[28 April, 2026, Hong Kong] Musica Viva is proud to announce its latest production, “Manuel de Falla 150 – A Recital of Chamber and Vocal Music in Celebration of the 150th Anniversary of the Composer’s Birth” a rare and prestigious recital of chamber and vocal music dedicated to the 150th birth anniversary of one of Spain’s most influential composers. Under the artistic direction of the Musica Viva founder Prof. Lo Kingman, the concert will take place on 13 May 2026 at the Hong Kong City Hall Theatre. The commemorative concert offers a vibrant journey through the legacy of one of Spain’s most influential musical figures, whose work is deeply rooted in Andalusian tradition yet refined through European modernism, and remains a cornerstone of the twentieth‑century repertoire.
The man who defined Spain’s musical identity in the 20th century
Manuel de Falla (1876–1946) stands as the most distinguished Spanish composer of the early 20th century and a pivotal figure in musical nationalism. By masterfully blending the raw energy of Spanish folk traditions with the refined textures of Impressionism and the structural clarity of Neoclassicism, Falla elevated the music of his homeland to the global stage. After achieving international acclaim in Paris—where he was mentored by luminaries such as Debussy and Dukas—he returned to Spain to produce his most iconic masterpieces, including Nights in the Gardens of Spain and The Three-Cornered Hat. Some of the works heard this evening are rarely performed live, making this recital a special opportunity to rediscover his voice in chamber and vocal music.
A masterful collaboration between two of Hong Kong’s finest pianists
The highlight of this production is the gathering of a “Dream Team” from Hong Kong’s classical music scene. Leading the lineup are two of the most recognised and acclaimed pianists in the region: Colleen Lee and Rachel Cheung. Their participation reflects the immense respect local musicians hold for Falla’s fiery and technically demanding repertoire.
Audiences will have the opportunity to witness Colleen Lee’s signature elegance to Nocturne, Serenata Andaluza, and the evocative Cuatro piezas españolas (“Four Spanish Pieces”), as well as Rachel Cheung’s mastery in performances of Fantasía bética and Allegro de Concierto.
A Sonic Experiment: Concerto for Harpsichord and Five Instruments
A centrepiece of this celebration is Falla’s Concerto for Harpsichord and Five Instruments. Premiered in Barcelona in November 1926 by the renowned harpsichordist Wanda Landowska, this piece features the harpsichord—the ancestor of the piano—intertwined with a modern ensemble to create a rhythmic and edgy sound. In a special highlight for this production, the concerto will showcase the collaborative brilliance of Ngai Sze Wai (Harpsichord), Ruda Lee (Violin), Letty Poon (Cello); Fay Hung (Flute), Kwan Sheung Fung (Oboe) and Chan King Wa (Clarinet), bringing a unique energy to one of Falla’s final and most important chamber works.
A Map of the Spanish Soul
The program serves as a musical travelogue across Spain. From the fiery street dances captured in Aragonesa and Andaluza to the misty northern mountains of Montañesa, the concert captures the specific “smell and sound” of Falla’s homeland. One of the most fascinating aspects of the performance is the “Invisible Guitar” effect, where the piano and harpsichord are used to mimic the light, percussive strumming of a flamenco guitar.
The repertoire also includes:
- Vocal Gems: The Siete Canciones populares Españolas (“Seven Spanish Folk Songs”) performed by Carol Lin (mezzo-soprano), and the Trois mélodies de Gautier by Vicki Wu (Soprano).
- Chamber Works: A series of Works for Cello and Piano, including Melodia and Romanza, performed by Letty Poon (Cello) and Anna Ngai (Piano).
Honouring a Cultural Hero
Manuel de Falla was more than a composer; he was a cultural hero who saved Spanish folk music from obscurity. This 150th-anniversary celebration is a tribute to the man who defined modern Spanish musical identity. Musica Viva invites all music enthusiasts to join this enriching journey of rhythmic vitality and lyrical beauty.
Experience the Magic – Get Your Tickets Now
Tickets for “Manuel de Falla 150” are available now at Urbtix. Do not miss the chance to be a part of this historic celebration and experience the passion of Spain right here in Hong Kong.
Urbtix link:
https://www.urbtix.hk/event-detail/14844/
Full lineup and program details:
https://www.musicavivahk.org/en/productions/manuel-de-falla-150/
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ARTISTS
Lo Kingman Artistic Director and Producer
Returning from Italy where he worked at the Opera Theatre of Rome and the Morlacchi Theatre of Perugia in the 1960s, Lo Kingman has since written, directed and designed over 200 stage productions ranging from opera, drama, dance, to musical theatre with performances in Asia, Europe and America. Over the years, Lo has made significant contributions not only in the performing arts but also in the fields of higher education and public service. He was appointed Director of The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts from 1993 to 2004. From 2004 to 2009, he was the Principal of the Canton International Summer Music Academy, which offers professional training for young orchestral musicians. In 2008, he participated in the creation of Musica Viva, an organisation dedicated to nurturing young artists and extending their performing opportunities in operas and concerts.
