What kept us busy
Stay tuned for more information for Verona Quartet’s debut multi-city Asia Tour in May 2023!
Lucas Debargue returns to Taiwan for 3 performances in Taichung, Pingtung and Taipei, and making his Singapore debut at the Victoria Concert Hall.
Flagships of their respective genres in Finland and leading forces of the European dance and baroque music, Tero Saarinen Company (TSC) and Helsinki Baroque Orchestra (HeBO) join forces to find new dimensions to opera pioneer Claudio Monteverdi’s (1567- 1643) radical madrigals. Third Practice features thirteen live performers on stage. Six TSC dancers and six HeBO instrumentalists are complemented by two internationally recognized opera soloists specialized in early music: Tenor Topi Lehtipuu live on stage and the virtual avatar of Catalonian Soprano Núria Rial. The creative team of Third Practice is Choreographer Tero Saarinen, Music Director, Arranger Aapo Häkkinen, Lighting Designer Eero Auvinen, Projection Designer Thomas Freundlich, Costume Designer Erika Turunen, Sound Designer Marco Melchior and Choreographer’s Assistant Henrikki Heikkilä.
Saarinen is known for insightful fusions of the classical and the contemporary – such as his praised The Rite interpretation HUNT (2002). Many of Saarinen’s best-known creations also feature inventive use of live music: Borrowed Light (2004) with early music ensemble The Boston Camerata and recent collaborations with Esa-Pekka Salonen (Morphed, 2014), The Finnish National Opera and Ballet (Kullervo by Jean Sibelius, 2015) as well as Susanna Mälkki and The LA Phil (Zimmermann Trio, 2018). In Third Practice Saarinen once again creates a gripping choreography combining dance with live music, strong and exceptional performers, innovative sound, lighting, video and costume design – intertwined with multi-layered and emotionally gripping themes.
***Due to COVID-19 this project has been postponed until further notice. Please stay tuned for new updates.***
The first major tour in 2022, Gidon Kremer and the Kremerata Baltica make their long awaited return to Korea with two performances in Seoul and Cheonan.
The work is an adaptation of the original book ‘The Adventures of Pinocchio’ written by Carlo Collodi in 1883, Italy. It was written at a time when Italian society was philosophically and morally engaged in a very important question about the nature of education; could peasants be educated? Could their children go to school and become ‘real boys’, or were they destined to be merely work force -‘donkeys’.
Unlike the Disney version of Pinocchio which portrays a journey to become a real boy, achieved by telling the truth, a message driven home by the film, I find in the original nineteenth century Italian tale a much more complex journey of challenges and discoveries. This journey leads him to realise what it means to be human, understanding and recognising human feelings and emotions in himself and in others. This classic tale, in a way of questioning, allows us to explore our assumptions of what it means to be human.
Throughout creating this interpretation of the story, I was mainly interested in the imaginative way it can be retold, constructing the characters with the performers and rediscovering the tale through them. One of the exciting things we explored with the set designer and the production team was the creation of a stage that also functioned as a marionette theatre, making the interactive set part of the choreography. It was an exciting journey of challenges and adventures for us all, and I’m happy to share it with you.
Jasmin Vardimon
Lucas Debargue will make his Malaysian debut with the MPO alongside Kees Barkel, and Marc Baouchkov (violin) and Istvàn Vàdai (cello) in Beethoven’s Triple Concerto.
***Due to COVID-19 this project has been postponed until further notice. Please stay tuned for new updates.***
Stay tuned for more updates soon!
Cappella Gabetta and charismatic Bandoneon-virtuoso Mario Stefano Pietrodarchi are crossing boarders and entering in a fascinating world of sound: the first time in our time an orchestra is performing a programm of Piazzolla and Vivaldi on period instruments! The richness of natural harmonics in playing on gut-strings and period instruments is offering a new sound-experience to the listeners. Another new element of this project is the transcription of Piazzolla’s “4 Seasons” for solo-Bandoneon, violin and orchestra and a virtuso final coda arranged and composed by Roberto Molinelli.
The programme has been performed in various European concert halls such as Baden-Baden, Munich and Basel. Argentinian-born violinist and leader Andras Gabetta and Italian Bandoneon-virtuoso Mario Stefano Pietrodarchi are pleased to present this extraordinary project.
One of the leading period performance ensembles makes their long awaited tour to Asia in 2020 combined with the a performance of Sasha Waltz’s Dido and Aeneas in Shanghai. The orchestra will also tour to other venues in Asia with an independent orchestral program.
***Due to COVID-19 this project has been postponed until further notice. Please stay tuned for new updates.***
In 2020 Christian Schmitt will return to Asia on a recital tour, which will also feature Tatjana Ruhland, principal flutist, from the Radio Symhony Orchestra Stuttgart.
Concerts to include debut performance at the Weiwuying Concert Hall in Kaohsiung, and Christian’s triumphant return to Xinghai Concert Hall. More information to follow!
Featuring the music of Franz Schubert, Nico Hümpel’s Silent Songs incorporates music, dance and the magic of theatre to tell a story.
