On the evening of December 28th, renowned conductor Yan Huichang led the Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra in a triumphant return to Xinghai Concert Hall after 17 years, presenting the "One Hundred Chinese Music Classics Select" as part of a traditional Chinese music feast to welcome the New Year. Established in 1977, the Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra is celebrated as a "leader in Chinese ethnic music" and a "cultural ambassador of Hong Kong." Over the years, the orchestra has commissioned or arranged over 2,400 works, setting a record as the most in the world.

The concert featured a variety of joyful and festive pieces, including Shanxi folk wind and percussion music that embodies national celebration, compositions that extol the spirit of the nation, and "Yunnan Scenes," which showcases the beauty of Yunnan landscape. Notably, the orchestra invited middle and primary school students from Guangzhou to perform "Tang Resonating," which invigorates the audience, creating a warm and enthusiastic atmosphere.

In an interview, artistic director Yan Huichang summarized the orchestra's characteristics as "rooted in tradition, innovative, eclectic, and unique." Over its 48 music seasons, the orchestra has offered a rich array of performances, including a series of concerts that showcase its prowess, as well as crossover concerts, concerts for young musicians, and traditional folk concerts.

Since taking the helm in 1997, Yan has been leading the orchestra's development with his exceptional skill and insights. He believes that creating a first-class orchestra requires "embracing technology and the internet." As early as 2003, he collaborated with nine major orchestras to conduct an international online poll to select "Classic Chinese Music of the Century." He also initiated the production of Chinese music videos, online Chinese music festivals, and the world's first "online concert hall," and even incorporated AR technology into concert season brochures to enhance the audience's listening experience.

The orchestra has also made significant strides in instrument innovation. For example, the erhu, traditionally made with python skin, posed challenges for musicians traveling abroad due to its environmental unfriendliness. The orchestra now uses environmentally friendly synthetic leather, which ensures stable performance, sound quality, and volume unaffected by climate conditions.

In addition to its artistic endeavors, the Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra is also devoted to promoting music education and its community outreach, hosting dozens, if not hundreds, of public performances each year to bring the beauty of Chinese music to the wider public.

Source :Lingnan on the Cloud

时隔17年重返星海，香港中乐团掀起国乐狂欢

12月28日晚，著名指挥家阎惠昌携香港中乐团，时隔17年重回星海音乐厅，奏响“中乐百首精选”经典作品，带来一场国乐盛宴迎接新年。成立于1977年的香港中乐团，有“民乐翘楚”“香港文化大使”美誉。多年来，乐团委约或委编作品超2400首，创“世界第一”。音乐会选取诸多欢快喜庆之作，像展现举国同庆的山西民间吹打乐，歌颂民族精神的乐曲，还有呈现云南风光的《云南风情》。特别的是，乐团邀请广州中小学生共演《唐响》，带动全场互动，气氛热烈。

艺术总监阎惠昌接受采访时，用“植根传统、锐意创新、不拘一格、自成一体”概括香港中乐团特色。乐团走过48个乐季，乐季内容丰富，有展现实力的系列音乐会，还有跨界、青年音乐家、传统中小型民间音乐会等。

自1997年掌舵乐团，阎惠昌凭精湛技艺与独到见解引领其发展。他认为打造一流乐团要“拥抱科技与互联网”，早在2003年就联合九大乐团国际网络投票选“世纪中乐名曲”，后策划中乐MV、网上中乐节、全球首个“网上音乐厅”，还在乐季小册子融入AR技术，让听众便捷赏乐。

在乐器革新上，乐团也成果显著。以二胡为例，传统用蟒蛇皮制作，既不环保，又使演奏家出国演出遇阻。如今采用环保合成皮，性能稳定，音色、声量不受气候影响。

此外，香港中乐团还热心社会普及、音乐教育与社区推广，每年举办几十场甚至上百场惠民演出，让国乐之美深入大众。

文丨记者 艾修煜
图丨香港中乐团
翻译 | 洪婷
审校 | 林佳岱