[10 March 2010 – Hong Kong] The Hong Kong Philharmonic Society Ltd [HKPS] announced today that Artistic Director and Chief Conductor Edo de Waart will step down at the conclusion of the 2011/12 Season when his current contract ends. A Search Committee for his successor will be formed shortly.

Assuming the directorship since the 2004/05 Season, Maestro de Waart has been credited for raising the standards and reputation of the 90 strong orchestra through his keen artistic vision, vastly expanded repertoire and spearheading a number of important landmark tours.

Mr. Y.S. Liu, Chairman of the Board of Governors, conveyed his gratitude on behalf of the HKPS to Maestro de Waart for his invaluable contributions to the Orchestra’s development. “It’s been a great pleasure and privilege to have such an internationally renowned orchestra builder to guide the HKPO through the last six seasons and the remaining two will certainly be the platform for the next leap of improvement.”

“Since I took up the directorship at the HKPO, I’ve constantly been impressed by the dedication and commitment of its musicians and staff and I will always be proud of my association with this very special ensemble,” said Maestro de Waart.

Maestro de Waart will return to Hong Kong to conduct the Orchestra in the much anticipated BeethovenFest running from 7 – 20 May and to announce the 2010/11 Season launch on 18 May.

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HONG KONG PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA
Edo de Waart
Artistic Director and Chief Conductor

The Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra (HKPO) is one of Asia’s leading orchestras. Enriching Hong Kong’s cultural life for over a century, the Orchestra has grown into a formidable ensemble of Chinese and international talents in the last three decades, attracting world-class artists to perform on the same stage. HKPO annually touches the lives of 200,000 music lovers through more than 150 performances including its extensive education activities for children and adults alike, and free concerts such as the popular Swire Symphony Under the Stars, and regular broadcasts and telecasts. Outside of Hong Kong, HKPO has made a number of successful tours in Asia and Europe including a major six-concert tour of China in the 08/09 season under the leadership of Maestro Edo de Waart, drawing great critical acclaims. [Full Biography]

The Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra is financially supported by the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.
SWIRE is the Principal Patron of the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra.
The Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra is the Venue Partner of the Hong Kong Cultural Centre.

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