Over 6,000 Played the HOHNER Harmonica and Broke a World Record!

On 13th November, Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra’s annual open-air concert “Swire Symphony Under the Stars” brought a vivacious set of orchestral music to more than 20,000 Hong Kong citizens at the Happy Valley Racecourse Recreation Ground. Under the baton of Assistant Conductor Perry So, and instructed by the Hong Kong Harmonica Association, exactly 6,131 joined hands and made their way into the history books by breaking the Guinness World Record of “Largest Harmonic Ensemble”.

This community-focused event which earned Hong Kong a place of honor in the book of Guinness World Records is a shining example of the enthusiastic spirits that lives in every Hong Kong citizen. During interval of the concert, harmonica players of all ages played a piece titled the World Record melody that lasted 7 minutes and 25 seconds. As a token of appreciation, each participant received a Commendation Certificate and a free HOHNER harmonica upon registration. The design of these harmonicas is based on HOHNER’s Speedy, a model that features large and well-separated holes. Such mechanism facilitates easy-learning, meaning anyone could develop the essential technique and experience the joy of playing in an ensemble in no time.

To support this extraordinary event in harmonica’s history, Mr. Klaus Stetter, Managing Director of HOHNER, world’s foremost harmonica manufacturer arrived in Hong Kong all the way from Trossingen, Germany with a harmonica hand-signed by music legend Bob Dylan (the Folk Rock Musician), valued at Euro $5000 (approx. HKD $60,000). From initial concept, planning to implementation, this record-breaking project took Tom Lee Music and HOHNER two years to complete. “Now the big day has finally arrived and I am very excited about it. Unlike Trossingen, Hong Kong is a metropolitan city. The economy, financial sector and tourism are well-developed here, yet people are passionate about this portable instrument. Moreover, in the World Harmonica Competition 2009, players from Hong Kong won 14 medals, accounting for over 35% of the total number of medals. Therefore I would say Hong Kong is the right place to hold this event.” said Mr. Stetter.

Now, a synonym for musical instruments of the finest quality, HOHNER began producing its harmonicas since 1857 and the company’s goodwill is built on 150 years of quality craftsmanship. Professionals working in the HOHNER factory in Trossingen now are often, third or fourth generation master craftsmen. The articulation of knowledge and skill through tools and materials is the foundation of quality craftsmanship, shown and preserved by the fine tunings of their free-reed instruments.

Over the years, HOHNER’s harps have been the choice for the both amateur and professional musicians. It is the company’s mission to offer a diverse range of models, designed to meet the needs of every musician in today’s musical climate. In Asia, HOHNER’s chromatic models are popular in the classical music community; while in regions where Blues prevails, the Marine Band series, the legend and the future of blues harmonica, which was initially developed for the US Navy in 1896 is considered as fundamental to the historic development of the genre. The registration of the Marine Band patent in 1896 laid the foundations for an unparalleled success story. His original design is still central to the construction of this great instrument today. The arched covers with side vents give the Marine Band an unmistakable sound which is inseparably bound up with the blues and has ensured its enormous popularity with both professional musicians and discerning amateur players alike.

To celebrate the company’s 150th anniversary, HOHNER introduced two exclusive editions of 10-hole harmonica, namely Gold and Chrome. Gold edition is limited to 150 production pieces, featuring crystal glass comb, gold plated covers and reed plates with exclusive jubilee packaging, while 1,857 pieces of Chrome are made available worldwide.

To weed through the old and bring forth the new, HOHNER periodically introduced remarkable signature series and limited edition harmonica. In additional to the harmonicas’ sonic versatility and characteristically warm tones, HOHNER’s premium harmonicas are ultimate forms of collectible art that retain their value year after year, such as in 2009 the collaboration with Bob Dylan, the Folk Rock Legend.

Resembling the fine qualities of Bob Dylan’s works, HOHNER’s are proud to unveil the Bob Dylan Signature series of Marine Band harmonicas, celebrating the legendary and accomplishments of both Bob Dylan and HOHNER. The hand-signed models of the Bob Dylan Signature series are limited to 100 pieces in C-Major single harmonica and 25 sets of 7-harmonica set in different keys worldwide, and they are completed with a certificate of authenticity and Bob Dylan’s signature. The carrying case embossed with Bob Dylan’s exclusive ‘eye’ logo. These harmonicas are the must-haves for collectors, fans and serious musicians.