Hong Kong City Hall in Central｜World Symphony Concert

Description

Presented by the Global Symphony Orchestra

WORLD SYMPHONY CONCERT: A NIGHT OF MUSIC COMEDY

PROGRAMME

Jacques Offenbach: Overture to Orpheus in the Underworld

Camille Saint-Saëns: The Carnival of the Animals for Two Pianos and Orchestra

Joseph Haydn: Symphony No. 45 in F-sharp minor, "Farewell" (Finale)

Felix Mendelssohn: Violin Concerto in E minor, Op. 64

Ludwig van Beethoven: Rage Over a Lost Penny (Arranged for Orchestra by Maestro Mak)

Gioachino Rossini: "The Rice Aria" (Di tanti palpiti) & Duetto buffo di due gatti ("Cat Duet")

Cantopop Selection: Persian Cat (波斯貓)

Introduction:

The World Symphony Concert Series

Debuted in 2013 at the Hong Kong City Hall, the World Symphony Concert serves as the flagship performance series of the Global Symphony Orchestra (GSO). Under the inspired guidance of Maestro Gustav Ka Lok Mak, this celebrated event regularly invites world-renowned international soloists to share the stage.

Global Symphony Orchestra (GSO)The Global Symphony Orchestra (GSO) is an esteemed cultural institution spearheaded by its Chairman, Aliena Wong. The orchestra is committed to producing high-quality symphonic performances, anchored by its "World Symphony Concert" series. Beyond its global initiatives, a core pillar of GSO’s mission is to provide HK and Chinese musicians with a rigorous, professional performing platform. Maestro Mak and the GSO were officially honored with the world-class Austrian Music Theatre Prize in 2018, reinforcing the orchestra's reputation as a globally recognized vanguard of musical innovation.

Maestro Gustav Ka Lok Mak (Music Director & Conductor)

Maestro Gustav Ka Lok Mak is the distinguished Music Director, Conductor, and Composer of the Global Symphony Orchestra. Celebrated internationally for his deep musical intellect and authoritative podium presence, his visionary artistic leadership has earned prestigious global accolades. These honors include the Cultural Award from Russia (2000), the Austrian Music Theatre Prize (2018), the Decoration of Honour in Gold from Austria (2022), and the Distinguished Citizen Award from Shunde, China.

Maestro Mak has guest-conducted premier orchestras across China and the Western world, releasing acclaimed CDs and DVDs under major global industry labels such as BMG and Hugo Production. His composition, The Legend of Confucius, received the Outstanding Theatrical Work Award from the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of China. His cultural influence was further recognized nationally when he was featured on the Music Traveler program on China’s central television network, CCTV Channel 15.

Featured Guest Artist & Soloists

Eunmi Lee (Guest Violinist – South Korea): Born in Seoul, violinist Eunmi Lee holds degrees from Seoul National University and the Hochschule für Musik Dresden in Germany. A multi-award-winning international soloist, she secured consecutive top prizes at the Marie Cantagrill, Camillo Sivori, Caffa Richetti, and Gianluca Campochiaro international competitions. Lee has performed as a featured soloist with the Berlin Symphoniker and the Hungarian State Symphony Orchestra. An esteemed pedagogue, she serves as Vice President and Principal Professor at the Seoul Central Conservatory.

Aliena Wong (Pianist): Aliena Wong completed her performance training in England and at Russia's historic Saint Petersburg State Conservatory. Since 2013, she has served dual roles as the organizational Chairman and Resident Pianist of the Global Symphony Orchestra. Since GSO establishment, Aliena Wong has performed major piano repertoires with GSO.

Fiona Lee (Pianist): Born in Hong Kong, Fiona Lee holds a Bachelor of Arts in Music from the University of East Anglia, United Kingdom. She is structurally devoted to inspiring children. She received a distinction from Hong Kong Baptist University for her post-graduate research in music and child development.

Samantha Chong (Mezzo-Soprano): Samantha Chong is an acclaimed Hong Kong mezzo-soprano who graduated from The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts. A decorated champion of multiple national and regional ASEAN vocal competitions, she has performed prominent operatic roles in partnership with the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra, WestK, and Opera Hong Kong.

Colette Lam (Soprano): Colette Lam, affectionately known to Hong Kong mainstream media audiences and sports fans as "Ah Lek" (阿叻). She is widely recognized both as a professional, highly analytical horse racing television presenter and as an accomplished classical soprano singer. Her previous vocal collaborations with the GSO have routinely earned splendid applause from the audience.