Hu Kun and Friends

Hu Kun and Friends Orchestra

~ London ~

“Hu Kun and Friends Orchestra - London” is a unique orchestra made up of like-minded young musicians, who not only love playing together but also enjoy sharing their wonderful music of the highest level with audiences worldwide. It includes outstanding musicians coming from all parts of the world - mainland China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, UK, France, Canada, US, Spain, Russia, Korea, Japan, Armenia, Finland, Iceland - and is based in London. Amongst them are soloists, international prize winners, recording artists, chamber musicians and members of major London orchestras.

Hu Kun and Friends aims to promote cultural exchange between countries, supporting peace, harmony and bringing people together, building bridges between the East, West and beyond. It provides a meeting point for those interested in world music and culture and its purpose is for young musicians with different nationalities, political and cultural backgrounds to share their passion and promote unity, as well as providing them with job opportunities. Currently, it is the first western orchestra specialised in performing Chinese Music outside of China.

International Canetti Festival/Competition - Moulin D'Andé in France, July 2006

Hu Kun conducted the orchestra for its inaugural gala concert (sponsored by Bu Shu Restaurant London) at the Chinese Embassy on the 18th of February 2005. It was hosted by His Excellency the Chinese Ambassador for his 130 VIP guests.

See original article here or translated article below.

The Chinese Embassy in the UK held the "Spring Festival Music Salon" and the first concert of "London Chinese Famous Orchestra"

　　On February 18, 2005, the Chinese Ambassador to the United Kingdom Cha Peixin and his wife held the first "Chinese New Year Music Salon" at the Chinese Embassy in the United Kingdom, which put an end to the colorful series of Spring Festival activities held by the embassy this year. The band performing for the Chinese New Year Music Salon is the "London Chinese Virtuosi" founded by Hu Kun, a famous Chinese violinist and professor at the Royal College of Music. The chamber orchestra consists of 22 from the Royal Conservatory of Music And "Old London City Hall Conservatory of Music" two famous music college students or graduates. This "Spring Festival Music Salon" is also the first public concert after the establishment of "London Chinese Famous Orchestra".

　　The chairman of the 48 Group Clubs in the United Kingdom, Perry Jr., the brother-in-law of the British Prime Minister Blair, the chief conductor of the London Symphony Orchestra, the famous contemporary conductor Sir Davis, the dean of the Royal Academy of Music Price, the chairman of Standard Chartered Bank, the vice chairman of HSBC and More than 100 British celebrities including the Deputy Dean of the University of London branch were invited to attend the "Music Salon". The ambassador gave a brief Spring Festival congratulatory speech before the performance. In the congratulatory speech, he spoke highly of the rapid development and significance of Sino-English communication. The "Music Salon" was chaired by Cultural Counselor Ke Yasha.

　　The orchestra’s chief violinist is Wu Qian, a graduate student of the Shanghai Conservatory of Music in my country. She is now enjoying a full scholarship to study at the Royal Conservatory of Music.

　　The entire concert performance lasted for 50 minutes, and the repertoire included "Good Night", "Two Springs Reflecting the Moon", "Yangliuqing", "Heavenly Thunder" and British composer Elgar "Introduction and Allegro", Mozart "String "Le Serenade" and other representative Chinese and foreign classic works, the orchestra's wonderful performance, was well received by the audience.

Hu Kun & Friends activities in more recent years:

Since then, Hu Kun and Friends has been a sensational success, as the orchestra has already attracted agents, sponsors and record companies' interest. Concerts, tours and recording projects are currently under planning around the world.

Below are some of the orchestra's activities in more recent years.