Music Lab Festival 2024 returns after 6 years! This year's festival, led by three Music Lab Co-Artistic Directors KJ Wong, Cy Leo and Joyce Cheung, brings together Hong Kong's acclaimed musicians under the theme “Original.Excellence”. From May to July, the festival will present six exciting original classical and jazz concerts.
KJ Wong, founder of Music Lab, will kick off the festival by performing three Beethoven piano concertos with musicians from Gustav Mahler Orchestra and Hong Kong Youth Philharmonia. KJ will play and conduct the orchestra in this concert, making it an extraordinary debut for KJ as a pianist-conductor! In June, KJ will also present a piano recital programme of “Mostly Bach, All Mozart” featuring pieces from his latest album of the same name.
Harmonica player Cy Leo brings “The Aromas of Tango”, a musical project that combines modern tango, tango jazz, and neo-classical music elements, guaranteeing an immersive experience. Jazz pianist Joyce Cheung will present her latest album “The Études” with a fresh lineup of musicians, bringing surprises at the “Once in a Blue Moon” concert.
There are two more highly anticipated concerts, including “House Party” by jazz pianist Jerold Chu and his musical friends at Soho House Hong Kong; “S'way on Fire” by saxophonist Timothy Sun and two pianists, igniting the atmosphere with his music and allowing you to feel its passion and power.
After a six-year hiatus, the local Music Lab Festival returns with originality and excellence.
KJ X GMO X HKYP: Play-conduct Beethoven Piano Concerto No. 1, 2, 3
Genre: Piano Concerti
Date: 21 May 2024 | 8pm
Venue: Hong Kong City Hall Concert Hall
Musicians: KaJeng WONG, GMO, HKYP
Music Lab Festival 2024’s opening concert - KaJeng Wong, the founder of Music Lab, will perform Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 1, 2, and 3 with 40 musicians from the Gustav Mahler Orchestra and Hong Kong Youth Philharmonia. KJ will play and conduct the orchestra in this concert, making it an extraordinary debut for KJ as a pianist-conductor.
Jerold and Friends: House Party
Genre: Jazz Ensemble
Date: 1 June 2024 | 9pm
Venue: House Studio, Soho House Hong Kong
Musicians: Jerold CHU, Nate WONG, Tak-chung Wong, Daniel TOH, Floro SERNANDE, Ferdi PANTIG, Poh Chaichon WONGKHAM, Scott MURPHY
Following two years of playing his high energy infectious original music around the city, Jerold brings it all together for an exciting one night only show at Soho House. Jerold and Friends: House Party is a musical gathering to celebrate community, the power of music to bring people together. From heartwarming ballads to punchy toe tapping grooves, Jerold will take you through a kaleidoscope of moods, gathering some of his best musical friends in Hong Kong to put on an electrifying night to remember, and maybe even leave you with a few ear worms to last you for months!
CY Leo: The Aromas of Tango
Genre: Crossover Pop
Date: 18 June 2024 | 8pm
Venue: Hong Kong City Hall Concert Hall
Musicians: CY LEO, Joyce CHEUNG, Teriver CHEUNG, Justin SIU, David CHALA, Sally LAW, Kevin LAM
The Aromas of Tango is a modern fusion project led by harmonicist and composer Cy Leo. It incorporates modern tango, tango jazz fusion, and neoclassical music by Astor Piazzolla, Hernan Valencia, and Cy Leo himself.
The term “Aromas” is used as a synonym for “scents” commonly found in wine production. Historically, both tango and jazz are musical genres that originated from the culture of working-class nightlife, which was often accompanied by alcohol and a carefree spirit.
In addition to featuring legendary compositions by Astor Piazzolla, primarily from the album “Zero Hour,” and innovative tango fusion compositions by Hernan Valencia, Cy Leo has also written a series of chamber compositions specifically inspired by the enchanting qualities of wine. The concert will be joined by 7 musicians to perform with Cy Leo in different formations.
KJ Recital Tour: Mostly Bach, All Mozart
Genre: Piano Solo Recital
Date: 23 June 2024 | 8pm
Venue: Hong Kong City Hall Concert Hall
Musician: KaJeng WONG
KJ Wong’s latest album - “Mostly Bach, All Mozart”. On June 23, 2024, there will be a piano solo performance with complete dedication and devotion.
Timothy Sun: S’way on Fire
Genre: Classical Saxophone
Date: 1 July 2024 | 8pm
Venue: Hong Kong City Hall Theatre
Musicians: Timothy SUN, Evelyn CHANG, Rod YU
Welcome to “S’way on Fire “, where the captivating saxophone artistry of Timothy Sun ignites the stage! Get ready to be mesmerized by his unique musicality and the thrilling energy of his performance. In the concert, a selection of classical saxophone pieces rarely heard in Hong Kong will be showcased, adding an extra layer of surprise and delight to the show. Brace yourself for an enchanting experience and let yourself be ignited by the fiery passion of Timothy’s music.
Joyce Cheung: Once in a Blue Moon
Genre: Crossover Pop
Date: 11 July 2024 | 8pm
Venue: Hong Kong City Concert Hall
Musicians: Joyce Cheung, Janice Vidal, Yoyo Sham, Cloud Wan, Terence Lam
Come see “Once in a Blue Moon”, an extraordinary concert that features jazz pianist Joyce and a remarkable ensemble of musicians and singers. Prepare to be mesmerised by new renditions of Joyce’s latest album, The Études, which are artfully rearranged for a larger ensemble. The concert also showcases her interpretations of pop and classic songs, starring Janice Vidal, Yoyo Sham, Cloud Wan and Terence Lam. Don’t miss this unforgettable evening of creativity and fun, which is as unique as the blue moon.