Lo was appointed a Justice of the Peace by the Government of the HKSAR, made a Member of the Order of the British Empire in the Queen’s Honours List, honoured as a Cavaliere of the Order of Merit by the Republic of Italy, and decorated with the title of Chevaliere de l’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres by the French Ministry of Culture and Communications. Honorary Fellowships have been conferred upon him by The University of Hong Kong, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts, and the Royal Society of Arts in Great Britain. In 2005 and 2012, respectively, Lo received the Bronze and Silver Bauhinia Stars of the HKSAR. In 2021, he was awarded the 15th Hong Kong Arts Development Awards — Life Achievement Award.
Colleen Lee Piano Solo
Since winning the 6th Prize of 15th International Frederic Chopin Piano Competition, Colleen has performed extensively throughout Asia, Europe and North America. She has also been a featured artist at several international music festivals including the International Chopin Festival in Duszniki and Gdansk in Poland; the Assisi International Piano Festival in Italy; Meissen Pianoforte Festival in Germany, International Keyboard Festival in New York, Bowdoin International Music Festival.. Her performance of the ‘Magic Piano and Chopin Shorts’ animation series at the 42nd Hong Kong Arts Festival had garnered rave review.
Colleen has collaborated with major international orchestras such as the Galacia Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Israel Philharmonic Orchestra, China Philharmonic Orchestra, Gui Yang Symphony Orchestra, Guangzhou Symphony Orchestra, Wuhan Philharmonic Orchestra, Warsaw Philharmonic Orchestra, Sendai Philharmonic Orchestra, Shanghai Symphony Orchestra, Amadeus Chamber Orchestra of Polish Radio, and Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra among others. She was the Artist Associate/Piano of the Hong Kong Sinfonietta for the 2010/2011 Season and went with the orchestra on its tour to South America, performing in Argentina, Brazil and Uruguay.
She is an avid chamber music lover and appearing in chamber music concerts including the 2nd Hong Kong International Chamber Music Festival, the Musicusfest in 2013/2014, HK University Chamber Gems and concert presented by Hong Kong Chamber Society. She has also collaborated with RTHK Quartet and the Shanghai Quartet.
Rachel Cheung Piano Solo
Pianist Rachel Cheung is hailed as “a poet, but also a dramatist” displaying “the most sophisticated and compelling music-making” (The Dallas Morning News). She won over audiences and critics alike as a finalist at the 2017 Van Cliburn International Piano Competition with “stunningly imaginative” (Musical America) interpretations marked by “flights of both beauty and virtuosity” (Theater Jones) and was awarded the Audience Prize by online vote. As a Steinway Artist, she continues to build a reputation for an elegant stage presence, giving sensitive and refined performances across three continents.
Rachel has appeared with the St. Petersburg Philharmonic, Hong Kong Philharmonic, Jerusalem Symphony, Hong Kong Sinfonietta, Sydney Symphony, London Chamber, and Fort Worth Symphony Orchestras. She has performed in recital in New York, Toronto, Paris, Hamburg and London.
Born and raised in Hong Kong, Rachel graduated with first class honors at the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts under the tutelage of Eleanor Wong and later studied with Peter Frankl at the Yale School of Music, where she was awarded the Elizabeth Parisot Prize for outstanding pianists. Additional competition honors include prizes at the Leeds, Chopin, Vladimir Horowitz, Gina Bachauer, and Geneva International Piano Competitions. She was awarded Artist of the Year (Music) by the Hong Kong Arts Development Council in 2019. Her first concert DVD was released by VAI in 2007. Her first international debut album Reflections, featuring the Chopin Preludes, is released by Universal Music.
Letty Poon Cello
A native of Hong Kong, Letty Poon received her education from the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts (HKAPA), the Stony Brook University (New York, USA) and the University of Hong Kong where she has been awarded degrees in cello performance and a Ph.D. in musicology.
As a sought-after cellist for various solo, chamber, and orchestral performances with groups such as Cellistra, Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra, Hong Kong Sinfonietta; performance engagements have taken her to the Mainland China, Taiwan, Thailand, Japan, Italy, France, Spain, and Austria for Pacific Music Festival, Carinthian Festival, Prades Music Festival and Zell an der Pram chamber music festival as such, in addition to her regular concert appearances in Hong Kong.
