Former Hong Kong academy trio return for Syrian appeal concert
Eclectic classical music programme by Eton College scholars will raise funds to relieve the plight of those living in war-torn Syria - and showcase the musical talents of British private school’s students
Three former Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts students on scholarship at Eton College in the UK will be playing in a concert on January 2 to raise funds for Oxfam’s Syria Crisis Appeal.
Organised by Eton Action, a charity set up by the British independent school in 1967 to allow its students to initiate fund-raising efforts, the one night only Eton College New Year’s Charity Concert will feature Hong Kiu Mak and Ludwig Cheng on the violin and Ryan Leung on the piano. Joining them will be organist Max Salata.
The programme is eclectic and will include Dietrich Buxtehude’s Toccata in F major, Frederic Chopin’s Ballade No. 1 and the Wieniawski Variations on an Original Theme.
Mak says the concert is a great opportunity to showcase Eton’s musical talents in Hong Kong and also to raise money for those in need.
“We all know how terribly the people in Syria are suffering, so we just want to do our small bit to help them out,” says the violinist. “Moreover, for many of us, this will almost be a homecoming concert as we studied in the APA before going to Eton.
“It will be great to perform in such a familiar venue again.”
According to Eton Action, the concert programme was devised so it appeals to a wide audience. The school (founded by Henry VI in 1440) has its own share of musical successes, producing composers and conductors such as Thomas Arne (who wrote the British national anthem), Roger Quilter, Peter Warlock, Stephen Layton and Richard Farnes.
For Mak, he is most looking forward to performing Pablo de Sarasate’s Zigeunerweisen. He says: “This is such a passionate Gypsy piece filled with brilliance and emotions. It is a classic party piece and a certain crowd-pleaser. I am sure the audience will enjoy it as much as I do.”
January 2, 8pm, Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts, 1 Gloucester Road, Wan Chai, HK$100-HK$300 HK Ticketing. Inquiries: 3128 8288
