The piece “The Nirvana of Phoenix” (鳳凰涅磐) for full orchestra is inspired by the story of phoenix rebirths in Greek mythology, The word Nirvana literally means “blown off”. In addition, it is a word associated with Buddhism, which represents its ultimate state of soteriological release and liberation from rebirths in Samsara.
The Chinese title of this piece first appeared in the modern poem with the same title written by Guo Mo-ruo (郭沫若). His long poem mentions that phoenix are envoys of happiness in our world. They need to carry all the sadness and hatred, and fly into the flame every five hundred years. By ending their lives, they bring happiness and peace to the world. After the ordeal, they can rebirth from the ashes with even stronger bodies.
In Buddhism, pain in life is inevitable, but suffering is optional. The deaths of Phoenix are not the end of their lives. Instead, it is a new beginning of the story of happiness and peace.
Conductor:
KWOK Man-ho Marco
Violin I:
TANG Yu-hang Jackie, Concertmaster
LO Sze-wing
YEUNG Sin-hang
YIM Tsz-kwan Julian
LI James
NG Jacko
TANG Choi-yi Joyce
CHAN Ho-ming Huey
CHUNG Wai-shan Winnie
SHIU Yat-man Alan
YEUNG Ngo-shing
TSOI Wing-yi Clara
Violin II:
LAU Yung Kevin, Principal
PANG Chi-hin Nelson
YU See-wai Sandy
AU Ka-leong Tony
CHEUNG Kin-fun Kelvin
CHEUNG King-tin Cash
WONG Yat-hei Edward
LEUNG Wai-in Phoebe
LIAO Kelvin
LAM Chi-long Alvin
TSANG Lok-ki Rocky
CHEUNG Cheuk-yin Triston
Viola:
LEE Wai-lam William, Principal
CHENG Hiu-yiing Elvira
WAT Tsing-hei Joshua
LO Kwok-hin
NG Chi-yiu Edmund
WU Wing-shan Sandy
CHEN Chi-shing Tony
TSUI Chi-kiu Lavendar
LAM Sin-ying Sindy
CHAK Michael
Cello:
FONG Ho-man Jonathan, Principal
LAM Lok-hang Asa
LEE Ka-long Kelvin
NG Ho-ki Thomas
BERNARDO Jeff
YU Hiu-kai Hilson
WONG Yin-chun Sebastien
LEUNG Tsz-ling Lizzie
Double Bass:
CHEUNG Chung-yan Ashlyn, Principal
WONG Chiu-yu
HO Hei-kan Hacon
LEE Yik-chung
Flute:
LEUNG Hoi-kei Chloe, Principal
LEE Yan-pui Giselle
Oboe:
LEE Pui-yue Toby
English Horn:
CHAN Nim-yee Carol
Clarinet:
CHEUNG Ka-ho Alvin, Principal
CHAN Kwan-yau Faith
Bassoon:
YIM Ho-yan Cherry, Principal
YIP Tsz-chung Matthew
Horn:
LOK Tsun-ho Henry, Principal
WONG Ho-wa
Trumpet:
CHEUNG King-kit Keith, Principal
CHAN Pui-lam Jenny
Trombone:
KO Cheuk-nam Frankie, Principal
LO Kwok-hin John
Bass Trombone:
FU Kai-yin Alan
Tuba:
LAM Ho-wang Horence
Timpani:
TSENG Tsz-chuen Sam
Percussion:
LAM Tin-chun Jacky, Principal
CHAN Kam-wang Kelvin
CHEUK Tsz-leung Eccles
HUI Lok-chi Nathaniel
Piano:
CHAN Hoi-ying Stehpanie
Live recording of “Composition Honours Project Recitals 2017” on 24 May 2017.
Copyright © Kwok Man Ho Marco 2017. All Rights Reserved.