Claude Debussy was among the most well-known French classical music composers. Romer String Quartet (RSQ), one of Hong Kong’s most versatile quartets, joins hands with local composer Kai-Young Chan to draw on his poetic piano work, Clair de Lune (French for ‘moonlight’), and the traditional Cantonese folk tune jyut gwong gwong (translated as Bright Moonlight in English), to display the 'moon’ through a fusion of cultures in à la recherche de la lune. 

RSQ will also perform Debussy’s only string quartet work, which had been influential to composers such as Maurice Ravel. Inspired by elements of Debussy’s compositions, Shade in Darkness by Eric C. H. Yip provides a contrast to the moonlight through a somber and gloomy atmosphere that permeates during the search for light and hope. 

Named after the Romer's Tree Frog endemic to Hong Kong, RSQ has been recognised for its virtuosic performances and creative programming. It gained wide acclaim for international appearances at prestigious venues such as Carnegie Hall in the US and Toppan Hall in Japan. While striving to be at the forefront of championing new music, RSQ also frequently collaborates with artists of diverse background, ranging from choreographer and multimedia artist, to animator, sand painter and rock band in cross-disciplinary performances to create extraordinary musical experiences.

Performer Romer String Quartet

Programme

Eric C. H. Yip Shade in Darkness (world premiere) 

Debussy String Quartet in G minor, Op. 10 

Kai-Young Chan à la recherche de la lune (commissioned by Romer String Quartet; world premiere) 

Romer String Quartet (RSQ)

Named after the Romer's Tree Frog endemic to Hong Kong, Romer String Quartet (RSQ) is one of the most active and versatile string quartets in town. Recognised for its virtuosic performances described as ‘full of energy and refinement’ with ‘superb balance and sensitivity in delivering various styles of the string quartet genre’ (South China Morning Post), RSQ has constantly been seeking possibilities to go beyond the conventional approach through creative programming. 

The four musicians particularly enjoy cross-disciplinary performances in collaboration with artists of diverse background, ranging from dancer, choreographer and multimedia artist, to animator, sand painter, storyteller, and indie rock band. Aspiring to create extraordinary musical experiences while pushing the boundaries of a string quartet, RSQ collaborated with acclaimed artists to curate and perform in a variety of genre-defying projects. Since its debut in 2013, the quartet gained wide acclaim for its international appearances at prestigious venues such as Carnegie Hall in the US and Toppan Hall in Japan, and renowned festivals including the Hong Kong Arts Festival and Beare's Premiere Music Festival.  

RSQ has given educational and outreach performances as the quartet-in-residence with Premiere Performances Hong Kong, along with masterclasses and workshops at local and overseas institutes.