

Where symphonic majesty grooves with jazz pulse beyond borders
Step aboard a dazzling voyage where orchestral grandeur sails hand in hand with the irresistible spirit of jazz. This concert unveils a brand‑new perspective on the genre, fusing the lush resonance of a full symphonic setting with the spontaneity and groove of top‑notch local jazz musicians.
Award-winning Hong Kong composer Kenneth Li sets the tone with a playful Duke Ellington medley—his signature rhythmic wit giving familiar tunes a fresh, groovy sparkle. The journey continues with the world premiere of Barak Schmool’s symphonic jazz—straight from the UK—showcasing his renowned gift for weaving multi-ethnic elements into intelligent, surprising textures. And as a star returning to the stage, Li’s Sagittarius — acclaimed in last year’s performance — once again invites audiences into its vibrant constellation of sound. Together, these works promise an evening of innovation and brilliance, charting new horizons for symphonic jazz.
Programme
Duke Ellington/Kenneth Li arr.
Duke's Senti-mental Ride
Barak Schmool
Many Continents, 1 Language (World Premiere)
Kenneth Li
Sagittarius - Concerto Suite for Jazz Quartet and Orchestra
🗓 22 February 2026 (Sunday)
🕣 7:30pm
📍 Theatre, Sai Wan Ho Civic Centre
$280, $200
Tickets now available at URBTIX
3166 1288 | www.urbtix.hk
Concessionary tickets are available for full-time students, senior citizens aged 60 or above, people with disabilities & the minder and CSSA recipients.
Enjoy 10% off for group bookings of 4 or more standard tickets
Ticketing enquiries: 3166 1100
Remarks:
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Approximately 1 hour 45 minutes with an intermission
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Latecomers or re-admission audiences will only be admitted at a suitable break of the performance
Enquiries: kennethli.music.hk@gmail.com
Kenneth Li
Violin
A versatile jazz violinist, composer, arranger, and sambista, his musical footprint extends across continents, gracing stages in Hong Kong, the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, France, etc. His flair in jazz performance was honed at the prestigious Guildhall School of Music and Drama, where he earned his Master’s degree in jazz violin performance. He later gained his doctoral degree in composition at The Chinese University of Hong Kong with the support of The Hong Kong Jockey Club Music and Dance Fund. Known for his improvisational finesse and artistry in music arrangement, Kenneth has become a sought-after presence in the local jazz and pop scenes, having performed alongside artists such as Kendy Suen, Zelos Wong, Zeno Koo and J1M3 at major events including WestK Pop Fest, Jazz Fest, and the Hong Kong Pop Culture Festival. Over the years, he has also performed at renowned venues and festivals across the UK. As a founder of Korvi Quartet—Hong Kong's first jazz string quartet—he is dedicated to reimagining jazz standards and creating innovative original works. His discography includes a variety of singles and albums, most notably his solo EP “Hey.”, which highlights his unique musical language and creative expression. As a composer, Kenneth’s works have been showcased on significant platforms such as the International Society for Contemporary Music (ISCM) World New Music Days and the Asian Classical Music Initiative (ACMI) International Conference. Having received commissions from esteemed organizations such as the Musicus Society, the Hong Kong Museum of Art etc., he is committed to redefining the boundaries of musical genres through his compositions.

kingston lo
keyboard
A Hong Kong keyboardist making melancholic Jazz with electronic edges. Inspired by Nu-Jazz and the UK scene, he runs everything through a single keyboard—bending notes, twisting sounds live, and leaving wide-open space for collaborators to improvise. His moods swing from hushed and introspective to chaotic and loud, always leaning toward darker tones. His debut single “Bedlam Waltz,” released December 1, 2025, captures that journey: elegant melodies that gradually unravel into graceful, beautiful chaos.

Maka ma
bass
A bassist based in Hong Kong, he has a playing style predominantly influenced by fusion, jazz, R&B, and pop music. Currently, he is a member of the local band CODE, which has had the honor of performing at prominent events such as the Hong Kong and Taichung Jazz Festivals, as well as on a bar tour in Japan. In terms of his musical development, he enjoyed performing at notable venues, including the Grand Opening of La Mer’s Wonder Express Cafe, Harry Winston, and the 25th Anniversary Party of the Hong Kong Airport. Additionally, he participated in the "Yellow Magic Orchestra Reimagined" project organized by WestK, where he collaborated with esteemed Hong Kong jazz musicians such as CY Leo and Joyce Cheung.

Gill mok
drums
A drummer based in Hong Kong, known for his passion for exploring and honing his craft across a diverse range of musical genres. He has been performing with the local band Wantamnam since 2024 and the instrumental band Code since 2021. In addition to these projects, he has valuable experience in session work, collaborating with various artists to bring their musical visions to life. With extensive experience performing at both local and international festivals—including Clockenflap (Hong Kong), Taichung Jazz Festival (Taiwan), Baybeats Festival (Singapore), BreakOut West Kelowna (Canada), and BiKN Shibuya (Japan)—Gill is devoted to delivering exceptional performances on stage. His commitment to his art allows him to forge meaningful connections with audiences, all while sharing his deep love for music and unwavering dedication to his craft.











































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The presenter reserves the right to substitute artists and vary advertised programmes
The Hong Kong Arts Development Council supports freedom of artistic expression. The views and opinions expressed in this project do not represent the stand of the Council.
