Louise Kwong Headlines Italian National Day Concert in Hong Kong

Hong Kong soprano Louise Kwong sang selections from Puccini, Cilèa and Verdi in a special concert in a special “Concerto Italiano”, presented by the Italian Consulate-General in Hong Kong at the City Hall and streamed online on the occasion of the Italian National Day.

An ensemble of the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra under the direction of Lorenzo Iosco played works of Italian composers from Rossini and Mascagni through such modern composers as Rota and Morricone. Other soloists included violinist Gian Paolo Peloso, Heidi Li (who sang the modern classic “Almeno tu nell’universo”) and classical guitarist Francesco Teopini. Warren Mok closed with “’O Sole Mio” and, together with Kwong, the “Brindisi” from La Traviata.

Artistic Director Marco Iannelli included Resphigi’s “I Pini del Gianicolo” as a tribute to front-line Covid workers, and a reading from Dante, this year being the 700th anniversary of the poet’s death.