Tarmo Peltokoski began his tenure as music director of the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra with the ensemble’s first performances of Mahler’s Symphony No. 8 on November 7 and 8 at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre Concert Hall, BroadwayWorld reported.
The concerts brought together nearly 600 performers, including six choirs and eight soloists, before approximately 2,500 audience members. Among the participating ensembles were local school choirs from St. Paul’s Co-educational College and Ying Wa College, alongside the Hong Kong Children’s Choir, the Hong Kong Philharmonic Chorus, The Learners Chorus and the London Philharmonic Choir.
BroadwayWorld reported that both performances drew enthusiastic applause and standing ovations. With these concerts, the orchestra has now presented all of the Mahler symphonies.
Following the opening performance, the orchestra hosted a reception attended by Miss Rosanna Law, Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, along with board members, sponsors and orchestra members. Chairman David Cogman noted that Peltokoski regards Mahler’s Eighth Symphony as a work reserved for special occasions, making it a fitting choice for his inaugural concert.
The evening concluded with a surprise performance featuring excerpts from Mozart’s The Magic Flute, BroadwayWorld reported.
For more information, visit broadwayworld.com.