Tune in later for more information!
***Due to COVID-19 this project has been postponed until further notice. Please stay tuned for new updates.***
Consisting of members from the Vienna Philharmonic and Vienna Symphonic Orchestra, the Viennese String Soloist is one of Vienna’s premiere chamber ensembles. Bringing the Viennese sound into an intimate the chamber setting.
One of the leading organist from Germany and a recipient of the ECHO Klassik prize, Christian Schmitt will premiere Toshio Hosokawa’s organ concerto in Tokyo with the Tokyo Metropolitan Sympony Orchestra in November 2019. The concerto by Hosokawa was composed and dedicated to Christian Schmitt, and was premiered in by Christian Schmitt and the Bamberg Symphony.
Working alongside Kimmo Pohjonen, Tero Saarinen’s Breath is the newest and last work in which he will dance on stage. Designed as a duo for dancer and accordion, Breath, takes the audience on a soundscape journey with lights and dance.
A new work by Yui Kawaguchi and Aki Takase, which tells the story of French sculptor Rodin and Japanese actress and Geisha Madame Hanako. Using jazz music and dance, and a DJ, the work was inspired by an exhibition of Rodin’s work that featured masks and busts of the Japanese actress, which led to a fascinating story of cross-cultural interchange in Paris in the early 20th century.
Stay tuned for more information on the touring dates and city.
Part of the da:ns festival presented by the Esplanade in Singapore, Hofesh Shechter will make their anticipated return with their most stunning and epic piece to date: Grand Finale. Performances will take place at the Esplanade in the Theatre for two nights on October 18th and 19th, 2020. Don’t miss out! For more information please visit the following website:
https://www.esplanade.com/festivals-and-series/dans-festival/2019/grand-finale
One of the most surreal and visceral work by Sasha Waltz, Körper will have the Singapore premiere at the Esplanade for the Singapore International Festival of the Arts in 2019.
Performances at the Esplanade Theatre on May 31 and June 1, 2019.
For more information please visit:
https://www.sifa.sg/programmes/dance/korper
For Naturally 7, the turning point came in the fall of 2007. From quiet success all over Europe they have been propelled onto the world stages, performing before millions of people. As the special guest of internationally acclaimed singer Michael Bublé, Naturally 7 have been met with standing ovations in Europe, the UK, Canada, Australia, and the US!
For Naturally 7, the turning point came in the fall of 2007. From quiet success all over Europe they have been propelled onto the world stages, performing before millions of people.
As the special guest of internationally acclaimed singer Michael Bublé, Naturally 7 have been met with standing ovations in Europe, the UK, Canada, Australia, and the US!
For Naturally 7, the turning point came in the fall of 2007. From quiet success all over Europe they have been propelled onto the world stages, performing before millions of people.
As the special guest of internationally acclaimed singer Michael Bublé, Naturally 7 have been met with standing ovations in Europe, the UK, Canada, Australia, and the US!
Performance of Grand Finale at the National Theatre, Taipei
The Art of Groove, Shanghai Concert Hall on September 7th, 2018
The quartet also participated in a masterclass with local jazz groups and students at the Shanghai Concert Hall on September 8th.
NCPA, Beijing
Xi’an Concert Hall, Xi’an, China
Seoul Arts Center, Seoul
National Concert Hall, Taipei
Hofesh Shechter Company made their China debut in 2018 at the Shanghai International Dance Centre with the Asian premiere of Grand Finale.
Kremerata Baltica’s debut performance at Beijing’s NCPA Concert Hall in a program of Mozart’s Violin Concerto No. 3.
Performances in 2017 included:
Private Event, Seoul
Tsuen Wan Town Hall, Hong Kong
National Concert Hall, Taipei
Special African themed festival at the World Cultural Festival 2017 in Hong Kong, Youssou NDour curated a special opening program featuring the best of West Africa as well as his Le Super Étoile de Dakar. Three performances were held at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre.
From Youssou NDour:
- It’s a huge honour and pleasure to come to Hong Kong. I am really excited to bring to you what I call New Africa: colourful, dynamic and joyful. This unique performance will take you on a journey through Africa exploring aspects of my musical heritage featuring a selection of songs from the traditional griot storytellers to present day Africa with its vibrant youth.
- Feel free to sing and dance with us. Enjoy the show!
2017 Asian Tour included:
- Hitomi Kinen Hall, Tokyo
- Kawasakishi Sport Sogo Bunka, Tokyo
- Shanghai International Arts Festival presented by Shanghai Concert Hall
- Macau International Festival of Music, Macau
- World Cultural Festival, Yuen Long Theatre, Hong Kong
- World Cultural Festival, Kwai Tsing Theatre, Hong Kong
- World Cultural Festival, Sha Tin Town Hall, Hong Kong
Performances with the Hong Kong Philharmonic in 2016-2017 season included Mahler’s Symphony No. 4 at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre.
Two city tour to Taipei at the National Concert Hall and Shanghai’s Oriental Art Center, featuring conductor Giovanni Antonini, and pianist Alexander Romanovsky.
