Here is another view to Hong Kong, shopping and sightseeing is obligatory, for sure, but there is something more called music culture. We should be honest, the Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra is absolutely fabulous! It is considered one of the best on planet and even if you are not true orchestra fan (like me), you will be dismayed by their music.

Off the beaten track their music is rooted in the traditional Chinese heritage but their performances combine this with the contemporary full-scale works.

The Orchestra never stops working, learning and developing its art. Its members take the contemporary compositions and the Chinese tradition to produce the best acoustic effects. Like the modern companies, these guys have divisions too: Folk Folk Music group, Chamber Music group, Instrument R&D group and HKCO Pop. Cool!

Other interesting facts
Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra has a few Guinness records:
- Music from a Thousand Strings (2001) - the largest number of people performing the erhu at the same time
- The Earth Shall Move (2003) - Three thousand Hong Kong citizens played a drum piece
- Opening Ceremony of the Hong Kong Dizi and Xiao Festival (2005) - 500 musicians took part making it the largest number of people playing the dizi together

In the movies they took part in the soundtrack production of blockbuster movies like Warriors of Heaven and Earth and Kung Fu Hustle.

Eager to hear them?
Go to Hong Kong! The Orchestra organizes more than 100 regular and outreach concerts every year, as well as mass activities such as the Hong Kong Huqin Festival, the Hong Kong Drum Festival and the Hong Kong Dizi and Xiao Festival.

Check them out on www.hkco.org