Hong Kong Still Trying to Attract Big Names

Coldplay's four concerts in Hong Kong generated HK$1.2B

When Coldplay came to Hong Kong to perform for four nights, the band's stay apparently helped generate an estimated HK$1.2 billion, from hotels to food, shopping and entertainment. 

However, when it comes to big names in classical music, many performers are eschewing Hong Kong and choosing Macau and other Chinese cities instead.

Bocelli performed in Macau late last month

Late last month Italian blind tenor Andrea Bocelli performed at Galaxy Macau, with 40 percent of the audience from Hong Kong. 

For example, superstar pianist Lang Lang and tenor Placido Domingo gave shows at Galaxy Macau in January and last October respectively, while Zubin Mehta conducted the West-Eastern Divan Orchestra at the Shenzhen Concert Hall and Guangzhou's Xinghai Concert Hall in March.

Some speculate it's because Hong Kong's auditoriums are aging, while places outside have newer facilities with better acoustics.

Most international stars are booked at least two years ahead, while in mainland China, venues can only be reserved six months to a year in advance. There is also the issue of visas -- when a performer goes to China, they can't pop out to Hong Kong for a performance and come back into the mainland again unless they get multiple-entry visas.

Lang Lang was also in Macau in January

There is also the problem that Hong Kong may not be a big enough market for performers.

"Hong Kong simply hasn't got a big enough potential market that measures up to mainland cities. If you are an international group that wants to build a following across China, being in Hong Kong doesn't get you onto Xiaohongshu or WeChat," says Kuh Fei, a Hong Kong critic and organiser of performing arts events.

So... who is the next big musical act coming to Hong Kong?

Singapore secured Lady Gaga for May, shutting out Hong Kong...