Poon is currently Lecturer in Active Learning (Music) of the HKAPA. She has been serving as the Artistic Director of the Hong Kong International Cello Association since its establishment to promote cello music and cello playing in Hong Kong. To nurture the next generation of cellists and musicians, she is a faculty member of the HKAPA, artist teacher of the Baptist University and the University of Hong Kong. In 2018, she founded the Pacific Cello Orchestra (PCO) to provide professional training for young cellists aged 18 or below in the summer holidays.
Carol Lin Mezzo-soprano
“Mezzo-soprano Carol Lin’s versatile singing was breathtaking.” – South China Morning Post
Carol Lin is one of the leading mezzo-sopranos in Hong Kong. She has taken principal roles in opera productions in Hong Kong and international companies including the title role of Carmen, Maria de Buenos Aires, Santuzza in Cavalleria Rusticana, Maddalena in Rigoletto, Suzuki in Madama Butterfly, etc. Lin has appeared as soloist in many concerts by renowned orchestras such as Boston Philharmonic Orchestra, Aspen Chamber Symphony, The Philharmonic Orchestra Singapore, Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra, and Hong Kong Sinfonietta. Lin joined the world-class sorprano Anna Netrebko to perform at the 51st Hong Kong Arts Festival in 2023.
A native of Hong Kong, Lin graduated from The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts and holds a Master of Music in Vocal Performance and Opera from the New England Conservatory of Music in the US. She was a vocal fellow of the Aspen Music Festival in Summer 2006 and 2007. In 2013, she won the regional round of the 32nd International Hans Gabor Belvedere Singing Competition. She has also won First and Third Prize in international singing competitions held in Japan and Italy respectively. In 2023, she won Second Prize at the lyric song category of the 8th ‘Classic Artists’ International Competition.
Vicki Wu Soprano
Hong Kong born soprano Vicki Wu has appeared in numerous operas, including Adina in L’elisir d’amore, Frasquita and Mercédès in Carmen, Ninetta in La finta semplice, Zerlina in Don Giovanni, Elettra in Idomeneo, Serpetta in La finta giardiniera, etc. Recently, she has sung the title role Santuzza in Cavalleria Rusticana in Hanoi Opera House, Vietnam and St. Cecilia Hall, Philippines. As a concert soloist, she has performed Beethoven’s Choral Fantasy under the baton of Sharon Choa, Variation on Mayila with Academy Chinese Orchestra of HKAPA and Sergei Rachmaninoff – 150th Anniversary Concert.
Vicki Wu obtained her BMus (Hons) at The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts under the mentorship of renowned soprano Nancy Yuen. She has participated in masterclasses by Helen Donath, Helene Schneidermann in Salzburg, Savolinna and Lübeck.
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NOTES TO EDITORS
- For more details about the programme, cast, and various discount schemes, please visit the following website: musicavivahk.org
- For interview requests, media, and press-related enquiries, please contact Kelly Tai by email at kellytai@musicvivahk.org or by phone at 6449 3446.
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CONCERT: MANUEL DE FALLA 150 – A RECITAL OF CHAMBER AND VOCAL MUSIC
Date & Time:
- 13 May 2026 (Wednesday) – 7:30 PM
Venue: Theatre, Hong Kong City Hall
Ticket Prices: $300, $220
Tickets available on URTBIX from 2 April 2026
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CREDITS
Composer: Manuel de Falla
Artistic Director: Lo Kingman
CAST
Piano Solo: Colleen Lee, Rachel Cheung
Cello: Letty Poon
Soprano: Vicki Wu
Mezzo-soprano: Carol Lin
Harpsichord: Ngai Sze Wai
Violin: Ruda Lee
Flute: Fay Hung
Oboe: Kwan Sheung Fung
Clarinet: Chan King Wa
Piano Accompaniment: Alexandre Wong, Anna Ngai
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About Musica Viva
Musica Viva is a non-profit charitable organisation founded in October 2008 by a group of dedicated supporters with deep expertise in performing arts policy, development, outreach, and education. Its mission is to promote performing arts of creative originality across diverse forms and genres, with a particular focus on the appreciation, study, education, and performance of music, opera, and vocal art.
Led by Prof. Lo Kingman, SBS, MBE, JP, Musica Viva champions performing formats that demonstrate aesthetic refinement, genuine artistic content, and insightful interpretations presented with honesty and economy, while creating platforms for creative exploration and professional development for both emerging and established artists. With an international outlook, it actively presents its productions abroad, staging productions in Stockholm, St. Petersburg, London, and in the Chinese Mainland. Through these cross-border collaborations and tours, Musica Viva showcases Hong Kong’s artistic excellence on the global stage while fostering cultural exchange and expanding the city’s international artistic presence.
Since its inception, Musica Viva has been generously supported by the Hong Kong Arts Development Council (HKADC) and the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD).
Official website: www.musicavivahk.org
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/MusicaVivahk
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