Executive Producer:Edde Lam
Melodies as companions, musings on existence.
Music Talks invites musicians for in-depth interviews, covering a wide range of topics from all walks of life. The interviews delve into the characteristics of their works, performance techniques, recent drama highlights, and various aspects of their daily lives. In addition to the interviews, there are live performances and demonstrations of playing techniques related to the discussed topics, creating a relaxed and musically vibrant evening for the audience.
Music Talks is a 26-episode half-hour television programme.
In the childhood of gehu virtuoso Tung Hiu-lo, a cello bought by her parents was her constant companion. Since then, music has left an indelible mark on her life. Today, she shares her musical skills with her son, hoping music will be a lifelong companion for him as well.
In this episode, we invite Tung Hiu-lo to share her journey in music.
Tung Hiu-lo graduated from the Department of Orchestral Instruments of the Shanghai Conservatory of Music. She was the youngest section leader in the Shanghai Chinese Orchestra and has been the principal Gehu of the Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra since 2005.
Presenter: Eunice Chow
Accompaniment: Laurina Hong
Performances Repertoire:
“Butterfly Lovers’ Violin Concerto” Composed by He Zhanhao and Chen Gang
“Pastoral Song” Composed by Sha Hankun
“Over The Rainbow” Composed by Harold Arlen, Arranged by Tom Poster
“Shaliha” Composed by Zhu Hengqian (Arranged by Huang Xiaolong)
In the childhood of gehu virtuoso Tung Hiu-lo, a cello bought by her parents was her constant companion. Since then, music has left an indelible mark on her life. Today, she shares her musical skills with her son, hoping music will be a lifelong companion for him as well. In this episode, we invite Tung Hiu-lo to share her journey in music. Tung Hiu-lo graduated from the Department of Orchestral Instruments of the Shanghai Conservatory of Music. She was the youngest section leader in the Shanghai Chinese Orchestra and has been the principal Gehu of the Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra since 2005. Presenter: Eunice Chow Accompaniment: Laurina Hong Performances Repertoire: “Butterfly Lovers’ Violin Concerto” Composed by He Zhanhao and Chen Gang “Pastoral Song” Composed by Sha Hankun “Over The Rainbow” Composed by Harold Arlen, Arranged by Tom Poster “Shaliha” Composed by Zhu Hengqian (Arranged by Huang Xiaolong)
Saxophonist Timothy Sun not only plays with an emotive tone but also has a handsome appearance. He believes that he is not a prodigy and that it is through hard work that he is able to produce wonderful melodies. He is in the habit of discussing his performance with friends afterwards and also enjoys collaborating with children. His musical style has been influenced by Teresa Teng. Timothy Sun, a saxophonist, began his musical training at the age of seven. He has studied the saxophone and clarinet in England and has held solo concerts at venues such as Carnegie Hall in New York, Wigmore Hall in London, the Barbican Centre, and the Shanghai Concert Hall. Mr. Sun has also performed as a soloist with the Hong Kong Sinfonietta, Macao Orchestra, Guiyang Symphony Orchestra, Hong Kong Festival Orchestra, Pan Asia Symphony Orchestra, Hong Kong Citywinds Ensemble, and the Youth Symphony Orchestra of Macau, among others. Presenter: Yip Ho-kwen, Austin Austin Yip is a composer from Hong Kong who has received the Award for Young Artist (Music) at the Hong Kong Arts Development Awards. Performance Repertoire: Piazzolla “Histoire du Tango - Bordel 1900” Darius Milhaud “Scaramouche” Kurt Weill “Yukali”
Letty Poon is not only a cellist but also a devoted mother. She deeply cherishes her daughter, prioritizing her feelings and needs. In her leisure, she enjoys playing with her daughter, sharing her favorite trinkets, and teaching her music without ever pressuring her to study it. Letty is active in chamber music performances, education, and academic research. She studied under Professor Ray Wang and Colin Carr, and has trained with the renowned Emerson String Quartet. Presently, Letty serves as the Artistic Director of the Hong Kong International Cello Association and teaches at the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts and Hong Kong Baptist University. Presenter: Yip Ho-kwen, Austin Austin Yip is a composer from Hong Kong who has received the Award for Young Artist (Music) at the Hong Kong Arts Development Awards. Performance Repertoire: Benny Andersson, Björn Ulvaeus, Stig Anderson “My Love, My Life” Aaron Minsky “October Waltz” Carter Brey “Tango para Ilaria”
Local musician Ho Ying-ying not only plays the guzheng with agility and flair, but also composes, performs, and sings her own pieces. By adjusting strings and integrating elements from Western music into Chinese music, she aims to break away from the traditional image of the guzheng. Her goal is to bring a fresh twist to guzheng compositions, attracting a wider audience. Presenter: Charles Chik Charles Chik, a presenter and producer on RTHK Radio 4. Performance Repertoire: “Purple Bamboo Forest” “Sightseeing” “Whispers of Charming Blossoms” “Tai On Building”
The string quartet is a popular form of chamber music, typically consisting of two violins, a viola, and a cello. The Romer String Quartet is formed by four native musicians passionate about promoting a new generation of chamber music culture in Hong Kong. They frequently volunteer to provide free music workshops and performances for children. In this episode, they not only present classical pieces by Mozart and Haydn but also music from Hayao Miyazaki's animated film "Kiki's Delivery Service." The Romer String Quartet, comprised of local musicians Kitty Cheung, Kiann Chow, Ringo Chan, and Eric Yip, was established in 2013. They have held concerts in prestigious venues like Carnegie Hall in New York, Toppan Hall in Tokyo, and the Shanghai Concert Hall. Their collaborations span various artists, including dancers, poets, and indie rock bands. Their multimedia project, "Muted Situations", has been showcased at the Asia Triennial Manchester in the UK, Art Basel in Hong Kong, and the Hong Kong New Vision Arts Festival. Presenter: Eunice Chow Performances Repertoire: Mozart Eine kleine Nachtmusik, K. 525: I Allegro (excerpt) Haydn String Quartet No.62 in C Major, Op.76, No.3, “Emperor”: II Poco adagio, cantabile (excerpt) Joe Hisaishi (arr. by Yukihiro Matsubara) “A Town with an Ocean View” from “Kiki’s Delivery Service” Mozart String Quartet No.23 in F Major, K. 590, “Prussian No. 3”: IV Allegro (excerpt)
