HK Phil Rings in the New Year with Viennese and Hungarian Flair

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact: 
Dennis Wu
Director of Marketing 
Tel: (852) 2721 9035
Email: dennis.wu@hkphil.org 

Emily Hui
Media Relations and Communications Manager
Tel: (852) 2721 1585
Email: emily.hui@hkphil.org

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[18 December 2025, Hong Kong] The Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra (HK Phil) presents “New Year Celebration: Vienna of the Habsburg Dynasty,” titled sponsored by China Life (Overseas), on 29 & 30 December 2025. This year-end programme invites audiences to experience the charm and sophistication of Vienna, inspired by the glorious Habsburg era. Tickets are now available at URBTIX.

This programme features waltzes, polkas and march by the “King of Waltz” Johann Strauss II and his family, alongside Brahms’s ever-popular Hungarian Dances and Liszt’s brilliant Hungarian Rhapsodies. Conductor Gergely Madaras, a native Hungarian who studied composition in Budapest and conducting in Vienna, will lead this jubilant musical journey bridging the two great capitals. His unique connection to the musical traditions of both capitals makes him the perfect guide for these evenings of elegance, joy, and charm. Joining him are distinguished Hungarian soloists Lajos Sárközy Jr. (violin), Rudolf Sárközy (double bass) and Jeno Lisztes (cimbalom), presenting a dazzling New Year celebration infused with Viennese elegance and Hungarian flair.

“China Life (Overseas) Proudly Sponsors: New Year Celebration | Vienna of the Habsburg Dynasty” will be held on 29 & 30 December 2025 (Mon & Tue) at 7:30PM at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre Concert Hall. Tickets priced at HK$520, $420, $320 and $220 are available at URBTIX. For enquiries, please call +852 2721 2332 or visit hkphil.org.

Following the Hong Kong performances, the HK Phil will debut at the Bay Opera of Shenzhen Concert Hall on 3 January 2026 (Sat) at 2:30PM with the same programme. Tickets priced at RMB¥480, ¥280, ¥180 and ¥50 are available at art-mate.

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Artists

Gergely Madaras, conductor [full description]

Hungarian conductor Gergely Madaras was named 2025 “Conductor of the Year” at the Bartok Radio Awards. He served as Music Director of the Orchestre Philharmonique Royal de Liège from 2019-2025 where his successful tenure was recently marked by him being named an Honorary Citizen of the City.

Lajos Sárközy Jr., violin [full description]

Lajos Sárközy is a Hungarian violinist celebrated for his ability to combine classical mastery with the rich traditions of Hungarian and Gypsy music. Coming from seven generations of musicians, he grew up immersed in music, developing a deep artistic sensitivity and exceptional technical skill. He regularly performs as a soloist across Europe and the United States and collaborates with world-class ensembles such as the Budapest Festival Orchestra and the Liszt Ferenc Chamber Orchestra.

Rudolf Sárközy, double bass [full description]

Rudolf Sárközy comes from a distinguished family of seven generations of musicians. He began studying the cello at the age of five, he later turned to the double bass, which became his true instrument of artistic expression. At only thirteen, he shared the stage with world-renowned artists, Mischa Maisky and Martha Argerich at the Mozarteum in Salzburg – a formative experience that shaped his musical path.

Jeno Lisztes, cimbalom [full description]

Jeno Lisztes was born in Budapest in 1986. He started playing the most famous Hungarian instrument, the cimbalom, at the age of four; and it has become his family tradition as his father and grandfather are cimbalom players too. He began his musical training under Ágnes Szakály at music school, followed by studies with Ilona Szeverényi Gerencsérné at the Franz Liszt Music Academy. He graduated in 2010, and became a cimbalom teacher and artist. 

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China Life (Overseas) Proudly Sponsors:

New Year Celebration | Vienna of the Habsburg Dynasty

29 & 30 | 12 | 2025

MON & TUE 7:30PM

Hong Kong Cultural Centre Concert Hall
$520 $420 $320 $220

Tickets now available at URBTIX

For ages 6 and above

Artists

Programme

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New Year Celebration | Vienna of the Habsburg Dynasty

3 | 1 | 2026

SAT 2:30PM

Bay Opera of Shenzhen Opera Hall
RMB ¥480 ¥280 ¥180 ¥50

Tickets now available at art-mate

Artists

Programme