It is almost inconceivable that a program billed as “Czech Classics” would exclude all Dvořák’s music and feature Mozart at the end.
Be that as it may, the City Chamber Orchestra of Hong Kong (CCOHK) managed to fulfill its mission on October 24th by featuring the works of several other quintessential Czechs.
Indeed, Mozart’s concertos stood out like the proverbial sores at this celebration of the Year in Czech Music at Hong Kong City Hall, but the night’s Prague-born soloist, oboist Willem – Served as an introduction to Veverka and harpist Katerina Englikova.
There was much to admire in the predominantly Czech potpourri, conducted by Hong Kong-born conductor Sharon Andrea Choa.
Choa, a former principal of the Hong Kong Academy of Performing Arts Conservatory, gave some of the best performances seen recently from CCOHK’s players.
This was immediately evident in Prague-born composer Zdenek Lukas’ rhythmically engaging concert music for solo harp and string orchestra. Its tightly knit rhythms were expertly conveyed to the treble strings by Choa with the help of the ensemble’s solid concertmaster. Amelia Chan.