Tarmo Peltokoski to Headline HK Phil’s Spectacular
Swire Symphony Under The Stars in November  
Ticket Ballot Opens 16 October

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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[5 October 2026, Hong Kong] The Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra (HK Phil) is excited to announce the return of its beloved free annual outdoor mega-concert, Swire Symphony Under The Stars, on 13 November 2026 (Fri) at Central Harbourfront. For the first time, HK Phil Music Director Tarmo Peltokoski will take the helm, leading an enchanting evening of eclectic music for families and friends to enjoy together. Tickets will be available to the public for free through an online ballot system from 16 October 2026 (Fri). 

During evening, Peltokoski and Van Cliburn Gold Medal winner Aristo Sham will join forces on two pianos for Saint-Saëns’s playful Carnival of the Animals, while HK Phil Principal Clarinet Andrew Simon and vocalist Talie Monin will perform some Gershwin favourites. Following John Williams’s Star Wars Suite, Tchaikovsky’s 1812Overture will arrive with fireworks in the much-anticipated finale to this beloved event. Mayanne Mak returns as the presenter to guide the musical journey.

Online registration for the ticket ballot will be available at suts.hkphil.org/reg from 10AM on 16 October (Fri) to 7pm on 20 October (Tue). The result of ballot will be published on the same website on 23 October (Fri). Each successful applicant will receive an email notification.

The performance will also be streamed live on the HK Phil website, Facebook page, YouTube channel, and WeChat Channel, as well as the SwireThrive and Swire Pacific Facebook pages. It will also be broadcast live on RTHK TV31, RTHK website and CCTV.com.

The HK Phil wishes to express its deepest gratitude to the Swire Group, whose steadfast support as Principal Patron since 2006 remains the cornerstone of the orchestra’s growth. Through this shared vision of artistic excellence and community engagement, the HK Phil continues to bring the finest classical music to audiences in Hong Kong, the Chinese Mainland and across the globe.

Join the HK Phil for an exceptional evening of music, perfect for family and friends.

Online Registration for Ticket Ballot

Members of the public can register for the ticket ballot and apply for up to four tickets on the Swire Symphony Under The Stars webpage suts.hkphil.org/reg from 10AM on 16 October (Fri) to 7pm on 20 October (Tue). Registrants must provide their name, a valid email address and mobile number.

Each person may submit only one ballot. If duplicate registrations are found, the system will process only the latest entry. All registrations submitted during the online registration period have an equal chance of being selected. Successful registrants will receive a confirmation email with a registration reference number.

Ballot Result Announcement

The ballot result listed with the registration reference number will be announced on suts.hkphil.org/reg on 23 October (Fri). Successful applicants will receive a notification and their e-tickets via email. For admission, they can either show the QR codes on the e-tickets using their smartphones or present printed copies of their tickets.

ABOUT SWIRE SYMPHONY UNDER THE STARS

Live Streaming Platforms:

• HK Phil website, Facebook page, YouTube channel, WeChat Channel
• SwireThrive Facebook page
• Swire Pacific Facebook page
• RTHK website
• CCTV.com

Principal Patron: Swire

Tourism Promotion Partner: Hong Kong Tourism Board

Media Partner: RTHK

Live TV Broadcast: RTHK TV31

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Programme

Trade Promotion Competition Licence No.: 061962

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Artists

Tarmo Peltokoski, conductor / piano [full description]

In the 2026/27 season, Finnish conductor Tarmo Peltokoski begins his tenure as Music Director of the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra, having served as Music Director Designate in the preceding season. He also serves as Music Director of the Orchestre National du Capitole de Toulouse as well as Principal Guest Conductor of the Rotterdams Philharmonisch Orkest. He is continuing his three-year residency as “Exklusivkünstler” at Konzerthaus Dortmund, which began in the 2025/26 season. He has been Principal Guest Conductor of The Deutsche Kammerphilharmonie Bremen since 2022. Highlights of the 2026/27 season include his highly anticipated debut at the Bayreuther Festspiele with a new production of Lohengrin (July/August 2027) as well as a new production of Mozart’s Die Zauberflöte, which opened the 2026/27 season at Zurich Opera.

Andrew Simon, clarinet [full description]

Boasting a distinguished career spanning over three decades, New York-born clarinettist Andrew Simon has appeared as soloist and guest lecturer on four continents. As Principal Clarinet of the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra (since 1988), Simon has recorded solo works by Baermann and Stravinsky and has performed concerti over 70 times, including John Corigliano's Concerto for Clarinet and Orchestra which he studied with the Academy Award-winning composer.

Talie Monin, vocal [full description]

South African-born Talie Monin is an international jazz songstress, who has gracefully swayed onto global stages with her sweet, idyllic tone of voice, unique delivery and her vast knowledge of international jazz standards. Talie made the decision to move to Paris earlier on in her life where she pursued vocal training at the American School of Modern Music. She then went on to attend the renowned Sarah Lazarus Vocal Atelier at the Bill Evans Piano Academy, eventually making her way to Hong Kong where she continues to fortify her presence as a jazz performer.

Aristo Sham, piano [full description]

Pianist Aristo Sham exudes astounding intellect and a deep emotional resonance; a cultivated sophistication and an immediately engaging presence; a penchant to take on the great monuments of the piano repertoire and a natural, infectious spontaneity. This makeup is fuelled by a fascination with the world and its rich cultures: he was an international prodigy, is a voracious student of wide-ranging interests, and currently splits his time between three continents. At the 2025 Van Cliburn International Piano Competition, Aristo found his breakthrough moment, taking home both the gold medal and the audience award.