The Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra (HK Phil) is set to return to Europe for a highly anticipated four-concert tour from late August to early September, marking its first international performances ahead of the 2025/26 season.
Under the baton of renowned conductor Jaap van Zweden, the orchestra will make its debut at Amsterdam’s legendary Het Concertgebouw—one of the world’s most revered concert halls—alongside stops in Italy and Austria.
The tour will feature performances with some of classical music’s most celebrated pianists, including: Dutch duo the Jussen Brothers and French virtuoso Alexandre Kantorow in Amsterdam; Austrian maestro Rudolf Buchbinder in Merano and Grafenegg.
The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Offices in Brussels and Berlin are supporting the tour, reinforcing cultural ties between Hong Kong and Europe.
1. Historic Debut at Het Concertgebouw (Amsterdam, August 30 & 31)
The HK Phil’s first night at this iconic venue will open with Asterismal Dance by Hong Kong composer Daniel Lo, a piece that evokes celestial movement through orchestral textures. The Jussen Brothers will then take the stage for Joey Roukens’ dynamic In Unison concerto for two pianos, followed by Rachmaninov’s sweeping Symphony No. 2.
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The second evening begins with Wagner’s majestic Tannhäuser Overture, followed by Alexandre Kantorow’s return to perform Rachmaninov’s Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini—a reprisal of his acclaimed 2024 tour with the orchestra. The night concludes with Beethoven’s exuberant Symphony No. 7.
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2. Italian Premiere at Südtirol Festival Merano (September 2)
Making its debut at Kursaal Merano, the HK Phil will reunite with Rudolf Buchbinder for Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 3, framed by Wagner’s Tannhäuser Overture and Beethoven’s Symphony No. 7.
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3. Grand Finale at Grafenegg Festival (September 5)
The tour culminates at Austria’s Wolkenturm, where Buchbinder—the festival’s Artistic Director since 2007—joins the orchestra once more for a repeat of the Merano program, set against Grafenegg’s stunning open-air concert setting.
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Marco Lam (marco.lam@singtaonewscorp.com)
