Music touches the heart. In early November, Gold Members were invited to enjoy the Hong Kong Sinfonietta's musical program ‘Mahler and Richard Strauss – On Love and Death’, which explored the meaning of life through music, and featured world-renowned soprano Juliane Banse, who has returned to Hong Kong stage after seven years. Juliane Banse sang Mahler's first orchestral suite, “Lieder eines Fahrenden Gesellen”, and a number of songs written by Richard Strauss for his beloved wife. On the same night, Christoph Poppen, Music Director and Conductor, conducted the Orchestra in a performance of Richard Strauss's “Tod und Verklärung”, a transcendent tone poem contemplating and painting what lies beyond death.
Soprano Juliane Banse returned to Hong Kong after 7 years and gave a superb performance.
Juliane Banse has earned a reputation in the classical music world as a bright, full and soft voice that has been praised by critics time and time again. Her infectious performances have enchanted countless fans, and she is one of the few artists of her generation who is known for her wide-ranging repertoire and her ability to excel in many areas. Juliane Banse has worked with the world's leading opera houses and conductors and starred in numerous famous productions. Last year, Juliane Banse performed as a singer and dancer in Winterreise, winning high acclaim from all walks of life. In addition to her stage performances, she has released several albums and won numerous international recording awards, including two ECHO Klassik awards.
Performance of various works by Richard Strauss
The music program opened with Mozart's “Idomeneo Overture (K366)”, followed by a number of works by the renowned German composer and conductor Richard Strauss, in addition to the aforementioned “Tod und Verklärung (Op 24)”. They included “Die Georgine (Op 10 No 4)”, “Das Rosenband (Op 36 No 1)”, “Ruhe, Meine Seele (Op 27 No 1)”, “Allerseelen (Op 10 No 8)”, “Zueignung (Op 10 No 1)” & “Cäcilie (Op 27 No 2)”.
In addition, Hong Kong Sinfonietta performed the Asian premiere of Catalan composer Ferran Cruixent's “Solaria (2015)”, which was another highlight of the program. This time, members of The Centaline Club had the opportunity to enjoy the world-class soprano Juliane Banse's superb performance at close range, and the entire concert led the audience to think about the value of life, with a delicate and evocative feeling that left a lasting impression on the audience. Centaline Club will continue to offer such wonderful programs to our members, and welcome our customers to join us and enjoy life and art together.
(Some contents are excerpted from ‘Hong Kong Sinfonietta’)