Playing with the most acclaimed Orchestra in Asia is an incredible opportunity for your child to showcase their talent and gain invaluable experience.
The Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra Fundraising Concert
Hong Kong Cultural Centre Concert Hall
Sunday, 8 February, 2026
It’s thrilling to announce that our talented young String and Band musicians will play alongside this prestigious orchestra performing two pieces of repertoire.
The Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra Fundraising Concert
Hong Kong Cultural Centre Concert Hall
Sunday, 8 February, 2026
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Rehearsals
In the rehearsals, students will come together to prepare for the event. Rehearsal a crucial part of the creative process as it allows the participants to refine their skills, synchronise their efforts, and perfect their performance.
Rehearsals provide an opportunity for performers to understand their musical roles, develop a cohesive ensemble, and work together to create a cohesive and impactful performance.
Rehearsals typically involve repetition and fine-tuning of specific sections or sequences to ensure accuracy, precision, and consistency. In addition to the artistic aspects, rehearsals often involve technical aspects as well.
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Important Dates
The dress rehearsals and performance will take place at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre Concert Hall.
The pre-concert rehearsal will be on Friday, 6 February (Time TBC)
Dress Rehearsal Sunday 8 February 10am -1pm.
It is essential that all members of the orchestra attend these rehearsals to familiarise themselves with the venue and the performance requirements.
This ASA is a Term One activity, and will conclude on Friday 6 February 2025, prior to the performance.
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Performance
The performance itself will be held at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre Concert Hall on Sunday, 8 February at 3pm.
Dress Rehearsal 10am to 1pm prior to the performance (8 February).
This is a wonderful opportunity for our young musicians to showcase their talent and be a part of a professional performance.
We encourage you to mark this date in your calendars and plan accordingly.
Orchestra places are by invitation and limited for this experience.
Balance, blend and merging two musical ensembles is a priority for the Onsom x Phil membership.
Once accepted, students should be committed.
A student cannot withdraw from the activity.
Students must adhere to the Afterschool Conduct Expectations (ACE).
This is Term One Activity only.
The ‘Play with The Phil’ ASA Fee is $ 5,580 and includes:
Term One ASA rehearsals at Upper Primary.
Workshops or masterclasses with HK Phil staff or other professional musicians.
Incidental concert and dress rehearsal expenses and Subway Lunch Pack on concert day.
Uniform - loaned, but individually sized. To be returned after the concert. Purchase is available.
Professional Group and Individual photo
1 x HK Cultural Centre Concert Hall venue rehearsal.
1 x Dress rehearsal at HK Cultural Centre Concert Hall.
Concert Performance at HK Cultural Centre Concert Hall.
Student Audience Tickets are included in ASA Fee.
Audience Tickets to the value of the fundraising donation will be distributed prior to the event.
This is a ‘Pay for Play’ fundraising initiative of the HK Philharmonic Orchestra. Onsom Orchestra will participate as a side-by-side performance with the HK Philharmonic musicians. The fund-raising fee for our group is $120,000 contributed through the ‘Play with Phil’ ASA tuition fee.
Afterschool Conduct Expectations.
Afterschool Programs are not mandatory, and are self-interest experiences for students' personal enrichment.
Collegial interactions, authentic engagements and considerate behaviours from all ASA participants empowers every child to do their best and reach for excellence in pursuing their interests and passions.
Rehearsal Schedule
Friday ASA
4:00 to 5:00pm
Room 103, Upper Primary
September 5
September 12
September 26
October 3
October 17
October 24 (Gr 4 Camp)
November 7
November 14 (TBC - Photo Day)
November 21
December 5
December 12 (TBC)
January 16
January 30
February 6 Concert Hall Rehearsal
Concert Sunday 8 February Dress Rehearsal 10am
Performance 3pm
Concert Hall Rehearsals:
Friday 6 February (time tbc)
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Sunday 8 February
Rehearsal 10am-1pm
Concert 3pm
‘Play with The Phil’ participation
Play with The Phil student selection aims to create a well-balanced and cohesive ensemble that can deliver high-quality performances and bring the music to life.
Students will play ‘alongside’ HK Philharmonic Musicians in the Concert performance.
Participation is by Invitation or Audition to the following groups.
The Orchestra Director’s decision is final.
Current Upper Primary String Students.
Current Upper Primary Band Students.
This is a UP Term One only ASA.
Participation Selection Process
The objective is to expose as many young musicians as possible to the experience, whilst maintain balance for musical integrity, enrich performance skills and motivation for personal and ensemble performance success.
Instrumentation Needs:
Orchestras consider the specific instrumentation requirements for each piece of music they perform. They aim to maintain a balanced and cohesive sound by selecting musicians that fill the necessary roles within each section of the orchestra. For the ‘Play with The Phil’ Concert, the two ensembles will be blended with attention to instrument ensemble balance.
Personal Skills:
Orchestras also consider the professionalism and attitude of potential musicians. This includes factors such as reliability, punctuality, ability to work well in a team, and a positive and cooperative mindset.
Musicians who are committed, dedicated, and willing to contribute to the overall success of the ensemble are highly valued. The Afterschool Conduct Expectations (ACE) guides expectations in this regard.
Ensemble Skills:
Being part of an orchestra requires strong ensemble skills, including the ability to blend well with other musicians, follow a conductor's direction, and maintain precise timing and rhythm. Musicians who demonstrate good listening skills, adaptability, and the ability to collaborate effectively are highly valued.
Musicality and Interpretation:
Orchestras seek musicians who can bring a high level of musicality and interpretation to their performances. This includes demonstrating sensitivity to dynamics, phrasing, articulation, and expression.
Make it stand out
The Play with The Phil Onsom ASA
Like any other ASA, regular attendance is expected and this program will be held on Friday at 4:00pm to 5:00pm in room UP 103 each Friday that school is in session.
Two pieces (6 minutes) will be prepared for the HK Phil Fundraising Concert.
The Sorcerer’s Apprentice - Dukas
‘Dance of the Hours’ from La Gioconda - Ponchielli
Content of this ASA will differ from regular Onsom Orchestra rehearsals.
Supplementary exercises, ensemble activities, and bespoke resources will be used to introduce and reinforce advanced ensemble skills.
Orchestral etiquette, stage movement and presence, ensemble habits, sectional skills and whole ensemble training are focal points in the pre-concert rehearsals.
Home Practice will be set weekly and will include Technique, Listening, Tone and other skill development as identified in the rehearsal. Engagement with the Post Rehearsal Notes is expected.
Learning Expectations for the Play with The Phil Onsom Orchestra ASA student.
In addition to the Onsom Orchestra Learning Expectations;
Develop the orchestral ensemble skills of tone production, blend, balance, intonation, phrasing, dynamics, articulation, style, and musical expression to develop a high level of synchronicity and artistic nuance.
Represent the Upper Primary Band and String Program in a public setting, and act as musical ambassadors and role models with professionalism and pride.
Extend personal and artistic expression and deepen aesthetic awareness through music appreciation and performance, whilst collaborating with professional musicians at a high profile performance.