The International Cello Academy (ICA) was created to bring the world of cello ensembles closer to the public and support talented cellists who want to hone their skills. The project is conceived and organised by the Polish Cello Quartet. The Quartet was founded in 2011 at the initiative of acclaimed Polish cellists: Tomasz Daroch, Wojciech Fudala, Krzysztof Karpeta, and Adam Krzeszowiec. This time, the ensemble will be joined by the HKCO String Quintet, the International Cello Academy Orchestra, Reinhard Latzko, and Matthias Bartolomey.
ICA is one of few events in Europe dedicated to cellists from around the world. It takes the form of a festival, but its primary function is educational. It features concerts with a wide repertoire, including Baroque, jazz, and contemporary music. This year’s ICA finale will be marked by diversity in programming and performance. As part of the NFM’s bilateral collaboration with the Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra, the Wrocław-based Polish Cello Quartet visited Hong Kong City Hall last year. In Poland, the artists will repeat the programme: the HKCO String Quintet will perform Luk Wai-chun’s work referencing the ancient queen Wang Zhaojun. Joining forces with the Polish artists, they will present works by Tomasz Skweres (the titular Cangjie was the legendary inventor of writing) and Ng Cheuk-yin. Before this, the founders of the ICA will open the concert with a composition by Belgium’s Prosper van Eechaute.
In the second part of the evening, the cello orchestra composed of Academy students –International Cello Academy Orchestra – will take the stage. The music of the renowned opera composer Gian Carlo Menotti will be played: the solo parts of the Aria from the Suite for Two Cellos and Orchestra will be performed by ICA teachers from Austrian universities: Reinhard Latzko and Matthias Bartolomey. The programme will conclude with Aubade (a song of parting lovers) by Jean Françaix, a French neoclassical composer. This is a rare opportunity to rendezvous with an exceptional cello orchestra!
