Classic becomes classic and timeless with new contemporary twist, and this is what Hong Kong audience will experience another new classic moment with French classical pianist Anne Queffélec. Queffélec, unanimously considered as one of the most remarkable pianists of our time in not only France but also abroad, enjoys international fame as well as an exceptional influence over her musical life.

Paris combo has drawn raves from the critics and Hong Kong audiences by their outstanding performance in 2014 and they are coming back! After 5 albums and two decades spent criss-crossing the globe, Paris Combo is doing a world tour since 2015 with a new collection of songs, the aptly titled “5”. Having a unique cosmopolitan sound, this French band is considered as one of the most piquant, intriguing groups on the international music scene. Fronted by the mischievous vocals of chanteuse Belle du Berry, the combo have struck a chord with critics and audiences alike for their fun-loving mix of jazz, cabaret, gypsy, French pop, Latino and Middle Eastern rhythms. One exciting highlight of the concert is that this time in Hong Kong, Paris combo will re-interpret several tunes with some Hong Kong guest artists, members from renowned fusion band SIU2. Melting down borders between genres, the band weaves sounds of traditional Chinese music instruments (sheng, sanxian, zheng), and western instruments (piano, bass guitar and drums). It is one-of-a-kind and its sound not something one can hear anywhere else, a sonic portrayal of the juxtaposition of disparate cultural elements in Hong Kong. Want to see how Paris Combo and SIU2 make western and Chinese music sparkle in their hands? The 2 nights of exclusive live performances are definitely not to be missed.

French trumpet master Guy Touvron is widely regarded as one of the most prominent artists in the world for the instrument. Winner of multiple international prizes and an accomplished soloist, he has given over 3,000 concerts worldwide and has over 75 recordings under his name.
The Hong Kong Wind Kamerata features Hong Kong’s most talented wind players who are dedicated to promoting the rich wind repertoire throughout the region. They have toured to Switzerland, Tokyo, Beijing, Shanghai, Taiwan, New York City and have appeared in important festivals at home and abroad. The group has collaborated with a number of world class artists.
In this year’s edition of Le French May Festival, Guy Touvron together with the Hong Kong Trumpet Ensemble will join the Hong Kong Wind Kamerata in bringing you an evening of delightful wind music.

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Programme
Rameau
Orchestral Suite from Operas

Haydn
Symphony No 103 in E-flat, “Drum Roll”

Ligeti
Melodien (1971) (Hong Kong première)

Mozart
Piano Concerto No 17 in G, K453

French accordion virtuoso Richard Galliano is a rare and versatile talent known for drawing an extraordinary range of colours from his instrument. In this concert he offers a fresh new twist on Vivaldi’s Four Seasons and then takes up the bandoneon for an exhilarating musical tribute to tango master Astor Piazzolla, CCOHK completes the Latin-Baroque tinge with a zestful Bach-like fugue in Villa-Lobos’ Bachianas Brasileiras No.9 conducted by Jean Thorel.
Programme :
Vivaldi, The Four Seasons
Villa-Lobos, Bachianas Brasileiras No. 9
Piazzolla, Concerto for Bandoneón
Piazzolla, Adios Nonino
Richard Galliano, La Valse à Margaux

Hailed by the Washington Post as “a seasoned phenomenon”, Narek Hakhnazaryan is recognised world-wide as one of the finest cellists of his generation. Since winning the Cello First Prize and Gold Medal at the XIV International Tchaikovsky Competition in 2011 at the age of 22, he has forged strong relationships across the globe with orchestras such as the Mariinsky Orchestra, Seoul Philharmonic, Filarmonica de la Scala and the London Philharmonic. Hakhnazaryan was selected to the prestigious 2014 BBC New Generation Artists Scheme, and his performances are broadcast regularly on BBC Radio 3.
Programme
FAURÉ － Élégie, Op.24
DEBUSSY － Cello Sonata in D minor, L. 135
MASSENET － Meditation de Thaïs
FAURÉ － Papillon, Op.77
SAINT-SAËNS － Allegro appassionato, Op.43
FAURÉ － 3 Songs, Op.7 Après un rêve (No.1)
FRANCK － Sonata in A major

Programme
Haydn
Symphony No 6 in D, “Le Matin”

Mozart
Piano Concerto No 14 in E-flat, K449

Richard Strauss
Burleske in D minor for Piano & Orchestra

Richard Strauss
Death and Transfiguration, Op 24

Programme
Franck
Prélude, Choral et Fugue in B minor, Op 21

Debussy
Images, Book 2

Fauré
Nocturne No 7 in C-sharp minor, Op 74

Fauré
Nocturne No 6 in D-flat, Op 63

Ravel
Gaspard de la Nuit

A disciple of Vlado Perlemuter and Jean Hubeau, Michel Dalberto is a great heir of French piano music. Upon winning the Leeds Piano Competition, Clara Haskil Prize and the First Mozart Competition in Salzburg at his early age, Dalberto established his leading role as one of Europe’s most artistically sensitive and perceptive pianists. He is currently piano professor at the Paris Conservatory, also adjudicating at Leeds, Rubinstein, Dublin and Montréal competitions.

Sabine Devieilhe and Raphaël Pichon with Ensemble Pygmalion shares the great composer’s love story in an intimate concert.
Let this irresistible performance take you on an unforgettable musical journey of Mozart to appreciate his music and learn about his splendid stories with the Weber sisters. Sabine Devieilhe and Raphaël Pichon, two rising stars from France bring you this impressive and refreshing music collaboration at their Asian debut – the Opening Concert of Le French May 2016. The program featured pays tribute to the well-loved, famous classical composer. Various pieces by Mozart are reinterpreted in a brand-new way, celebrating the romantic love story of this musical genius.
Two of the most thrilling, successful young talents of classical music work together on Mozart’ s pieces for the first time. Brilliant coloratura soprano Sabine Devieilhe praised by international critics songs beautifully and naturally; and Raphaël Pichon is one of the youngest conductors worldwide and founder of the award-winning orchestra, Pygmalion.
Mark your diary, and join this fascinating music event with us.