“The Hong Kong Sinfonietta is presenting Back on Stage, a three-part concert film series, … in Hong Kong cinemas this month,” writes Jess Ma in last Friday’s (9/3) South China Morning Post (Hong Kong). “Recorded in 2020, initially when Hong Kong concerts halls were closed to audiences, the films show how the orchestra responded to the challenges of the pandemic…. In Back on Stage I—filmed in June 2020—the orchestra played to an auditorium full of dolls … created by Hong Kong artists Alice Mak and Brian Tse…. The second film in the series, Back on Stage II (Quarantined!), offers an intimate picture of musicians’ efforts to keep working despite travel restrictions and quarantine requirements…. Back on Stage II has been shown 21 times since its first screening in November 2020…. The Sinfonietta produced Back on Stage III: Destiny, the latest in the series, featuring a live performance with audience and cello soloist Aurélien Pascal … which had its premiere on August 27…. The Sinfonietta led the film production process. Every shot and edit was checked and vetted by [CEO Margaret] Yang and [principal guest conductor Christoph] Poppen to perfect the aesthetic presentation of the music and the visual experience.”
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