New HK Phil chief plans to expand orchestra’s appeal to new audiences
- Benedikt Fohr relocates to Asia to lead one of region’s leading orchestras after decades-long music management experience in Europe
- The German plans to work with Dutch music director Jaap van Zweden to develop new programmes that will attract different generations
![Benedikt Fohr, the new chief executive of the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra, says he is keen to discover ‘what the orchestra wants [and] what the public in Hong Kong wants’. Photo: Akif Hakan Celebi](https://cdn.i-scmp.com/sites/default/files/styles/1200x800/public/d8/images/methode/2019/04/25/b5711ec8-665a-11e9-a2c3-042d2f2c8874_image_hires_153504.jpg?itok=GT1bG8Xx&v=1556177717)
A leadership change came into effect at the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra (HK Phil) this month with Benedikt Fohr officially taking the helm as chief executive.
The 55-year-old German has succeeded Michael MacLeod, whose eight years in the role were highlighted by many achievements, including the performances and recordings with music director Jaap van Zweden of the four opera-in-concert performances that make up Wagner’s Ring Cycle.
“[Wagner’s Ring Cycle] was special because this is really something even European orchestras don’t usually put on the schedule because it’s so difficult with the soloists and choirs, and time [needed for] rehearsal,” Fohr said.
“But in combination with this recording project it was absolutely worthwhile and it is now a really good business card for the orchestra to show what it can achieve.”
On solid ground
In 2017, the orchestra conducted a five-city tour to Seoul, Osaka, Singapore, Melbourne and Sydney to perform before a total of more than 9,000 people, including, for the first time, audiences at the Sydney Opera House and the Singapore Esplanade.
