest information.