The Best Things Pre, During and Post Concert

Before

1. When you buy your tickets weeks in advanced and mark the official date on the calendar

2. Getting excited the moment you step in the entrance and checking people out to see the crazy variety of people who came to see the same singer/band

3. Getting there 8 hours early for your favorite band and finding it was worth the wait because you are centre stage and front row

4. Finally entering the arena and you already get excited seeing the singer/band banner on stage

5. Testing of sound and lights

6. Singing along to the music they play before the show starts

7. The random moment where a chant of the artist starts

8. Guessing what songs they will start and end with

9. When the background music stops, everything goes dark and everyone screams at the top of their lungs with excitement

During

1. The moment you lay your eyes on the artist. Even if you are so far back you need a telescope, seeing them magnified ten times on the screens, you still go mental.

2. When you feel a sudden push from the crowds (this isn’t necessarily the best thing)

3. When the artist attempts conversations with the audience

4. When they do an arrangement of a song that is different from the CD, especially the slower songs.

5. When they steal someone’s camera and take a picture of themselves on it…only a 0.000000001% chance of this person being you, but still.

6. When they pick people to go on stage.

7. That really annoying but effective ‘prank’ they pull when they thank everyone and you think it’s the end of the show…but then they come back on stage for one or two more kick ass songs that ‘they definitely have to sing’.

8. Seeing how passionate they are about what they do and how grateful they are for all their fans.

After

1. When you leave the arena still singing their songs

2. When you sing their songs and you find yourself singing their songs for the next three weeks

3. You can’t get over how amazing/awesome/mind blowing/effing awesome the concert was

4. Overpriced but so-worth-it-at-that-moment merchandise

5. Putting their songs on your playlist on your ipod

6. Posting all the pictures on facebook about how awesome the concert was

7. When you are pleasantly surprised that your video recording sound isn’t distorted

8. It never felt so good to lose half your hearing, constant buzzing in your ear for days and your voice all at the same time.

9. You will never forget the feelings and moments you had during the concert

 

Orchestral Broadway with The Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra

The Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra is set to perform classic Broadway numbers where audiences can tap their feet, hum, whistle and even sing at the top of their lungs along to the recognizable tunes. Conducted by Gerald Steichen, the two-day concert is completed with the talented vocals of Lisa Vroman (Soprano), Gary Mauer (tenor) and William Michals (baritone).  What more can you ask for than to have a mixture of Broadway classis in one concert? With timeless classics including Phantom of The Opera, The Sound of Music, Oklahoma!, Wicked, Les Miserables and the list really does go on forever, be sure to warm up your vocal chords so you can sing-along with your favorites.

The concerts will take place on Friday 25^th January and Saturday 26^th January 2013 at 8pm at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre Concert Hall.

Purchase your tickets now before they are sold out at all urbtix ticket outlets or book online at www.urbtix.hk

The Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra Go Festive

It’s that time of the year again where Christmas decorations are not only displayed in the comfort of peoples homes, but also out and about the city. We all know that Christmas would not be complete without the abundance of carols. You know it’s the festive season once every store in shopping malls play a CD consisting entirely of Christmas songs, many leaning towards the tacky category in terms of arrangement. Why not go for something a little different this year? Harry Wong and The Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra invites you to attend the two-day concert on December 23^rd and 24^th for a dazzling way to get you into the Christmas spirit if you have not done so already. With a mixture of both orchestral and vocal performances, in which vocal performances call for audience participation, the event will be a fun way to celebrate with the family.

The Sunday 23^rd December concert commences at 4pm with an additional performance in the evening at 7:45pm. The Monday 24^th December concert commences at 7:45pm. All performances will be held at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre Concert Hall.

Tickets can be purchased at urbtix outlets or purchase tickets online at www.urbtix.hk

For more details of the event, visit: http://www.hkphil.org/eng/concerts_and_ticket/concerts/concertdetail.jsp?id=342

For more information on the orchestra and upcoming concerts, visit their official website at: www.hkphil.org

Channel your Inner Child and Re-Live Classic Pixar Tunes

Pixar is possibly the most recognized animation film companies and instantly rings familiar bell across all age groups. With blockbuster films including Finding Nemo, Cars, Ratatouille, The Incredbles, Up, Monsters Inc, Wall-E, Toy Story and the most recent Brave, it is clear that Pixar continues to entertain movie goers and have a line-up of films in the works.

The intricate and spectacular visual experience is paired with music to treat your ears and this is what the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra and conductor Nicholas Buc aims to achieve at the end of their two day “Pixar in Concert” performances on Thursday 22 November and Friday 23 November 2012.  Hum along to your favorite themes and see if you can pinpoint the film and scene the music is from, Now that is a true Pixar fan.

