The Works：Le French May: Breakdance Symphonic, Fabien Merelle@Kiang Malingue & in the studio: French

This week’s show is very much a French affair. In the second part of the programme, members of Hong Kong’s Concerto da Camera Baroque Ensemble will be here to tell us about their upcoming concert of French Baroque music and dance. Also on the subject of dance, although not in the Baroque style, “Breakdown Symphonic”, presented as part of this year’s Le French May Arts Festival, combines music and modern movement styles. French conductor Zahia Ziouani and her Divertimento Orchestra have joined forces with the City Chamber Orchestra of Hong Kong and choreographer Mourad Merzouki to create a show very much designed to break boundaries.

Baroque music’s heyday in Europe ran roughly from 1600 to 1750. One major influence was the Renaissance revival of ideas from ancient Greece and Rome. While Italian Baroque is characterised by its communicative and complex nature, French Baroque is known for its expressiveness and its richness. On 11th June, Hong Kong’s Concerto da Camera Baroque Ensemble is presenting a concert of French Baroque music and dance. And we have some members of the ensemble with us right now.