French May Arts Festival + Le French GourMay Highlights

As the flagship component of French May, this year’s Arts Festival brings a series of world-class exhibitions and performances. Whether you are an art aficionado or a first-time explorer, you will find a programme to your liking. Here are a few highlight events we have selected for you:

Yekwon Sunwoo and Quatuor Elmire (2)

Classical music lovers are in for a highly anticipated cross-border collaboration. South Korean pianist Yekwon Sunwoo, the gold medalist of the 2017 Van Cliburn International Piano Competition, will share the stage with the rising French string ensemble, Quatuor Elmire.

Yekwon Sunwoo is renowned in the music world for his masterful technique and delicate musical interpretations, while Quatuor Elmire has rapidly risen to prominence in Europe with their vibrant renditions and high degree of synergy. This collaboration between piano and string quartet will unfold a musical dialogue flowing between tension and harmony through multiple classic chamber music masterpieces.

Audiences will be immersed in the emotional interplay between the instruments—sometimes impassioned, sometimes tender—experiencing a deeply layered auditory charm. This is undoubtedly one of the must-see focal performances of the French May Arts Festival.

Time:  12 May 2026 | 8:00 PM

Venue: Theatre, Hong Kong City Hall

Tickets: HK$520 / $480

François-Frédéric Guy’s Beethoven Piano Concertos I and II (3)

This is a musical marathon dedicated to the bicentenary of Beethoven’s passing, and a grand occasion in the classical music world. Over two evenings, the renowned French pianist and conductor François-Frédéric Guy will present all five of Beethoven’s piano concertos in an extraordinary play-conduct format. Widely recognized as a leading contemporary interpreter of Beethoven, Guy will personally lead the orchestra, transmitting his profound understanding of the maestro from the keyboard at this year’s French May. Under this highly demanding “play-conduct” approach, audiences will directly feel the majestic structure and surging emotions of these five immortal masterpieces—an absolutely unforgettable musical experience.

Time:

Friday, 22 May 2026 | 7:30 PM

Saturday, 23 May 2026 | 5:00 PM

Venue: Concert Hall, Hong Kong City Hall

Tickets: HK$520 / $420 / $320 / $220

To make your French May arts journey truly perfect, choosing accommodation that extends the artistic experience is crucial. Situated in the heart of the city at the intersection of Wan Chai and Causeway Bay, The Hari Hong Kong is close to major event venues, making it the ideal base for exploring French May.

The Hari is renowned for its refined design sensibility and profound artistic atmosphere. From the moment you step into the lobby, the ubiquitous artworks and ingeniously crafted interior design feel like a flowing exhibition in itself. This ensures your artistic journey is not interrupted when you return to the hotel, but rather continues in a more private, comfortable space. The hotel’s modern luxury style aligns perfectly with the art of living advocated by the French May Arts Festival.

Its prime geographical location allows you to easily access Hong Kong’s major art venues and performance spaces. Spend your day navigating through exhibitions and concerts, and return to the hotel in the evening for an exquisite dinner at the stylishly elegant Lucciola Restaurant & Bar or the modern Japanese restaurant Zoku. Follow this with a sip of a cocktail at The Terrace alfresco bar, allowing the day’s artistic inspirations to settle. This sense of ease and convenience is an indispensable element of enjoying a cultural feast.

Choosing to stay at The Hari provides more than just a comfortable resting space; it adds an elegant touch to your French May experience. Let The Hari Hong Kong become your inspirational base for exploring the map of French culture, drawing a perfect close to this art-infused journey.