The Hong Kong Sinfonietta, a growing presence

3 May 2008
Rachmaninov: Piano Concerto No 4 in G minor, Op 40
Rachmaninov: Piano Concerto No 2 in C minor, Op 18

The Sinfonietta, established in 1990, offered concertgoers the rare chance to enjoy Peter Donohue last month. The British pianist entertained the audience with the rarely performed Rachmaninov’s fourth and first piano concertos.

Let’s first say a few words about the Sinfonietta: Yip Wing-sie became its chief conductor in 2002. The Sinfonietta has performed with global starts such as Placido Domingo and Luciano Pavarotti. The Sinfonietta is also well-known for its educational concerts, and the guiding mission of bringing classic music into day-to-day life..

Speaking of the Peter Donahue performance, while the Fourth Piano Concerto is not as well-known as compared to the Second and First or Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini, it is believed that the Fourth is one of the best of Rachmaninov’s piano-and-orchestra work. It’s considered stylistically top-notch, yet does not lack the passion and fervor. Its orchestral writing is especially sophisticated, thus any orchestra that undertakes it must undergo an extensive and demanding rehearsal process.

Yip and the Sinfonietta did their jobs with both precision and emotion, which was crucial. As for Donohue, his playing here was superb; he is a true virtuoso performer wholeheartedly playing for the joy of the music. His music is never forceful.

After the intermission, Donohue launched into the beginning of the First Piano Concerto with great spirit. Yip accompanied with wide, full gesticulations and irregular levitation from the podium. Members of the Sinfoniettia replied with affectionate and natural playing, the strings moving smoothly across the opening melody with warmth, and a touch of ‘Russian vibrato’ from solo horn. Donohue and Yip captured the flow and effortlessly surged the music of Rachmaninov.

The first movement ended with an enormous sweep. The slow movement was manifested luxuriously, reaching into one’s innermost imagination. In the faceted final movement, in which Rachmaninov made many changes in the 1917 revision, Donohue and Yip took the fast movement tumultuously, yet maintained a clarity of sound.

Certainly, the Sinfonietta is less well known than its rival, the Hong Kong Philharmonic, which boasts Edo De Waart as the chief conductor. The Flying Dutchman, as he is known, was the chief conductor of San Francisco and Rotterdam before coming to Hong Kong.

However, with enough determination and more outstanding musicians performing as soloists, the Sinfoninetta may have a chance to compete against the Hong Kong Philharmonic. Perhaps, the Sinfonietta will one day earn its place as one of the best orchestras in Asia. After May 3rd, I am especially inclined to believe that it has that chance.