Connie Talk EP15 | When nation's treasure walks on international stage: A natural rhapsody of HKCO

Someone once said, "Music is the universal language of mankind." Everyone can gain insights and understanding from music, and the pieces that encompass traditional Chinese elements transport people back through the vast history during the magnificent performances of different instruments, allowing them to experience the true essence of culture.

Founded in 1977, the Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra (HKCO) has won accolades as "a leader in Chinese ethnic music" and "a cultural ambassador of Hong Kong". It is often invited to perform at famous venues and festivals all over the world, having covered Europe, North America, Asia, Australia and the Arctic Circle to date. It is therefore acclaimed as a leader among full-sized Chinese music ensembles in the international arena today. On the basis of its outstanding achievements, the Orchestra is committed to innovate, to change the forms of Chinese music expression, to carry on the soulful tunes of Chinese music, and to bring Chinese culture to the center of the world.

At the same time, by using eco-friendly instruments, the Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra has truly achieved a state of 'harmony between humanity and nature,' integrating the concept of environmental protection into Chinese music, allowing this time-honored art form to blend with contemporary ideas and breathe new life into it.

In this episode, we have invited Prof Hubert Yan Huichang, Artistic Director and Principal Conductor for Life Director of the Orchestral Academy of the HK Chinese Orchestra, who joined the Orchestra in 1996.

Yan, the renowned conductor of the Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra, has been recognized for his outstanding contributions to Chinese music with a series of prestigious awards. He was awarded the Bronze Bauhinia Star (BBS) in 2004 and the Silver Bauhinia Star (SBS) in 2018 by the Hong Kong government.

In front of the camera, Prof Yan talked about his "fate" with the HKCO, his memory and thoughts on the creation of art, and how he would like to see the development of the Orchestra. Let's take a look!

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