Most large-scale music festivals are dedicated to a single genre, such as EDM at Ultra or pop music at Creamfields. However, the Hong Kong Generation Next Arts (HKGNA) Music Festival 2024 breaks this mold by offering a diverse lineup that spans classical music and pop. Scheduled to open on November 19, this year’s festival will feature a range of performances, including Canadian violinist James Ehnes and the Tianjin Juilliard Orchestra, as well as a unique collaboration between Cantopop star Hins Cheung and K-pop artist Sung Si-kyung.
What truly sets the HKGNA Music Festival apart is its strong focus on youth and community service. Founded in 2014, the festival is classified as a “mega event” by the Hong Kong Tourism Board and is organized by the non-profit organization HKGNA. The festival aims to provide music education and therapeutic programs to underprivileged and special-needs youth in Hong Kong. HKGNA founder Michelle Kim, an award-winning concert pianist who began her musical career with the Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra at the age of 10, created the organization in 2009 after relocating to Hong Kong.
Since its inception, HKGNA has offered free music education and therapy sessions to empower young people in the city. Kim shares that one of her former students was a former member of a triad gang, highlighting the transformative power of music in shaping lives. “We have seen how music can truly change and empower our youth. We are not a typical concert promoter; our mission is to serve the community and youth of Hong Kong,” Kim says.
The festival has managed to attract high-profile performers even during challenging times. For instance, Grammy-winning soprano Sumi Jo agreed to perform at the 2022 festival despite strict quarantine rules. Thanks to its mission-driven approach, HKGNA has been able to keep ticket prices accessible, with the lowest tickets for this year’s events priced at HK$80 (US$10).
The 2024 festival will kick off with two classical music concerts. The first, on November 19, will feature Beethoven violin sonatas performed by violinist James Ehnes and pianist Orion Weiss. On November 24, the Tianjin Juilliard Orchestra will make its Hong Kong debut under the direction of Ken Lam, with performances by violinist Angelo Xiang Yu and violist Hanna Lee.
A unique collaboration will take place on November 29, as Cantopop icon Hins Cheung and Korean singer Sung Si-kyung share the stage for a night of duets in Cantonese and Korean. The festival will conclude on November 30 with a special concert featuring the Hong Kong Children’s Choir and the Hong Kong Youth Orchestra. Guest appearances include soprano Louise Kwong and pianist Alex Wun, promising an evening of musical excellence.
This year’s HKGNA Music Festival not only celebrates diverse musical genres but also emphasizes its commitment to serving the community and providing a platform for young talent in Hong Kong.
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