OHKCC Annual Concert 2016 – King Arthur

Date: 22 & 23 October 2016
Venue: Theatre of Sai Wan Ho Civic Centre

First Session
Opera Hong Kong Children Chorus Student Ensemble
Conductor and Ensemble Coordinator: Liew Li Kien

Second Session
King Arthur
Accompanied by Chamber Orchestra
Music Director and Conductor: Zoe Kwok
Director: Kwok Tsz Wan

Adapted from the semi-opera of the same name, King Arthur is a two-act play with music by Henry Purcell and a libretto by John Dryden. The plot of King Arthur is based on the battles King Arthur’s Britons and the Saxons, and centres on Arthur’s rescue of his queen, Emmeline, who has been abducted by Saxons Oswald’s the evil spirit, Philadell.

The story begins with King Arthur securing his kingdom in the decisive battle against the Saxons led by Oswald, who has set out to win not only his throne but his love, Emmeline, daughter of Conon, Duke of Cornwall. Notwithstanding Arthur successfully defeats Oswald and wins Emmeline’s heart, Oswald’s evil spirit Philadell escapes in the battle and later takes revenge against Arthur by abducting Emmeline. Chasing after Philidel to the enchanted wood, Arthur almost falls prey to Philadell’s magic and goes astray in the deep wood. Upon his success to find the way back, Arthur is then trapped in the frost spell cast by Philadell. With the help of Genius and Cupid, the hard frost ultimately melts. Arthur defeats Philadell with his men in a duel and is reunited with Emmeline. The work eventually ends celebration of their triumph.