The Hong Kong Jockey Club Community Project Grant: Musicus Heritage Stories – Tastes and Timbres

EVENT DESCRIPTION

In Tastes and Timbres, Musicus Soloists Hong Kong (MSHK) embraces its hometown’s diversity and reputation as a cultural melting pot. Inspired by Tai Kwun’s historic surroundings and the neighborhood’s rich multicultural heritage, where diverse flavors and traditions have long intertwined, these outstanding artists weave a sublime musical feast spanning Western masterworks and Chinese tunes.

Acclaimed for playing with “remarkable precision and brilliance”, MSHK accompanies Artistic Director and cellist Trey Lee in Couperin’s lyrical Pièces en concert. Joining the energetic ensemble are two illustrious guest leaders: the Finnish-Estonian violinist Anna-Liisa Bezrodny, a highly in-demand soloist and Guildhall Gold Medalist; and the South African violinist/violist Gareth Lubbe, former principal violist of the Leipzig Gewandhaus Orchestra. Ravel’s whimsical Mother Goose Suite is given a new twist in Alfred Wong’s special re-arrangement. The program also presents the Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra Ensemble in a newly commissioned work.

Trey will lead chamber concerts interweaving South African folk songs with music by Bach and more, and Lubbe’s ethereal, spellbinding overtone singing in this world music showcase.

Tastes and Timbres also features a collaboration with artist Vanessa Choi, who has designed bespoke scents inspired by Hong Kong’s vibrant diversity. A union of flowing music and aromas that will unfailingly evoke impressions and memories.

Master Classes | 26 & 30.5.2026 (Tue & Sat) | Free
Conducted in English. Open to public observation after registration.

26 May (Tue) 6:00pm – 7:30pm
Viola & Chamber Music Master Class by Gareth Lubbe
Venue: Rehearsal Room CR1, Hong Kong Cultural Centre Concert Hall
30 May (Sat) 11:00am – 1:00pm
Violin Master Class by Anna-Liisa Bezrodny
Venue: JC Cube, Tai Kwun

Ensemble Concerts | 29 & 30.5.2026 (Fri & Sat) 8pm 
Duration of each concert is approximately 1 hour 15 minutes, including an intermission.

Rameau
Concert en sextuor No. 6
Ng Cheuk Yin
Chinese Ensemble Music (Commissioned by HKCO / World Premiere)
Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra Ensemble
Couperin (arr. Paul Bazelaire)
Pieces en concert (arranged for cello and string orchestra)
Cello: Trey Lee
Ravel (arr. Alfred Wong)
Ma mère l’Oye (Mother Goose) Suite

Performers:
Artistic Director / Cello: Trey Lee
Guest Concertmaster: Anna-Liisa Bezrodny
Guest Principal Second Violin: Gareth Lubbe
Guest Appearance: Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra Ensemble
Zhang Ying (pipa), Chan Chi Yuk (dizi), Wei Shen-fu (sheng), Lee Yi-chien (zheng), Miao Shih-jhe (percussion)

Musicus Soloists Hong Kong:
Violin: Ian Cheung, Francis Chik, Chow Yip-wai, Jonathan Leung, Sophie Leung, Sally Ma, Anthony Poon, Helen Yu
Viola: Hoi Yan-lok, Martin Kuo, Yat Lee, Annis Ma
Cello: Kin Chen, Cheng Yan-ho, Jia Nan
Double Bass: Barry Chan*, Evette Chiu*
*Guest members

Chamber Concerts | 31.5.2026 (Sun) 2:00pm, 4:00pm 
Duration of each concert is approximately 1 hour, without intermission.

South African folk music and works by J.S. Bach and Morricone

Performers:
Artistic Director / Cello: Trey Lee
Viola / Vocalist: Gareth Lubbe
Double Bass: Evette Chiu
Piano: Prudence Poon
Musicus Alumna: Yumi Liu
Post-concert heritage tour “We All Belong” available on a first-come, first-served basis. Advance registration required.
Conducted in English, supplemented with Cantonese. Duration is approximately 1 hour.