Grammy-Winning Imani Winds to Make Their Hong Kong Debut in March 2026

The Hong Kong Arts Festival (HKAF) is one of Asia’s leading cultural festivals and a major platform connecting international and local artistry. Each year, HKAF presents world-class performances across music, dance, theatre and opera, alongside a wide range of outreach and educational programmes. The 54th edition, taking place in February and March 2026, will feature more than 1,100 artists in over 170 performances.

Among its notable highlights is the Hong Kong debut of the acclaimed American woodwind quintet Imani Winds. Their concert, Soul’s Delight, bridges European, American, African and Latin American musical influences.

Who is Imani Winds

Founded in New York in 1997, the ensemble is made up of culturally diverse musicians united by a shared passion for amplifying underrepresented voices in chamber music. Since then, the quintet has collaborated with renowned figures including Yo-Yo Ma and Wayne Shorter, earning three Grammy nominations and won the 2024 Grammy Award for Best Classical Compendium.

What to expect from Imani Winds’ debut concert

Their Hong Kong debut, Soul’s Delight, takes place on March 8, 2026 at Hong Kong City Hall. The programme features a thoughtfully curated repertoire that spans traditions and genres, including Elliot Carter’s Quintet for Winds, Jean Françaix’s Quintet No. 2, Paquito D’Rivera’s Aires Tropicales, Lalo Schifrin’s La Nouvelle Orleans and Mongo Santamaria’s Afro Blue in an arrangement by founder Valerie Coleman.

Prepare to experience the raw, soulful echoes of humanity through performances by Brandon Patrick George (flute), Mekhi Gladden (oboe), Mark Dover (clarinet), Kevin Newton (horn) and Monica Ellis (bassoon).  Tickets are now available for purchase through URBTIX.

Image credits: Hong Kong Arts Festival, Titilayo Ayangade 2025