German violinist Julia Fischer, the Artist of the Year at the 2007 Gramophone Awards, is recognised worldwide for possessing a talent of uncommon ability – her “soulful poise and beautifully produced tone” (The Telegraph) combined with rare “technical brilliance” (The Guardian) make her one of the most sought after soloists today. She will collaborate with pianist Martin Helmchen for a recital in October featuring Dvo?ák’s “Sonatina for Violin in G”, Schubert’s “Sonatina for Violin in D” and Brahms’ “Violin Sonata No. 3 in D Minor”.

The ensemble will perform Poulenc’s “Trio for Oboe, Bassoon and Piano” and “Sextet”, as well as Saint-Saëns’ “Caprice sur des airs Danois et Russes”. The concert will also feature the Hong Kong premiere of Hersant’s “Sextet” written for Les Vents Franҫais, commissioned by Festival Salon de Provence, France.

Les Vents Français comprises principal flute of Berliner Philharmoniker Emmanuel Pahud, clarinetist Paul Meyer, oboist Franҫois Leleux, horn player Radovan Vlatković, principal bassoon of the Paris Opera Gilbert Audin and pianist Eric Le Sage. The six members are virtuosi in their own right. It focuses on presenting rarely performed masterpieces. It emphasises the French tradition of bringing out the very best in each player even in ensemble performances. The members and formations, ranging from small groups to large ensembles, vary according to the repertoire.

World-class cellist Mischa Maisky will return with his pianist daughter Lily Maisky for a recital in November.

Focusing on classic French cello music, the Maisky duo will perform Fauré’s “Elégie, Op. 24”, Franck’s “Sonata in A”, Saint-Saëns’ “Mon coeur s’ouvre à ta voix” (from Samson et Dalila), Debussy’s “Minstrels” (from Préludes, Book I, No. 12), Piazzola’s “Le Grand Tango” and five works by Poulenc.

One of the best known cellists, Mischa Maisky has long enjoyed global recognition for his passionate and sensual performances. Born in Latvia and repatriated to Israel, Mischa embarked on an international career, frequently collaborating with acclaimed musicians such as Martha Argerich and Radu Lupu. His recordings have been awarded the Echo Deutscher Schallplattenpreis three times and the Grand Prix du Disque in Paris. Having lived in many countries, Mischa considers himself a citizen of the world, and feels at home anywhere that people appreciate and enjoy music.

Lily Maisky was born in Paris and moved to Brussels soon after, and began playing the piano at the age of 4. She has received masterclasses and musical advice from various renowned artists including Martha Argerich, Dmitri Bashkirov and Vitalij Margulis. Concert appearances have taken Lily throughout Europe as well as to the Far East, and she has been invited to plat at many of the great festivals.

World-renowned pianist Murray Perahia will make a welcome return to Hong Kong in October, following his acclaimed performance with the Academy of St Martin in the Fields in 2014.

The poetic pianist will perform Haydn’s “Variations in F Minor, Hob. XVII: 6” and Mozart’s “Piano Sonata No. 8 in A Minor, K. 310”, as well as five late piano works by Brahms and Beethoven’s most technically challenging piano composition, “Piano Sonata No. 29, ‘Hammerklavier'”.

The not-to-be-missed recital will be held at 8pm on April 17 (Sunday) at the Concert Hall of the Hong Kong Cultural Centre. The programme will include Vitali’s “Chaconne in G Minor”, Beethoven’s “Violin Sonata No. 9 in A” and Ravel’s “Violin Sonata No. 2 in G”. Other works will be announced by Bell during the performance.