The Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra (HKPO) Tuesday announced its third season with 26 colorful programs comprising 51 subscription concerts in total.

The season will begin with Madama Butterfly opera-in-concert on September 16, 2006. This opera is Puccini's timeless tale of love and betrayal. The maestro has again assembled a superb cast, headed by Chinese soprano He Hui and American tenor Andrew Richards - both will sing these roles next season on the stages of London, Paris and New York.

Edo de Waart, artistic director and chief conductor of the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra, will present the massive Mahler's Third Symphony, together with mezzo-soprano Nancy Maultsby, women of the Hong Kong Philharmonic Chorus and the Hong Kong Children's Choir.

The Great Performers series and Swire Maestro series form the backbone of this season, bringing together leading conductors and soloists in major works of the symphonic repertoire. One of the biggest stars in the operatic firmament, American soprano Renee Fleming will make her Hong Kong debut performing Richard Strauss's serene Four last songs.

"The season which we are announcing today is the next step in attracting greater numbers to experience the orchestra in full flight," Edo de Waart said.

(Xinhua News Agency May 17, 2006)