Back on Stage (2020)

The first ever concert film produced by Hong Kong Sinfonietta, "Back On Stage Concert" was recorded live at the Hong Kong City Hall Concert Hall in June 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic, whilst the venue was closed to the public audience. Featuring the strings section of Hong Kong Sinfonietta led by Concertmaster James Cuddeford and conducted by Music Director Emeritus Yip Wing-sie, the concert presents four works which represent the best of strings-only music spanning four centuries, from an eccentrically genius work by 17th-century Austrian composer Biber and one of the most celebrated works of classical music by Vivaldi, to two dance suites - one in neo-classical style by Norwegian composer Grieg and the other by the Hungarian giant Bartók. The programme - chosen specially for its high spirits and energy, and with introduction by Yip Wing-sie and James Cuddeford - forms one hour of music with colourful juxtaposition, and is a special tribute to everyone in Hong Kong and beyond as the world goes through the pandemic together. Concert programme - Bartók: Romanian Folk Dances for String Orchestra / Vivaldi: The Four Seasons: Summer / Biber: Battalia / Grieg: Holberg Suite, Op 40