Music

Based in Madrid, Riyehee Hong is an acclaimed master of what Mozart called “the king of instruments”. Her programme unveils rare organ masterworks by 18th century European composers, from a time when purely liturgical writing shifted again to more popular tastes, opening up to the Romantic organ repertoire. The artist will give an exceptional demonstration to reveal the secrets of Spanish organ music after the concert.

Unveil the mystery of the king of all instruments
Prelude to the Romantic organ repertoire

“Refreshing” La Dépêche du Midi
“Impressive and unexpected… Perfect understanding of Spanish music” La Verdad

Based in Madrid, Korean-American Riyehee Hong is an acclaimed master of what Mozart called “the king of instruments”. Specialising in early Spanish and French repertoire, Hong is not only a peerless organist but also a musicologist, researcher and much-published writer. Performance invitations have taken her to La Fête de la Pentecôte de Meaux in France, the Cathedral Centre of St. Paul in Los Angeles and the American Bach Society, where she played the complete Art of the Fugue. Beyond performing earlier works, she also joined two organists on tour to perform the complete organ works of 20th century composer Maurice Duruflé.

Her Hong Kong debut features an exceptional repertoire previously performed at the Royal Chapel of Madrid in celebrating the 200th anniversary of the Teatro Real. This programme introduces rare masterworks by Spanish and French composers born between 1712 and 1746, when the role of organ music shifted from purely liturgical to more popular tastes, and immense innovation and versatility opened the door to the Romantic organ repertoire. “Fanfarria Imperial” by Spain’s Antonio Soler opens the concert with brilliant sounds created by all reeds of the organ, while France’s Claude Balbastre’s Cannonade closes with this remarkable gem of church music, which unusually features jigs and hunting sounds.

Complex, powerful and magnificent, the sounds of the organ at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre – one of the Southeast Asia’s largest mechanically operated pipe organs – will leave listeners in awe.

After the recital, the organist will turn to the audience for an insightful lecture and demonstration to unveil the mysteries of the Spanish organ repertoire.