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Dirk Luiten

Hong Kong troupe’s new production of Puccini’s opera Tosca is dramatically staged, but let down by the lack of chemistry between the singers in the lead roles.

Studio Ghibli composer Joe Hisaishi led a triptych of Hong Kong premieres from the podium himself, with the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra proving itself up to the musical challenges.

Having the cast of a stage performance of Cavalleria Rusticana in concert dress robs the work of drama, despite the orchestra’s best efforts. In Pagliacci, tenor Han Peng and soprano He Hui are more convincing.

British soloist makes light of the technical challenges of Rachmaninov’s Piano Concerto No 3 in a performance marred by Hong Kong Sinfonietta’s rhythmic imprecision and limited dynamic range.

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Pianist’s programme of sonatas by two composers from very different eras invites the audience to ‘find points of comparison and similarity’, he says. It did so, but left some unanswered questions.

Orchestra begins its 2021/22 season with a sublime performance of Beethoven’s violin concerto with concertmaster Jing Wang as soloist, and an uneven but ultimately uplifting rendition of his 7th symphony.

Musica Viva’s compelling Norma at Hong Kong City Hall had its high points, but occasionally over-dominant voices and a venue not designed for opera held it back.