We can all thank the several established composers including Michael Giacchino, Randy Newman, Patrick Doyle and Thomas Newman, who came up with the catchy, memorable themes, some of which have been nominated and won awards for their memorable works. Perhaps it is because they were able to catch the mood and tone of the movie so effectively it almost seemed to enhance every emotion you felt. The Ups were higher and the downs were lower. You were definitely not alone when your eyes got watery and had to hold back your tears as much as you could in Toy Story 3, Nemo, Up or Monsters Inc.

The concert is sure to be both fun and moving for all members of the family and you might even leave the hall a bigger Pixar fan than before.

The concert will be held at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre commencing at 8pm on both nights.

Tickets can be purchased at Urbtix outlets or online at www.urbtix.hk

For more information on upcoming concerts visit the orchestra’s official website at www.hkphil.org

Swire Symphony Under The Stars

The Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra and conductor Perry So invites you to the spectacular annual concert “Swire Symphony Under The Stars” on Friday 9 November 2012.  What better place to hold the concert other than the outdoor New Central Harbourfront which overlooks the famous skyline of Hong Kong where you will be completely surrounded by the city’s bright lights and urban sounds. The concert promises to be a memorable and atypical from your usual classical concert.

With a program that essentially covers most musical periods, the night brings you pieces from Handel, Mozart, Mendelssohn, Smetana and Rimsky-Korsakov. The orchestra will then jazz up your night with numbers from American greats such as Bernstein, Gershwin and Adams, an exciting and modern spin to the evening. In other words, there is something for everyone.

If you are feeling extra musical, the orchestra is inviting you to bring along your own instruments and participate in Mozart’s Toy Symphony. Regardless of your grade, ability and age, the performance is sure to get everyone involved and interacting with one another.

The concert starts at 7:30pm but gates will open from 5:30pm onwards so be sure to get there early for a decent view of the stage.

Free tickets can be picked up from Tom Lee outlets upon submitting a brief form. Children under the age of 3 go free.

For further enquiries call +852 2721 2030

To find out about future concert dates visit the orchestra’s official page at http://www.hkphil.org/

 

Annual Arts and Music Festival “Clockenflap” Returns

Music, film, art and food (aka the best things in life) come together in the annual two-day festival known as Clockenflap. Events are held throughout various locations in Hong Kong with the aim to focus on the contemporary arts scene in the city, giving exposure to both established and up-coming local and international talents. This year, the festival being held at one of the most spectacular locations yet – West Kowloon Waterfront Promenade. If you are local to Hong Kong, you will know what I mean. The backdrop of the famous skyline, particularly at night, is definitely a treat for your eyes and if you haven’t been visited the area, spend a few hours during the weekend to escape from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Founded by Jay Forester, Justin Sweeting and Mike Hill in 2008, their vision from right from the start was to establish Hong Kong as an international arts hub. Think Glastonbury, Itunes Festival and South by Southwest but with a heavy touch of multi-media. Now in it’s fifth year, the festival has only increased in popularity with each passing year and continues to attracts a variety of audiences passionate about everything to do with the arts.

If you are a film buff, be sure to check out the ‘Film Tent’ which has the capacity of 200 people. Don’t confuse this event with your typical trip to the cinema to catch the next big blockbuster. The Film Tent features an abundance of local and internationally produced independent short films, animations and music videos.

In terms of Art, you will be treated to several art installations of various shapes and sizes all of which will be displayed in the outdoors, a cool alternative to your traditional art gallery. Let’s just hope that it doesn’t rain.

The catering for the festival will most likely get you to go to the gym for the next week subsequent to the festival. Whether you prefer Western or Eastern food, the festival has everything covered from pizza, noodles, soup, pasta and the list goes on. So don’t bother preparing finger food or untoasted ham and cheese sandwiches the night before because you will definitely not need it.

Now onto the line-up for this year. Some of the bands that will be featured includePrimal Scream, Alt-J, Chet Faker, Sneaky Sound System, The Yours, and Noughts and Exes. This is the perfect way to find out about new music and new bands, so don’t miss out this exciting opportunity to memorize lyrics and repeat them over in your head and google them when you get home!

Tickets can be purchased from October 10^th onwards (details below) at all HMV stores. The festival will take place from Saturday 1^st December to Sunday 2^nd December at the West Kowloon Cultural District

Advanced tickets:
Adult Weekend: HKD590 (limited availability)
Adult Saturday/Sunday: HKD390
Student* Weekend: HKD490 (limited availability)
Student* Saturday/Sunday: HKD290
On the door tickets (subject to availability):

Adult Saturday/Sunday: HKD490
Student* Saturday/Sunday: HKD390

FREE ENTRY for children under 12 and accompanied by an Adult.
*Students are those in full time education in Hong Kong. Valid student ID must be shown upon entry.

