In October the CCOHK gave a special performance with Danish recorder virtuoso Michala Petri and the world premiere of a new work by Richard Harvey to mark the orchestra’s 10th Anniversary. In the same month the CCOHK gave its debut at Musicarama in a concert of all contemporary works including the world premiere of Therese Brenet’s Seuls tes yeux demeurerent… Here are some comments from audience members who attended the concerts and photos of the performances.

Michala Petri & CCOHK: 10th Anniversary Concert



Audience comments:

For your 10th anniversary, a perfect “10”: new things and old, beautiful blend, lovely sound, wonderful soloist (of course). Balance and size suiting your forces so well, music seldom otherwise heard – and personally, music all new for me, even Haydn and Sibelius (this one a delightful discovery).
Mr. Kane (Cheung Chau)

The performance of CCOHK and Michala Petri was extraordinary. Thank you so much for giving us countless touching moments. CCOHK has planted cultural seeds in this “cultural desert”. These seeds have surely paid off throughout the decade. My best wishes to the CCOHK for their 10th anniversary.
Miss Mok (North Point)

A musically fulfilling performance and world premiere of Richard Harvey’s Concerto Incantato. Absolutely enchanting! The audience was spellbound and taken to another world! It was such a good variety of music too from Haydn’s Symphony No. 39 in G minor to Piazzolla’s Tangazo. Keep up the music momentum CCOHK!
Ms. Ching (Hong Kong)

Great! Aside from the brilliant recorder player Michala Petri, there was a great sharing of music by the brilliant and energetic chief conductor Jean Thorel and the committed CCOHK musicians. I also enjoyed the variety of music performed in this concert, in particular the Impromptu by Jean Sibelius – such a wonderful work yet very rarely heard and performed.
Miss Choi (Hong Kong)

A delightful evening spent in the jewel-bright company of a talented ensemble led by a wonderfully enthusiastic and expressive conductor.
Mrs. Gaylord (Hong Kong)

This is the first time I have heard the CCOHK in performance. I think tonight’s concert was special. I have never heard anything like it before, the pieces and some of the techniques included. What I heard tonight I seldom see in the other orchestras.
Mr. Siu (Kowloon)

The programming for this concert was well though out. There were classical and contemporary works, played by both the world-renowned recorder player Michala Petri and the CCOHK. Petri and the CCOHK made for a brilliant match and brought out the best of each other throughout the performance. Besides the recorder pieces, the Sibelius Impromptu was a nice surprise. The cello section has a nice warm and sweet sound. Harvey’s premiere was also magnificent and brilliant and sounded gorgeous. It is not the kind of work you get to hear everyday!
Mr. Fok (Taikoo Shing)

A very impressive and passionate performance. I never imagined that the recorder could act as the major soloist with an orchestra. The performance was very heart-felt, touching and full of novelty and new sounds.
Mrs. Chan (Kennedy Town)

This is the first time I have heard the CCOHK in concert. I am impressed by the musical excellence of the orchestra. I am impressed by Jean Thorel, the conductor whose style and manner of conducting is a show in itself. Michala Petri’s performance was just charming. I am enchanted. For sure I will come again!
Dr. Yau (Kowloon)

A very impressive, passionate and moving performance. The performance was well communicated, heart felt and full of novelty and the unexpected.
Mr. Lee (Sha Tin)

Bravo for introducing the recorder to the concert hall which is relatively rare to be heard around here. A good variety of music and musicians from different nationalities - Piazzolla’s composition included. Nice.
Miss Chang (Hong Kong)

It was simply a mesmerising performance played with passion, precision and panache. Bravo!
Mr. Ong (Ap Lei Chau)

I feel pleased, inspired and satisfied about tonight’s performance. I always thought that the recorder has no important part to play with an orchestra, let alone as a solo instrument. After tonight’s performance however, my perspective on this has changed. I never imagined that the character and sonorities of the recorder could be so diverse – both melancholy and light-hearted. Tonight’s programme started with Haydn symphony which immediately won my heart. The Vivaldi to follow showed the lively side of the recorder. Harvey’s concerto was the highlight. The whole piece gave a magical atmosphere. Michala Petri’s playing was riveting and her technique was absolutely superb. Her title as queen of the recorder is totally justified!
Mr. Lam (Kwun Tong)

I like tonight’s performance very much. Both Michala Petri and the CCOHK were really professional and excellent. Their collaboration was so wonderful, and definitely opened up my musical horizons.
Mr. Wong (Kowloon)

Tonight’s performance was excellent. The ravishing tunes of Petri’s recorders blended well with the orchestra. All the performers were outstanding. I had a very entertaining night.
Mr. Chan (Sha Tin)

I brought my 9-year-old son along to this concert as he is learning recorder now at school. He never thought that such a simple instrument can play such marvellous music. Michala Petri’s exquisite performance has definitely stirred up his interest in learning the recorder. Praise should be given to all the players in the CCOHK for such a musical performance.
Ms. Lee (Wan Chai)

A very eclectic program. An excellent surprise with this world premiere! Thanks!
Mr. Bonnevialle (Mid Levels)

Good. The performance sounded together with crisp playing and interpretation. I loved the juxtaposition of Richard Harvey’s fairy-like commission and Piazzolla’s Tangazo. It was really a fun evening. Thank you!!
Dr. Wo (Sai Ying Pun)


New Images of the City Chamber Orchestra of Hong Kong
(Musicarama 2009)



Audience comments:

A truly fascinating performance of extraordinary pieces, executed with emotion and sensitivity. While listening, I felt curious because I could not predict what I would hear next. The pieces were filled with intense suspense and enchantment. There was innovative use of vocal shrieks and sounds in “Opening of the Stage”. It was all marvellously impressive. The CCOHK proves that orchestral performances aren’t dead! Beautiful!
Mr. Barit (Lantau)

All the new works were performed wonderfully under the direction of CCOHK’s chief conductor Jean Thorel. A marvellous concert which is very successful in promoting contemporary music!
Mr. Leung (Yuen Long)

I liked Yii Kah Hoe’s “Opening of the Stage” best of all. The woodwind & brass instruments played some special effects and produced a very special atmosphere.
Miss Howe (Wan Chai)


Friends who attend our concerts and are successful in having their comments published on this page will win TWO FREE TICKETS to one of our future concerts. Congratulations to these friends! We will be in touch with you soon!