HK Phil brings the world of music closer to young audiences

The Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra (HK Phil) has launched a new education and outreach initiative, “We Pick You Up!”, aimed at widening access to live orchestral music for young audiences across the city.

The program seeks to address three common barriers that prevent children from attending concerts—cost, distance, and lack of exposure—by providing free concert tickets and dedicated transportation.

Under the initiative, students aged six to 12 and their families travel to the Hong Kong Cultural Centre on specially wrapped “We Pick You Up!” buses to attend live HK Phil performances, before being taken home afterward.

The program officially kicked off on Friday (January 31), with more than 450 students and family members from Tai Po Baptist Public School and Tsuen Wan Government Primary School boarding the designated buses to attend two “Cinematic Adventures: The Magic of Movie Music” concerts under the Swire Community Concert series at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre Concert Hall. The buses will continue operating in April and May, bringing more students and families from different districts to HK Phil concerts.

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HK Phil Chief Executive Bernhard Fleischer said the orchestra hopes the initiative will open new doors for children who may not otherwise experience a live orchestra.

“The HK Phil believes in the transformative power of music. The ‘We Pick You Up!’ initiative opens the door to the concert hall for students who might not otherwise have the chance to experience a live orchestra. We hope to provide an unforgettable first concert experience that serves as the foundation for a lifelong relationship with music,” he said.

Tsuen Wan Government Primary School Principal Wong Lai-may welcomed the initiative, saying the arrangements make a real difference for families.

“The HK Phil’s considerate arrangements, including dedicated bus transportation, can expand students’ opportunities to attend live concerts. By encouraging parents and students to participate together, the program creates a shared experience of enjoying music, and enhances students’ interest in classical music and live performances,” she said.

Meanwhile, Carol Chan, Vice-Principal of Tai Po Baptist Public School, highlighted the community value of the initiative, which she said allows students to connect.

HK Phil said audience development and arts education remain key priorities, and the orchestra will continue to offer a wide range of programs to engage youth and the wider community.

marco.lam@singtaonewscorp.com