1st June 2023 – (Hong Kong) Hong Kong music lovers are in for a treat as the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) presents a recital by acclaimed French pianist, Lise de la Salle. The recital, scheduled for mid-July, will showcase de la Salle’s exceptional talent as she performs classical masterpieces by Mozart, Ravel, Fauré, and Chopin at the Concert Hall of Hong Kong City Hall.
The theme of the recital is “Paris – City of Lights”, and de la Salle has planned an array of classical pieces for the occasion. The programme includes Mozart’s “Rondo in D, K. 485” and “Twelve Variations on ‘Ah vous dirai-je, maman’, K. 265”; three pieces from Ravel’s “Miroirs” – “Une barque sur l’océan”, “Oiseaux tristes” and “Alborada del gracioso”; Fauré’s “Barcarolle No. 4 in A-flat, Op. 44” and “Barcarolle No. 5 in F-sharp minor, Op. 66”; as well as Chopin’s “Ballade No. 1 in G minor, Op. 23” and “Ballade No. 4 in F minor, Op. 52”.
Lise de la Salle is amuch sought-after musician, with a string of awards and international concert appearances under her belt. She began playing the piano at the age of 4 and gave her first concert at the age of 9 in a live broadcast on Radio France. In 2014, she became the first Artist-in-Residence of the Zurich Opera. Over the years, de la Salle has performed with many of the world’s leading orchestras, including the London Symphony Orchestra, the Vienna Symphony, and the Orchestre National de France. Her playing has been described as “obvious” and “inspiring”, with one critic of French newspaper Le Monde writing, “Lise de la Salle reached a level of such obviousness, that it prevents us from imagining any other possible interpretation”.
The “Piano Recital by Lise de la Salle” will take place at 8pm on 17th July (Monday) at the Concert Hall of Hong Kong City Hall. Tickets are priced at $200, $280, $350, and $420 and are available for booking at URBTIX (www.urbtix.hk) or via telephone at 3166 1288. For program enquiries and concessionary schemes, the public may call 2268 7321 or visit the LCSD website at www.lcsd.gov.hk/CE/CulturalService/Programme/en/music/programs_1510.html.
Before the concert, a pre-concert talk will be held at 6.45 pm on 17th July (Monday) at the Committee Room North, 7/F, High Block, Hong Kong City Hall. Music critic Ernest Wan will host the talk in Cantonese, and admission is free with limited seats available on a first-come, first-served basis.
In addition, a masterclass jointly organised by the LCSD and the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts (HKAPA) will be held at 2 pm on July 16th (Sunday) at the Recital Hall of the HKAPA. The masterclass, which will be conducted in English, will provide young pianists and audiences with the opportunity to learn from de la Salle’s musicianship and experiences. Admission to the masterclass is free, but online registration is required on a first-come, first-served basis. For more details, please visit the above-mentioned website.
