【Programme Introduction】
“Hoisting the Sail” (Macao Premiere) Comp. Chan Kam-biu
Hoisting the Sail symbolises the beginning of a new journey. As a new day dawns, bathed in warm sunlight, the orchestra sets sail with passion and purpose — reflecting on the past while looking ahead to new horizons. Commissioned in 2021 by the Windpipe Chinese Music Ensemble, this piece is a new work in the Cantonese music tradition, composed for Chinese ensemble by renowned composer Dr Chan Kam-Biu. The main theme is presented with ornamented and heterophonic textures, and the composition makes use of alternating instrumental voices and “shadowing” techniques to create a rich and dynamic sonic landscape.
“First Breeze of Spring” Comp. Teng Yu-hsien Arr. Kuan Nai-Chung
This music depicts a romantic and moving scene where a woman is thinking of her love under the moonlight.
“The Moon Represents My Heart” Comp. Weng Qingxi Arr. Qu Chunquan
This timeless love song became a signature hit for Teresa Teng. The title conveys the message that even when the moon appears to be hidden, it remains ever-present—just like a deep and enduring love.
“A Moonlit Night on the Spring River” Ancient tune Arr. Wang Fu Jian
This traditional piece was among the earliest ancient melodies to be adapted for modern Chinese instrumental ensemble in Shanghai, representing the development of Chinese music in the early 20th century.
“Spring river flows level with the sea; the moon rising over the ocean rises with the tide.”
Each note evokes a poetic sense of beauty, and every musical contour reflects the refinement of tradition.
The work unfolds like a meticulously rendered scroll painting — delicate in brushwork, soft in tone, and elegant in style — enchanting the listener with its timeless charm. It not only radiates the enduring brilliance of Chinese cultural heritage but also stands as a lasting classic.
“Beautiful Night”（also known as “New Year’s Eve Ditty”) Comp. Liu Tianhua Arr. Yan Hui-chang
Created in 1927 by Liu Tianhua, this piece was originally called New Year’s Eve Ditty. On the eve of Chinese New Year, some of the author’s students visited his home. Being very animated and infected by the excitement of New Year’s Eve, Liu picked up an erhu and suddenly began to improvise this piece of music. Amongst all of Liu Tianhua’s compositions for erhu, this was the one that took the least time to compose. Elegant and simple, this piece expresses the joy, satisfaction and carefree attitude of the author. In 1993, it was considered a “Classical Work of Chinese Music of the 20th Century” by the Association for the Promotion of Chinese National Culture.
“A Correr” Comp. Alain Oulman Orch. Ng Cheuk-yin
This piece opens the album A Correr by renowned Portuguese fado singer Camané, with music by Alain Oulman and lyrics by Manuela de Freitas. The version presented in this concert features orchestration by Ng Cheuk-yin.
“Lilau” Comp. Rão Kyao Arr. Kuan Nai-chung
In the open square,
The old banyan tree lets down its brown beard.
All around, birds sing with innocent joy,
Children chase each other in happiness.
Different tongues sing of the same delight…
Chinese, Portuguese, Patuá, and more…
The language does not matter — only hearts in harmony.
The Lord is merciful, the Bodhisattva compassionate.
Cultures come together in unity,
Like the strings of two guitars playing in harmony.
Do you hear the murmuring stream?
It is the spring of Lilau, ever flowing.
Ah…
The water of Lilau is sweet; once tasted, it lingers in the soul.
Even from distant lands, one longs to return home.
Deep among the lotus blooms lies my homeland.
Here are my children,
Here is my future.
“Peak Circle Walk” (Macao Premiere) Comp. Wong Hok-yeung
Located on the western side of Hong Kong Island, “Tai Ping Shan” is one of the city’s most iconic landmarks. Originally, the name referred specifically to the mid-level area around Tai Ping Shan Street, a historic enclave for the Chinese community during the 19th century. Over the years, remnants of its past still linger: incense wafting from age-old temples, tenement buildings nestled into the hillside, and hidden cafés and art galleries frequented by creative minds — all leaving gentle traces of history and a touch of nostalgia.
Stroll on Victoria Peak is the fifth movement of Echoes of Tai Ping Shan, a suite commissioned to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Windpipe Chinese Music Ensemble. Since the early days of colonial settlement, Tai Ping Shan has stood witness to Hong Kong’s growth and transformation. Its panoramic night view is renowned worldwide. Walking along the trails that circle the Peak offers not only sweeping vistas of Victoria Harbour and the lush southern districts, but also a quiet journey through the footprints of Hong Kong’s rich and layered history.
“Tang Resonating” (Excerpt) (Macao Premiere) Comp. Ng Cheuk-yin
The Tang dynasty was a golden era in Chinese history, marked by exceptional openness and thriving cultural exchanges with the outside world. In our present age, the rise of the internet has brought intercultural connectivity to an unprecedented global peak. Music and art now transcend boundaries and forms — styles collide, influence one another, and give birth to entirely new expressions. In this new golden age, should we safeguard our own cultural identity or embrace others with open arms? Can we find insight by looking back at the flourishing openness of the Tang dynasty?
The piece begins with an evocation of the mythical sonorities of the Tang era and takes the audience on a journey through East and West, ancient and modern — at times immersed in the bustle of a contemporary metropolis, and at others transported to the grandeur of an imperial court.
