Anoushka Shankar’s “Chapters” Premieres in Hong Kong with City Chamber Orchestra on June 3, 2026
The City Chamber Orchestra of Hong Kong (CCOHK) will present the Hong Kong premiere of Anoushka Shankar’s “Chapters” on June 3, 2026, at the Hong Kong City Hall Concert Hall, starting at 8:00 PM. This performance will be conducted by Robert Ames, marking a significant event in the city’s cultural calendar.
A Legacy of Innovation in Indian Music
Anoushka Shankar, a renowned sitar virtuoso and composer, continues to push the boundaries of Indian classical music. As the daughter of the legendary Ravi Shankar, she has been instrumental in evolving the genre, integrating it with Western orchestral traditions. “Chapters” is a joint commission involving the BBC Proms, De Singel, and CCOHK, and it draws inspiration from Shankar’s trilogy of albums: “Forever, For Now,” “How Dark It Is Before Dawn,” and “We Return to Light.” This work encapsulates her personal, artistic, and geographical journeys.
The orchestral program for “Chapters” was first unveiled at the BBC Proms in July 2025, featuring Shankar alongside the London Contemporary Orchestra under Ames’ direction. The collaboration showcases a unique blend of classical Indian sitar with the rich textures of a modern orchestra.
Ticket Information
Tickets for the event are available at various URBTIX outlets, priced at $600, $480, $350, and $220. Discounts of 50% are offered to full-time students, senior citizens, Comprehensive Social Security Assistance (CSSA) recipients, and individuals with disabilities along with their accompanying minders. For ticket inquiries, patrons can contact 3166 1100 for customer service, or 3166 1288 for telephone bookings. Online bookings can be made at www.urbtix.hk, while program inquiries can be directed to 2864 2156 or via email at info@ccohk.com.
Anoushka Shankar: A Visionary Artist
Anoushka Shankar is a seven-time Grammy nominee, recognized as a visionary artist who redefines the sitar’s role in contemporary music. Her works span various genres, including world, classical, electronic, and jazz. Shankar made history as the youngest and first female recipient of a British House of Commons Shield at age eighteen. She is also the first Indian woman to receive multiple Grammy nominations and an Ivor Novello Award nomination for her film composition for “A Suitable Boy.”
Her musical education began at the age of nine under the tutelage of her father, Pandit Ravi Shankar, where she learned not only the technical aspects of sitar playing but also the spirit of improvisation. Shankar has collaborated with a diverse array of artists, including Herbie Hancock, Norah Jones, and Sting, and has performed as a soloist with prestigious orchestras such as the New York Philharmonic.
Robert Ames: A Pioneering Conductor
Robert Ames, the guest conductor for the event, is a prominent figure in contemporary music. He co-founded the London Contemporary Orchestra and has developed a genre-fluid approach to music that merges electronic production with classical traditions. Ames has collaborated with notable artists such as Radiohead and Taylor Swift, and his conducting engagements include performances with esteemed orchestras like the Rotterdam Philharmonic and the Seattle Symphony Orchestra.
His innovative style has earned him recognition at major venues, including the BBC Proms and the Barbican Centre, making him a fitting choice to lead the performance of “Chapters.”
City Chamber Orchestra of Hong Kong: A Cultural Beacon
Founded in 1999 by oboist Leanne Nicholls, the City Chamber Orchestra of Hong Kong has established itself as one of Asia’s leading chamber orchestras. The ensemble has collaborated with numerous celebrated artists and composers, contributing to a rich tapestry of musical experiences in the region. CCOHK has performed at prestigious festivals and events, showcasing a commitment to both classical and contemporary music.
The orchestra’s dedication to nurturing young audiences is evident in its award-winning productions and musicals, which have garnered international acclaim. CCOHK continues to be a vital force in Hong Kong’s cultural landscape, recently partnering with Tsuen Wan Town Hall and receiving recognition from the Hong Kong Arts Development Council.
For more information on Anoushka Shankar’s “Chapters” and to purchase tickets, visit www.zawya.com.
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Published on 2026-05-06 05:01:00 • By the Editorial Desk
