A perfect 10

There was a real charge of excitement and expectation as one stepped inside the Concert Hall at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre for Musicus Fest's 10th anniversary celebration. Adding to the excitement was the launch of the new Musicus Soloists Hong Kong (MSHK) ensemble, featuring some of the city's most talented young musicians, who played alongside Polish violinist Maria Wloszczowska, Canadian violinist Elissa Lee and French violist Aurlie Entringer, not to mention cellist and Musicus Society artistic director Trey Lee.

The evening kicked off with the pleasant Pygmalion Overture composed by Jean-Philippe Rameau. The quick-tempo composition perfectly set the tone for the rest of the evening, as the MSHK youngsters played in perfect sync with seasoned performers. They sounded like a well-prepared orchestra that has had a lot of practice. Next up was Vivaldi's La Notte Concerto in G Minor, with Wloszczowska and Lee taking the lead. The composition with its fast movements was seemingly written for the Polish violinist and she stole the show with her energetic performance. Wloszczowska displayed masterful techniques with an intense flurry of bowing, so much so that my ears were put on alert, catching up with the powerful notes flying from the stage.

Next, Zach Cheong, the 2022 winner of Musicus Society's Young Artist Audition, came on stage to play Mozart's Piano Concerto No. 23 in A Major, K. 488. It was easy to see why he won the competition as his nimble fingers danced swiftly along the piano keys, mesmerizing the audience both visually and aurally.

I must commend the incredible stamina of the MSHK ensemble who played the almost 30-minute-long composition standing. Some of the younger members in the audience grew a tad restless at this point, and the intermission brought relief to their parents.

Following the break, Lee and his cello were front and center for Henri Casadesus' Cello Concerto in C Minor. The 3-movement concerto was a great choice in demonstrating the wide range and personality of the instrument, from somber to soulful to excited. The acclaimed cellist showcased amazing techniques that did not disappoint as he was absolutely immersed in the composition.

The highlight of the evening had to be the final performance of Mendelssohn's String Symphony No. 9 in C, for which students from Musicus Society's Ensemble Training program joined the show. With over 40 musicians on stage, the energy was palpable. The first notes of the piece seemed to jump off the stage and grab the audience.

It was very inspiring to see children under 10 (the music stands had to be lowered considerably for their use) hold their own, playing with vastly more experienced professionals. The young performers did not seem one bit intimidated by the bright lights and the big stage - quite a feat, considering some of them were facing an audience for the very first time.

One couldn't help but leave the concert hall brimming with hope and optimism on behalf of Hong Kong's classical music community whose future is in safe hands if the breadth of talent on display that evening is anything to go by.