Since 2007, the Hong Kong Arts Festival and the Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra have collaborated in an annual “Music About China” series, connecting the diverse cultural landscapes of China, and showcasing the artistic essence of different regions, ethnic groups and historical eras through music. This year, the programme features Luxembourg composer Marcel Wengler’s Chinese Rhapsody. Crafted over five years, the work encapsulates Wengler’s passion and imagination blending Eastern and Western elements. Up-and-coming Chinese composer Li Bochan’s Three Pieces of Kunqu Opera is inspired by classic Kunqu opera excerpts, using timbre and rhythm to characterise different role-types.

The final work in this concert is Rhapsody of String Puppets by Artistic Director Yan Huichang, commissioned by the Shaanxi Broadcasting Chinese Orchestra in 2023. The piece has previously been performed in Taiwan and Singapore. Inspired by the string puppet opera (xianqiang) of Heyang County, the piece features pixianhu, drum and clapper virtuoso Wang Kun from the renowned puppet troupe. Wang is a “one-man band” performing seven traditional instruments, and Hong Kong audiences will be the first to listen this work in full. This fusion of modern Chinese orchestral music, regional opera and traditional folk art epitomizes the unique pursuit of innovation and dialogue of “Music About China”.