We are pleased to bring to members’ attention a major upcoming cultural event organised by the Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra (HKCO), namely the “International Sheng and Reeds Festival 2026: Endless Sheng, Thousand Reeds in Harmony Marathon and Outdoor Evening Concert,” to be held on 22 March 2026 (Sunday) at Kai Tak Sports Park, Hong Kong.

As the opening programme of the International Sheng and Reeds Festival 2026, the event will feature the Kick-off Ceremony and Sheng and Reeds Marathon from 2:15 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Central Square and the surrounding areas of Kai Tak Stadium, followed by the Festival Opening Ceremony and Twilight Outdoor Concert from 4:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at East Village (near Gate J, Kai Tak Stadium).

A key highlight of the event is the Guinness World Records Official Attempt for the Largest Reed Instrument Ensemble. The programme is expected to bring together around 1,000 participants, including performers of Chinese and Western reed instruments such as the sheng, lusheng, hulusheng, hulusi, harmonica, and bagpipes, performing alongside the Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra. Through a combination of live performances, outdoor music experiences, and global livestreaming enabled by advanced technology, the event will showcase Hong Kong’s vibrancy as an international cultural metropolis.

Conceptualised by Mr Yan Huichang, Artistic Director and Lifetime Conductor of the Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra, the International Sheng and Reeds Festival is a cross-regional initiative integrating culture, sports, and tourism, with Hong Kong serving as the principal host city. In addition to the opening marathon, the wider festival programme includes an international academic forum, an international Chinese sheng competition, and the Season 50 Opening Concert “Thousand Reeds in One Universe” to be staged in September 2026, featuring renowned sheng performers and ensembles from the Mainland and around the world.

We would also like to highlight that admission is free, and members are encouraged to share this information with guests and visitors who may be interested in attending. Guests are welcome to bring their own picnic mats to enjoy the twilight outdoor concert while witnessing this unique cultural event and possible world record achievement.