Chopin Competition gold medallist Eric Lu makes his Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra debut this September, playing Chopin's Piano Concerto No. 1 under the baton of Resident Conductor Lio Kuokman. It is a one-night-only "pre-tour" concert before the orchestra takes the same programme to Chengdu — and tickets are on sale now.
In This Guide
What is this concert?
"Chengdu Pre-Tour Concert: Eric Lu Plays Chopin" is a single Hong Kong performance by the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra (HK Phil) ahead of the orchestra's trip to Chengdu for Hong Kong Week 2026@Chengdu, where it repeats the same programme on 12 September. The Hong Kong date functions as a proper stand-alone concert in its own right, not merely a rehearsal, and marks pianist Eric Lu's first appearance with the HK Phil.
Lu is an International Chopin Competition gold medallist, and this Hong Kong date pairs him with HK Phil Resident Conductor Lio Kuokman. The concert is presented as part of the orchestra's 2026/27 season touring activity, funded in part by the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and staged at the HK Phil's home venue, the Hong Kong Cultural Centre.
What's on the programme?
The evening opens with the world premiere of Yao Chen's "Waltz of the Rolling Giants", a new work commissioned by the HK Phil especially for its 2026/27 China and international tours, inspired by Sichuan's giant pandas. Eric Lu then takes the stage for Chopin's Piano Concerto No. 1 in E minor, Op. 11 — a change of key and mood from the F minor concerto that won him competition gold, showcasing what the orchestra describes as his "lyricism and youthful ardour."
The programme closes with Stravinsky's Firebird Suite (1919 version), led by Lio Kuokman, giving the evening a vivid, colour-driven finish. In total the concert runs approximately 1 hour 55 minutes, including an interval, and is recommended for ages 6 and up.
Date, venue and tickets
Chengdu Pre-Tour Concert: Eric Lu Plays Chopin
Standard discounts apply, including 50% off for full-time students, visitors aged 60 and above, people with disabilities and CSSA recipients, plus a 15% Club Bravo members' discount. Book directly through URBTIX or the HK Phil's official concert page for full discount terms.
Why is Eric Lu's Hong Kong debut worth catching?
Hong Kong's classical calendar is dense with visiting soloists, but a genuine HK Phil debut from a major competition winner, paired with a world premiere written specifically for the orchestra's international touring season, is a fairly rare combination. It also gives local audiences first access to a programme before it travels — the Hong Kong performance comes three days ahead of the Chengdu date, so this is the only chance to hear it at home.
If classical music is your thing, it is worth pairing this with our wider round-ups of the best concerts coming to Hong Kong and theatre and musicals in the city. The HK Phil has also recently staged BBC Planet Earth III Live in Concert at the same venue, for anyone weighing up which show to book first.
Frequently Asked Questions
Book your seat
A Chopin Competition gold medallist's HK Phil debut, for one night only. Tickets for Eric Lu Plays Chopin are on sale now via URBTIX.