Conductor Angus Lee and ten string players perform four works by contemporary composers known for their distinct interpretations of minimalism – Philip Glass, John Adams, Julia Wolfe and Erkki-Sven Tüür.

Showcasing each composer’s fascination with reexamining tonal harmony, Towards Transcendence demonstrates the unique approaches discernable in their work. The programme interweaves excerpts from Philip Glass’s Symphony no.3 and John Adams’s Shaker Loops, two established classics within the traditional minimalist aesthetic, with Julia Wolfe’s Fuel and Erkki-Sven Tüür’s triptych Action, Passion, Illusion, two energetic second-generation works.

To highlight the intricate melodies and subtle layers of these works, the pieces are presented in a reduced chamber-music setting, with lines written for a fuller string ensemble shared among the players of Lee’s streamlined group.

The event includes a post-performance meet-the-artist session with conductor Angus Lee and composer Kung Chi-shing.
 

About Freespace Ensemble
Our cross-genre ensemble is a collaboration of Hong Kong musicians brought together to experiment with new compositions and arrangements across a range of genres and showcase the talent of emerging local artists.

Programme
Erkki-Sven Tüür Action, Passion, Illusion (Hong Kong Premiere)
Julia Wolfe Fuel
Philip Glass Symphony no.3, second and third movements
John Adams Shaker Loops