Opera Star Benjamin Bernheim Joins the HK Phil for the First Time on March 26

Opus Klassik Awards’ Male Singer of the Year Benjamin Bernheim makes his highly anticipated Hong Kong debut at Hong Kong Arts Festival (HKAF) on March 26. In partnership with ROLEX, the Deutsche Grammophon artist joins conductor Victor Jacob and the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra to bring a one-night programme of signature arias. They will perform beloved Italian, French, and German operatic classics like Puccini’s “Recondita armonia” from Tosca at the Hong Kong City Hall. 

Now in its 54th edition, HKAF brings more than 1,100 outstanding international and local artists across over 170 performances between February 27 and March 30. 

The Award-winning French Tenor

Described as “The most beautiful tenor voice since Luciano Pavarotti” by Süddeutsche Zeitung, Benjamin Bernheim’s distinctive artistry and charisma, and an authentic, deeply expressive singing style earned him the major award “Male Singer of the Year” at the 2025 Opus Klassik Awards for his album Douce France.

Born in Paris and raised in Geneva in a family of opera singers, he approached his craft with remarkable intentionality early in his career and rose quickly to prominence. A Deutsche Grammophon artist, Bernheim has also been sought out for significant cultural events, including singing Hymn to Apollo at the closing ceremony of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games and performing Schubert’s Ave Maria at the re-opening of Notre Dame Cathedral.

A One-Night Opera Arias Showcase With the HK Phil

This concert marks the debut in Hong Kong for Bernheim. For one night only, the show put the spotlight on signature arias that move from tender introspection to fiery passion. 

Conducted by Victor Jacob and backed by the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra, the programme includes Donizetti’s “Una furtiva lagrima” from L’elisir d’amore, Puccini’s “Recondita armonia” from Tosca, and Gounod’s “Ah! lève-toi, soleil!” from Roméo et Juliette, with lush harmonies from Massenet and Bizet enriching the French repertoire. 

Other featured HKAF programmes include Duel Reality by Canadian troupe The 7 Fingers, a family-friendly circus-theatre take on Shakespeare’s romantic classic Romeo and Juliet, with three shows at Sha Tin Town Hall on March 20–22.

Tickets are now available via URBTIX. 

Image credits: Hong Kong Arts Festival, Julia Wesely