A visually stunning interactive performance art in 3D with choreographer and dancer Yui Kawaguchi.
One of the most epic Japanese Noh dramas, Matsukaze, was re-envisioned by Sasha Waltz and with music composed by Toshio Hosokawa. The opening act for the 2016 New Vision Arts Festival was also the Asian premiere of Matsukaze at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre.
Five Sax return to Asia in 2016 included performances at the following:
Zhongli Arts Hall, Taiwan
Zhongshan Hall, Taichung, Taiwan
Dress Garden Hall, Gangnam, Seoul, Korea
Yuen Long Theatre, Hong Kong
Special Recital Tour with Gidon Kremer was produced in June 2016, and performed at the following venues:
Shanghai Concert Hall
Seoul Arts Center
Hofesh Shechter’s Sun returned to Macau Cultural Centre & National Theatre in Taipei in 2016.
One of Korea’s hottest B-Boy groups made their Hong Kong debut at the World Cultural Festival at Ko Shan Theatre.
A stunning visual display of Indian Gypsy culture thru dance, music and a fire-breather (fakir) for the World Cultural Festival in 2015.
Seoul Arts Centre with Ditto Ensemble, Seoul
Macau Cultural Centre, Macau
Shanghai Symphony Hall, Shanghai
Qintai Concert Hall, Wuhan, China
Jhih De Hall, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
Debut performance in China at Shanghai Concert Hall with Lim Dong Hyek, Stefan Jackiw, Richard Yongjae O’Neill, Steven Lin, Michael Nicholas, Daniel Chong, and Zhang DaXun. Program included Schubert’s Trout Quintet, and Brahms’ Piano Quartet No. 1.
Performed at the Concert Hall of Shanghai Symphony Hall with Shanghai Symphony Orchestra and conductor, Zhang Jie Min, at the MISA Festival 2015.
For the New Year concert of 2015, Concerto Budapest Symphony Orchestra embarked on a 4-day China tour to ring in the new year, including venues:
- Guangzhou Opera House
- Xiamen Banlam Grand Theatre
- Zhuhai Huafa Grand Theatre
- Shanghai Oriental Arts Centre
The comedic duo toured to major Asian cities in 2014:
“A Little Nightmare Music” @ Tongyeong Cultural Center, South Korea
Asian Premiere of “Scary Concert” @ National Concert Hall with National Symphony Orchestra Taiwan, Taipei
“And Now Mozart” @ Sha Tin Town Hall, Hong Kong
“And Now Mozart” @ Tsuen Wan Theatre, Hong Kong
“A Little Nightmare Music” @ Qintai Concert Hall, Wuhan, China
“And Now Mozart” @ Shanghai Symphony Hall, Shanghai
“A Little Nightmare Music” @ Forbidden City Concert Hall, Beijing
“Big Nightmare Music” @ Petronas Dewan Filharmonik with Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra, KL, Malaysia
Hofesh Shechter’s Political Mother Choreographer’s Cut opened the 2014 New Vision Arts Festival, and was also the company’s debut in Hong Kong.
Tongyeong Concert Hall, Tongyeong, Korea
Osaka Izumi Hall, Osaka, Japan
Lecture Hall, Hong Kong University
Slightly different text for tour season 2014/15. For Naturally 7, the turning point came in the fall of 2007. From quiet success all over Europe they have been propelled onto the world stages, performing before millions of people.
As the special guest of internationally acclaimed singer Michael Bublé, Naturally 7 have been met with standing ovations in Europe, the UK, Canada, Australia, and the US!
Performances at the World Cultural Festival were held at Sha Tin Town Hall.
Performance at the Opera House of NCPA in Beijing, with China National Symphony Orchestra conducted by Hu Yongyan.
NCPA, Beijing
Shanghai Oriental Arts Center, Shanghai
Guangzhou Opera House, Guangzhou
National Concert Hall, Taipei
Suntory Hall, Tokyo
Performances at the Kwai Tsing Theatre
Hong Kong Cultural Centre, Hong Kong
Seoul Arts Center, Seoul
Xinghai Concert Hall, Guangzhou
Shenzhen Concert Hall, Shenzhen
Performances at Shanghai Oriental Arts Centre, NCPA in Beijing, and Daejeon Arts Centre, South Korea.
Korean tour included performances at LG Art Center and Tongyeong Arts Center.
Performances at the NCPA Opera House in Beijing
Performance of Sibelius’ violin concerto with the Taipei Symphony.
Macau Cultural Centre
Shenzhen Concert Hall
Shanghai Concert Hall
Xinghai Concert Hall, Guangzhou
Sha Tin Town Hall, Hong Kong
Melbourne Recital Centre, Australia
Sydney Opera House, Australia
Queensland Performing Arts Centre, Brisbane
Macau Culture Centre
Shenzhen Concert Hall
Shanghai Oriental Arts Centre
Seongnam Art Centre, South Korea
NCPA, Beijing
Nagano, Japan,
Yokohama, Japan
Suntory Hall, Tokyo