Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra 50th Anniversary

In the 1970s, as Hong Kong’s economy began to soar, the public started to place greater emphasis on cultural and artistic pursuits. The Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra (HK Phil) became a professional ensemble in 1974, providing high-quality musical entertainment for the public while also promoting classical music and nurturing the next generation of young musicians.  

After obtaining his master’s degree in the late 1980s, author Jimmy Shiu joined the orchestra as Audience Development Manager from 1988 to 1994, working alongside the ensemble to cultivate Hong Kong’s musical landscape. On the orchestra’s golden jubilee, Shiu offers a warm narrative that reflects on 50 significant moments both on and off stage.

The HK Phil is celebrated as one of Asia’s premier classical orchestras. During its 44-week season, the orchestra performs over 150 concerts in mainland China, Hong Kong and other international cities, reaching more than 200,000 audience members. In 2019, the HK Phil became the first Asian winner of the “Orchestra of the Year” award by the renowned British magazine Gramophone. While its history dates to the establishment of the Sino-British Orchestra in 1947, the HK Phil was officially registered in 1957 and became a professional orchestra in 1974. The 2023/24 season marked its 50th professional season.

Jimmy Shiu majored in composition at the Hong Kong Baptist College and studied at the University of Sheffield before dedicating his career to arts administration. Passionate about music, he frequently hosts lectures, writes about music and avidly promotes sacred music, having published original and arranged works in this genre.