Local pipa virtuoso Belle Shiu was influenced by historical dramas during her younger years, leading her to learn the pipa. In this episode, she shares her mother's support and encouragement on her musical journey. She will also perform a playful piece with her husband Wu Chun-hei, a suona artist, combining the sounds of pipa and bass suona. Belle Shiu, a Master's graduate from the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts, has won a Bronze Award in the International Group at the Hong Kong International Youth Pipa competition in 2013 and a Gold Award in the Ensemble Category at the 2nd Chinese Instrumental Music Competition of Guangdong in 2015. Presenter: Eunice Chow Performances Repertoire: “White Snow in Early Spring” (Selected Section) Ancient Tune/Notated by Wei Chung-loh, (Arranged by Qiu Chunyao, Ye Xuiran) “Tears of Time” (Excerpt) Music by Chow Junyi “Five Cats and Two Idiots” Music by Chow Junyi “Ambush from All Sides” (Excerpt) Ancient Tune/Notated by Liu De-hai
In an interview with Vanessa Wong, a pianist who resolved to become a performer from a young age, she shared her unique musical journey towards realizing her dreams. Despite her firm and resilient character, evidenced by continuing to perform even when her finger bled, she also indulges in pop culture and drama series, revealing her youthful spirit. Vanessa performed several piano pieces, narrating her dreams through music. Vanessa Wong, a pianist from Hong Kong, has won numerous international music competitions and has been frequently invited to perform solos. She has collaborated with orchestras such as the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra, the Hong Kong Sinfonietta, and the National Symphony Orchestra of Ukraine. Presenter: Synthia Ko Synthia Ko, a rising powerhouse female conductor of the new generation, serves as the Artistic Director and Chief Conductor of the Metropolitan Youth Orchestra of Hong Kong. Performance Repertoire: Chopin Preludes, Op. 28, No. 23 & 24 “Mia and Sebastian’s Theme” From the movie La La Land Schubert Impromptu D.899, No. 2
Blues music, originating from African Americans in the 19th century, utilized instruments and vocals to express the oppression and melancholy of life, evolving into a distinct musical style. In fact, blues has also influenced the Hong Kong pop music scene, with elements of the genre appearing in the works of artists like Lowell Lo, Danny Summer, and George Lam. In this episode, Bluesman and Tomii Chan will not only discuss the development of blues in Hong Kong but also bring us some classic blues and Bluesman's Cantonese blues works. They will also reinterpret Leslie Cheung's "Stand Up" with a blues twist. Bluesman, a blues musician, has participated in numerous bands, won band competitions, and released several blues tracks. Tomii Chan, a singer-songwriter and music producer, has organized the " Gloomy Island Blues Festival" multiple times to promote blues music. Presenter: Eunice Chow Performances Repertoire: Stand Up Music by Rick Springfield, Lyrics by Richard Lam, Arrangement by Bluesman Kowloon Blues Music and Lyrics by Bluesman Baby, Please Don't Go Music and Lyrics by Lightnin' Hopkins The Street Corner Music and Lyrics by Bluesman
Anthony Wah is a young local saxophonist. From classical to contemporary music, from jazz to pop, he excels in delivering heart-touching music with a versatile tone. In this episode, he will share his experiences from studying in Japan and the influence of various mentors on his music journey. Anthony graduated from the Quantitative Finance program at the Chinese University of Hong Kong. He later emerged as one of the musical rising stars in "Young Music Makers 2017" on RTHK Radio 4. Piano Accompaniment: Chan Wing-sze Presenter: Charles Chik Charles Chik, a presenter and producer on RTHK Radio 4. Performance Repertoire: Antonio Morricone Theme from the movie Nuovo Cinema Paradiso Astor Piazzolla Histoire du Tango: III. Nightclub 1960 "Tourbillon" Composed by Vincent Chow@Sense
Soprano Yuki Ip initially had no clue about the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts. However, after enrolling, she grew fond of vocal music, eventually transforming her passion into a career that took her to international stages. Pianist Cherry Tsang, whose father was a piano instructor, was guided and inspired by many eminent teachers to become a remarkable pianist. In this episode, these two mothers will not only discuss their children but also perform some renowned songs for us, including the ever popular "Over The Rainbow" and other movie soundtracks. Yuki Ip is a local soprano, holding a Bachelor's degree from the School of Music of the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts and a Master's degree from the New England Conservatory of Music in the US. She frequently performs in large-scale sacred music works, oratorios, and cantatas, and has played leading roles in numerous operas. Cherry Tsang is a pianist who, after graduating from the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts, attained her Master's and Doctorate in Piano Performance from the Eastman School of Music in the US. She has performed globally and currently teaches piano chamber music and ensemble performance at both the Hong Kong Baptist University and the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts. Presenter: Eunice Chow Performances Repertoire: "Over the Rainbow” by Harold Arlen (Soundtrack from the 1939 movie The Wizard of Oz) "Mein gläubiges Herze" by JS Bach "Playing Love" by Ennio Morricone "Nella Fantasia" by Ennio Morricone