PRESS PLAY Episode 57: Traveling Diaries

February 13, 2024

Traveling Diaries* (2024)
i. Traffic Lights in Hong Kong
ii. MTR
iii. Tolo Harbour

Tsz Long Fish Yu (CA), composer

HATCH 2024 Ensemble
Jordana Kleiner, flute and piccolo
Cheng Cheng, clarinet
Joelle Crigger, violin
Samantha Yang, cello
Carina Shum, piano
Britton-René Collins, percussion
Kelly Lin, conductor

* world premiere

Programme Note:

“Travelling Diary” is an auditory journey through the bustling streets and subways of Hong Kong, capturing the unique soundscape of the city. The composer, who grew up in Hong Kong, has transformed everyday mechanical sounds like traffic lights and subway announcements into musical motifs, seamlessly weaving them into a rich tapestry of tones and textures.

For those familiar with Hong Kong, the distinctive announcements in Cantonese, Mandarin, and English will evoke a sense of nostalgia. For others, this work provides a fresh exploration of urban soundscapes, blending the mechanical with the musical to create an immersive experience that captures the essence of the composer’s hometown.

Enjoy this unique blend of tonal and industrial sounds, offering a personal reflection and an invitation to experience the vibrant city through the ears of someone who calls it home.

Kelly Lin appears courtesy of Tapestry Opera’s Women in Musical Leadership program.