Fragrance Notes

EVENT DESCRIPTION

In the Fragrance Notes concerts presented over 6–7 September, Musicus Society transports audiences back to the Belle Époque by bringing chamber music and floral installation together in a cross-art form collaboration, while revisiting the lesser-known history of flowers and greenery in Central district. Weaving a multi-sensory experience, three chamber concerts will take place on Friday, 6 September evening and Saturday, 7 September afternoon and evening at the Fringe Club. The program is funded by The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust.

Fragrance Notes harks back to the Belle Époque, a peaceful period as the 19th century transitions into the early 1910s, in which arts and culture flourished in France and Europe. The program features works by composers of this era: Puccini’s elegiac Crisantemi string quartet, composed upon the death of a dear friend; Ravel’s impressionistic Piano Trio in A minor full of varying colors; and César Franck’s ultra-expressive Piano Quintet in F minor – all exude shimmering beauty.

Enjoy up close, mesmerizing performances by award-winning musicians

In this autumnal musical treat, the Society proudly presents French violinist Fanny Clamagirand and Hong Kong pianist Aristo Sham as special guest artists. They have both won the Monte Carlo Music Masters and tour worldwide as acclaimed soloists. In Fragrance Notes, they will join Musicus Society Artistic Director and cellist Trey Lee, and young talents Helen Yu on violin and Lee Yat on viola. The smaller venue provides the chance to enjoy chamber music in an intimate salon-like setting at the Fringe Underground.

Explore the Heritage of Gardens in Central district through an Exhibition and Creative Floral Art

The Fringe Club is housed in the Old Dairy Farm Depot building, which dates to 1892 and serves as a fitting venue for music from the same period. Back then, the neighboring Wyndham Street was known as “Flower Street” due to the proliferation of florists, and the Hong Kong Zoological and Botanical Gardens and Green Bank, a former private garden, were only a short walk away. Complementing the concerts, a mini exhibition tells the story of these historical links of floral fragrance. Furthermore, the Society has invited veteran local floral artist Peggy Li to decorate the venue with original flower arrangements, enhancing the performance space by cultivating nature’s gifts in her unique and minimalist style.

PROGRAM

Performers

Violins: Fanny Clamagirand, Helen Yu

Viola: Lee Yat

Cello: Trey Lee

Piano: Aristo Sham