An unforgettable evening of music and dance

Hong Kong Ballet (HKB)’s Choreographer-in-Residence Hu Song Wei Ricky’s poignant The Last Song and Septime Webre’s powerful dance masterpiece Carmina Burana. Inspired by J.S. Bach’s music and Oscar Wilde’s story The Nightingale and the Rose, Hu created the hauntingly beautiful The Last Song as a powerful and intimate mediation of an artist’s relationship with his muse, symbolised by the nightingale. 

With intriguing dances from medieval times all the way to the present, Webre’s riveting Carmina Burana, with its universal theme about the eternal search for love, is set to Carl Orff’s powerful music, widely considered one of the most celebrated scores ever written. Orff was inspired by 24 provocative medieval poems, both sacred and profane, written by 12th century monks about fortune, love, lust and gluttony, and Webre’s charismatic choreography brings the drama to life. Breathtaking nine-metre scaffolding surrounding the stage evokes monks’ cells and holds over 100 commanding chorus singers from Shanghai. 

Under the baton of HK Phil Resident Conductor Lio Kuokman, this epic double bill programme uniquely brings the acclaimed dancers of HKB and the world-class musicians of the HK Phil together for a celebration of culture and artistry combining riveting music with visually arresting dance. Carmina Burana won Outstanding Large Venue Production, and The Last Song won Outstanding Choreography at the 24th HK Dance Alliance Awards.