The Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra (HK Phil) performed with Korean violinist Inmo Yang at the Seoul Arts Center in Seoul, Korea, today (October 28) as the first stop of their Korean tour.
 
     Speaking at a reception before the concert, the Principal Hong Kong Economic and Trade Representative (Tokyo), Miss Winsome Au, said that the HK Phil is truly Hong Kong's cultural ambassador. 
 
     "The HK Phil serves not only as a beacon of joy for music enthusiasts in Hong Kong, but also carries our cultural voice to the world beyond borders. We are proud that it was named by British classical music magazine Gramophone as Orchestra of the Year in 2019 - the first Asian orchestra entering this world-class Hall of Fame," Miss Au said.
 
     She noted that the first performance of the HK Phil in Korea dated back to 1986, and that it last toured Korea in 2017. 
 
     "Today, it is with immense joy that we welcome and support the HK Phil to return to the prestigious Seoul Arts Center. They come bearing the gift of extraordinary music, alongside celebrated Korean violinist Mr Inmo Yang, who is the first Korean to win the Sibelius Competition last year. We are thrilled by this much-anticipated collaboration among Asia's finest musicians," she said.
 
     After the concert in Seoul today, the HK Phil will proceed to Daegu to present another concert at Daegu Concert House tomorrow (October 29).
 
     The performances by the HK Phil in Korea are supported by the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Tokyo, which is the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government's official representative in Japan and Korea.

Ends/Saturday, October 28, 2023
Issued at HKT 22:36

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