48th Orchestral Season

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The 53rd Hong Kong Arts Festival In 2025
The Dream of a Concubine

Date and Time
8/3/2025 (Sat) 8:00pm
Venue
Hong Kong City Hall Concert Hall
Ticket Fee
$450, $350, $300, $250
Conductor
Yan Huichang
Performed by
Soprano: Lini Gong



Peace

The tragic love between Xiang Yu, who toppled the Qin Dynasty but lost his life in a battle against rival rebels, and his consort Yuji has been a favourite theme in plays, films and other art forms. The two’s bond was so strong that Yu Ji travelled with Xiang Yu to the battlefields.


The Dream of a Concubine adopts the perspective of Yuji as a witness of war and reimagines her longing for Peace. Through Qu Xiaosong’s contemporary orchestral arrangement of classical tunes, one journeys from the battlefield to a serene realm of peace and harmony.
Programmes

Pipa and Orchestra King Chu Doffs His Armour Ancient Tune Arr. by Qu Xiaosong (Arrangement Commissioned by HKCO / Premiere)

Pipa: Zhang Ying


Vocal and Orchestra Bitter Lament Qu Xiaosong (Commissioned by HKCO / Premiere)

Reduction of Original Lyrics by Cai Wenji
Soprano: Lini Gong   Pipa: Zhang Ying


Yuji’s Wish  Qu Xiaosong (Commissioned by HKCO / Premiere)
1. Suona and Orchestra The Overlord Enters into Battle
2. Vocal and Orchestra The Song of Chu
Soprano: Lini Gong
3. Suona and Orchestra The Sacrifice
4. Vocal and Orchestra Yuji’s Wish
Soprano: Lini Gong

5. Sizhu Ensemble Yuji’s Dream and Wish for Peace – The People’s Wish


The concert runs approximately 1 hour 35 minutes with intermission.