Visit the official at http://www.clockenflap.com for more information about the festival

No-one Ever Really Dies

Calling all funky party animals people who can fistpump the night away, party till dawn and attend after after parties…or just general music fans, N*E*R*D will be keeping the crowd on their feet as they play their tunes at PLAY, one of the many hubs of Hong Kong’s nightlife on Thursday November 1^st 2012 at. Who cares if it is on a Thursday? Turn up to work with a headache because nobody works hard on a Friday anyway.

The trio have established themselves in the music industry and are known for their electronic sounds and the fusion of funk, hip-hop and R&B elements. The featured the hit single “She Wants to Move” in their second album “Fly or Die” appeared at the top of the charts in various countries and can be considered as one of their most popular tracks.  The band then went on a hiatus but came back with their third album in 2008 and toured with prominent artists such as Kanye West, Rihanna, Lupe Fiasco and Gorillaz.

Fancy a break from the working week? Catch N*E*R*D at Play, 14 Wyndham Street, Central, Hong Kong from 11pm onwards.

Visit their official website at: http://n-e-r-d.com/

J.Lo to Hold Her First Ever Hong Kong Gig

It’s amazing how long J.Lo continues to remain as one of the most successful and influential Hispanic artists in the music industry and is ready to set the stage ablaze with her “Dance Again World Tour” on Wednesday 28^th November 2012 at the Asia-World Expo for one night only.  It has been a good year for Hong Kong’s concert scene with household names being brought to the city to perform for thousands of fans. It’s about time Hong Kong was put on the map as a concert hub with die-hard fans as it seemed like bands were touring “ all over Asia” with the exception of Hong Kong.

J.Lo first broke into the entertainment industry when she landed several roles in movies during her early twenties. With almost immediate success, she received outstanding reviews for her roles resulting in several awards and nominations. With her foot in the door in the movie industry, she wanted to prove her vocal talent was just as refined as her acting. What resulted was her debut album titled “On the 6” went platinum eight times with classic songs such as “Waiting for Tonight”, “Lets Get Loud” and “Feelin’ So Good”. Her next album titled “J.Lo” in 2001 featured her arguably most famous track “Love Don’t Cost A Thing”. She has also collaborated with prominent musicians of various genres including Marc Anthony, LL Cool J, Flo Rida and Pitbull. Influences from pop, R&B, dance and funk are most prominent in her songs and have made her one of the most celebrated musicians to date.

The successes of both J.Lo’s film and music career propelled her into the limelight and continued to deliver catchy, danceable pop hits and appeared in feature roles in movies, particularly romantic comedies. Her  seven albums have collectively sold over 35 million copies worldwide and if as if that wasn’t enough, she was recently featured as one of the panel members on American Idol alongside Randy Jackson and Steve Tyler and ¡Q’Viva! The Chosen, a talent show hosted by Marc Anthony, J.Lo and Jamie King in search for the next Latin star to perform in their Las Vegas production.

Don’t miss the opportunity to catch J.Lo in an abundance of outfit changes and the body to pull it off by purchasing your tickets now at Urbtix outlets or online at www.urbtix.hk

Adele – Skyfall

If you haven’t listened to the new theme song for James Bond “Skyfall” you really do need expose your ears to something quite epic. One, it’s James Bond. Two, Adele’s powerful and sultry voice really holds your attention for almost five minutes. Three, the specially arranged 77-piece orchestra that supports the song. Basically, it really is everything you can ask for and more in a song. Adele takes a break from singing her hits about love and relationships and channels her mysterious, borderline seductive persona in such a way that you will instantly know Skyfall will forever be known as a classic Bond theme. Adele perfectly executes each note and belts out at the climax of the song and to really add in the extra punch, echoes of the traditional James Bond motif can be heard during the instrumental breaks. Skyfall was so successful it went to the number one spot on the iTunes chart just twelve hours after it premiered and has over twelve million hits on youtube. Though Skyfall joins the group of Bond classics such as “Diamonds are Forever”, “Goldfinger” and “For Your Eyes Only”, the song goes back to it’s sixties roots of glam, seduction, larger than life attitude complete with a dash of contemporary arrangement and sound. Let’s just hope the movie lives up to the expectations as well.

Billy Talent – Surprise Surprise

“Surprise Surprise” is the third track from Billy Talent’s fifth album titled “Dead Silence” which was released in August 2012. You may be familiar with their timeless hits such as “Fallen Leaves”, “Try Honesty”, “Devil in A Midnight Mass” and the list goes on, and their latest album is sure impress both new and long term supporters of the band as they’ve maintained their unmistakable punk-rock sound but also matured in their lyrics style and guitar riffs to start each track. “Surprise Surprise” incorporates clever rhymes, heavy guitar riff to open the song and a catchy chorus. What’s not to love?!