Over 20 High Calibre Contestants Competing in the 1st Hong Kong International Chromatic Harmonica Competition
Tickets Now Available at URBTIX
Organised by the Hong Kong Harmonica Association and supported by the Arts Capacity Development Funding Scheme of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, the 1st Hong Kong International Chromatic Harmonica Competition will be held from 3 April (Mon) to 9 April (Sun) at Hong Kong City Hall. With a variety of fringe activities and innovative components, including workshops, forum and exhibition, the vibrant, world-class 7-day event promotes global exchanges and local awareness of harmonica culture. The competitions welcome admissions from the members of the public. Tickets for the Final Competition will be available at URBTIX starting from 3 March, 2023.
Harmonica is one of the most popular and portable musical instruments in the world, which can be used as a professional performance instrument. When the little reeds are played, they transform into a variety of rhythmic sounds matching the richness of the player’s emotions. The chromatic harmonica is one of the most common types of harmonica, with a complete scale and beautiful tone colour. The most distinctive feature of it is the slider next to the mouthpiece that allows the player to switch between the rising and falling chromatic notes.
The competition aims to identify the new generation of emerging talents in harmonica to showcase their exquisite skills. Over 20 high calibre contestants were shortlisted for the quarter-final to be held on 4-5 April (Tue & Wed) after the preliminary stage. Eight contestants will be shortlisted for the Semi-final on 7 April (Fri), and eventually 4 contestants will be selected for the Final on 9 April (Sun). The finalists will perform and showcase their musical talents with the accompaniment by City Chamber Orchestra of Hong Kong under the baton of the internationally acclaimed conductor Robert Reimer, bringing an unprecedented audiovisual enjoyment to the audience. This is also the first competition in the history of harmonica to be accompanied by a professional orchestra. Benchmarked with top competitions, such as the International Chopin Piano Competition and The International Tchaikovsky Competition, the competition marks a milestone in the development of harmonica competition in the international arena.
Apart from the exciting competition, a variety of fringe activities and innovative components, including workshops, forum and exhibition, will be organised, allowing emerging talents and high-calibre contestants to connect with masters and professionals from around the world. The activities will amplify the multicultural dialogues, strengthen the public awareness towards the fundamental concepts of harmonica and their appreciation of the instrument.