Classical Music Lecture Series: “Paganini 24 Caprices” and “Romantic Piano Concertos”

Classical Music Lecture Series 1: “Paganini 24 Caprices”

Speaker: Jimmy Shiu
Violin Demonstrator: Wang Liang

Paganini’s mysterious and legendary life earned him the nickname ‘the Devil’s Violinist’.  His caprices demand such daunting technical prowess that they are rarely heard in concert halls.  "Paganini 24 Caprices" is a rare treat, offering music lovers not only the chance to experience the complete set of 24 Caprices up close, but also a deeper understanding of these masterpieces through technical analysis, tips for appreciation and Q&A.  Truth be told, the brilliance of "Paganini 24 Caprices" extends far beyond mere technical virtuosity.

20 May 2026 (Wed)
Lecture 1: Caprices No. 1-6

27 May 2026 (Wed)
Lecture 2: Caprices No. 7-12

3 Jun 2026 (Wed)
Lecture 3: Caprices No. 13-18

10 Jun 2026 (Wed)
Lecture 4: Caprices No. 19-24


Classical Music Lecture Series 2: “Romantic Piano Concertos”

Speaker: Jimmy Shiu 

Paganini was an early advocate of Romanticism; and Paganini’s caprices have a part to play in awakening the aspiration for virtuosity in the 19^th century, aptly showcased by pianists in concerto performances.  On top of virtuosity, the series will cover a lot more including:

• Why concerto? — An outline of the history of the concerto with emphasis on the keyboard
• General framework of classical piano concertos
• New features of romantic piano concertos in
  • Form
  • Orchestration
  • Counterpoint
  • Expression of non-musical content
  • Roles of the soloist and the orchestra
• Development of the piano, the orchestra, and the concert hall in the 19^th century
• The rising of star pianists!

17 Jun 2026 (Wed)
Lecture 1: Introduction and the Early Romantics
                 　Beethoven: Piano Concerto No. 5 in E-flat, “Emperor”
                 　Mendelssohn: Piano Concerto No. 1 in G minor

24 Jun 2026 (Wed)
Lecture 2: Two Charismatic Pianists
                 　Chopin: Piano Concerto No. 1 in E minor 
                 　Liszt: Piano Concerto No. 1 in E-flat

8 Jul 2026 (Wed)
Lecture 3: The Two A minor Concertos
                 　Schumann: Piano Concerto in A minor
                 　Grieg: Piano Concerto in A minor

15 Jul 2026 (Wed)
Lecture 4: Two Symphonic Concertos
                 　Brahms: Piano Concerto No. 1 in D minor & No. 2 in B-flat

22 Jul 2026 (Wed)
Lecture 5: Bravura East and West!
                 　Tchaikovsky: Piano Concerto No. 1 in B-flat minor
                 　Saint-Saens: Piano Concerto No. 2 in G minor

29 Jul 2026 (Wed)
Lecture 6: Romantic of the 20th Century
                 　Rachmaninov: Piano Concerto No. 2 in C minor & "Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini"
                 
(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 Kingdom, where he earned a double-major 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 also engages in research work, serving as a researcher and host for the “Oral History and Archives Project - Dr Yip Wai-hong” by Hong Kong Arts Development Council.  Shiu is also a music arranger and choral conductor and has published his original composition and arrangement, as well as several books related to music appreciation.  His most recent book commemorates Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra’s golden jubilee.  Its English and traditional Chinese versions were released and the simplified Chinese version will also be published soon.

Violin Demonstrator: Wang Liang (20/5, 27/5, 3/6 & 10/6)

Currently Second Associate Concertmaster of the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra, Wang Liang was born into a musical family in Shenyang, China.  He is one of the most popular violinists in Hong Kong.  Wang has appeared as a guest concertmaster with many orchestras.  At the invitation of conductor Jaap van Zweden, he served as the concertmaster in the debut performance presented by Evergreen Symphony Orchestra.  Wang has also served as soloist and leader at the Young Musicians European Orchestra Summer Festival in Italy and Music in the Summer Air (MISA) in Shanghai.  He teaches as an adjunct faculty member at both the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts and Hong Kong Baptist University and serves as visiting professor at Shenyang Conservatory of Music.  He was the speaker for the ABRSM violin syllabus seminar hosted by ABRSM and Tom Lee Music.  He is currently in partnership with Larsen Strings and a member of Circle of Friends of First Initiative Foundation.  He was invited to perform by Maestro Jaap van Zweden for his Papageno Foundation.

Information provided by the speaker and the artist

Classical Music Lecture Series: “Paganini 24 Caprices” and “Romantic Piano Concertos”

DATE

VENUE

PRICE

20.05.2026 (Wed)
19:30

27.05.2026 (Wed)
19:30

03.06.2026 (Wed)
19:30

10.06.2026 (Wed)
19:30

17.06.2026 (Wed)
19:30

24.06.2026 (Wed)
19:30

08.07.2026 (Wed)
19:30

15.07.2026 (Wed)
19:30

22.07.2026 (Wed)
19:30

29.07.2026 (Wed)
19:30

Lecture Hall, Hong Kong Space Museum

$120 (20/5-10/6), $80 (17/6-29/7)

BUY NOW

DATE

20.05.2026 (Wed)
19:30

27.05.2026 (Wed)
19:30

03.06.2026 (Wed)
19:30

10.06.2026 (Wed)
19:30

17.06.2026 (Wed)
19:30

24.06.2026 (Wed)
19:30

08.07.2026 (Wed)
19:30

15.07.2026 (Wed)
19:30

22.07.2026 (Wed)
19:30

29.07.2026 (Wed)
19:30

VENUE

Lecture Hall, Hong Kong Space Museum

PRICE

$120 (20/5-10/6), $80 (17/6-29/7)

BUY NOW

Tickets available from 15 April 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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