Classical Music Lecture Series: “Beethoven 1-9” and “Top 10 Romantic Symphonies”

Classical Music Lecture Series 1: “Beethoven 1-9”

Beethoven created a music world of infinite possibilities, so it stands to reason that his contribution to the symphony as a genre could not have been a mere handful.  Indeed, with him on board, the symphony was no longer the same: its expressive range expanded tremendously, and his nine symphonies became sources of inspiration and drive for later generations of composers.  And yet, even for one as great as Brahms, he only found the courage to publish his first symphony in his forties, which goes to show that creative drive can also be a source of pressure.

Over five consecutive weeks, join us on an immersive journey as we explore musical elements, compositional techniques, and the contexts behind specific works, and uncover what Beethoven intended to communicate in his symphonies — and how he has continued to touch countless hearts of music lovers.

8 Oct 2025 (Wed)
Lecture 1: …Inheriting the Past
                 Symphony No. 1 in C
                 Symphony No. 2 in D

15 Oct 2025 (Wed)
Lecture 2: Symphony No. 3 in E-flat, “Eroica”
                  Symphony No. 4 in B-flat

22 Oct 2025 (Wed)
Lecture 3: Symphony No. 5 in C minor
                  Symphony No. 6 in F, “Pastoral”

29 Oct 2025 (Wed)
Lecture 4: Symphony No. 7 in A
                  Symphony No. 8 in F

5 Nov 2025 (Wed)
Lecture 5: Symphony No. 9 in D minor, “Choral”
                  Ushering in the Future…


Classical Music Lecture Series 2: “Top 10 Romantic Symphonies”

The Romantic ethos redefined a majority of symphonies composed in the 19th century.  No longer purely instrumental and no longer in three to four movements, symphonies grew in length and instrumentation.  Romanticism’s ideals of freedom, personal expression, and connection to extra-musical themes found boundless avenues for development within this genre.  At the same time, each new symphony was expected to break new ground, which explains why composers of the Romantic Period often had a small oeuvre, and typically of single-digit numbers.

This lecture series begins with a brief overview of the history of the symphony.  We will select ten representative works to trace the development of the Romantic symphony and examine the creative intentions of individual composers, so as to better engage with these masterpieces.

13 Nov 2025 (Thu)
Lecture 1: Past and Future
                 　Schubert: Symphony No. 8 in B minor, “Unfinished”
                 　Berlioz: Symphonie fantastique

20 Nov 2025 (Thu)
Lecture 2: German Tradition
                 　Mendelssohn: Symphony No. 4 in A, “Italian”
                 　Schumann: Symphony No. 3 in E-flat, “Rhenish”
                 　Brahms: Symphony No. 1 in C minor

27 Nov 2025 (Thu)
Lecture 3: Two Giants
                 　Bruckner: Symphony No. 7 in E
                 　Mahler: Symphony No. 2 in C minor

4 Dec 2025 (Thu)
Lecture 4: Slavonic Sound
                 　Dvořák: Symphony No. 8 in G
                 　Tchaikovsky: Symphony No. 6 in B minor, “Pathétique”

11 Dec 2025 (Thu)
Lecture 5: Romance of the Twentieth Century
                 　Sibelius: Symphony No. 2 in D minor
                 　Rachmaninov: Symphony No. 2 in E minor


(Information provided by the speaker)


Conducted in Cantonese.  Each lecture will run for about 1 hour and 30 minutes.  Free seating. 
The programme does not represent the views of the Leisure and Cultural Services Department.
The presenter reserves the right to change the programme.

Speaker: Jimmy Shiu

Jimmy Shiu graduated from the Hong Kong Baptist College, where he majored in composition.  He then pursued further studies at the University of Sheffield in the United Kingdow, where he earned a double Master's degree in Composition and Vocal Performance.  Passionate about music, Shiu enjoys sharing the joy of music appreciation with others.  He frequently gives lectures and serves as a master of ceremonies at concerts.  Shiu is also enthusiastic about writing and has published several books related to music appreciation, and sacred music (composition and arrangements). His most recent book which commemorates Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra’s golden jubilee was published in 2024.  Its English version will be released in 2025 and the simplified Chinese version will also be released soon.

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Information provided by the speaker

Classical Music Lecture Series: “Beethoven 1-9” and “Top 10 Romantic Symphonies”

DATE

VENUE

PRICE

08.10.2025 (Wed)
20:00

15.10.2025 (Wed)
20:00

22.10.2025 (Wed)
20:00

29.10.2025 (Wed)
20:00

05.11.2025 (Wed)
20:00

Cultural Activities Hall, Sai Wan Ho Civic Centre

$80

BUY NOW

13.11.2025 (Thu)
20:00

20.11.2025 (Thu)
20:00

27.11.2025 (Thu)
20:00

04.12.2025 (Thu)
20:00

11.12.2025 (Thu)
20:00

Recital Hall, Hong Kong City Hall

$80

BUY NOW

DATE

08.10.2025 (Wed)
20:00

15.10.2025 (Wed)
20:00

22.10.2025 (Wed)
20:00

29.10.2025 (Wed)
20:00

05.11.2025 (Wed)
20:00

VENUE

Cultural Activities Hall, Sai Wan Ho Civic Centre

PRICE

$80

BUY NOW

DATE

13.11.2025 (Thu)
20:00

20.11.2025 (Thu)
20:00

27.11.2025 (Thu)
20:00

04.12.2025 (Thu)
20:00

11.12.2025 (Thu)
20:00

VENUE

Recital Hall, Hong Kong City Hall

PRICE

$80

BUY NOW

Tickets available from 29 August at all URBTIX outlets, self-service ticketing kiosks, on internet, by mobile app and telephone.

Half-price tickets available for senior citizens aged 60 or above, people with disabilities and the minder, full-time students and Comprehensive Social Security Assistance (CSSA) recipients (limited tickets for CSSA recipients available on a first come, first served basis).

"Classical Music Lecture Series" Package Discount
For each purchase of standard tickets, the following concession applies:
10% off for any 2 lectures, 15% off for any 3 lectures, 20% off for any 4 lectures or more.

"Classical Music Lecture Series" Group Booking Discount
For each purchase of standard tickets, the following concession applies:
10% off for 4-9 tickets, 15% off for 10-19 tickets, 20% off for 20 or more tickets.

Patrons can enjoy only one of the above discount offers.

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