Hong Kong vocal powerhouses Frances Yip and Elisa Chan opened a six-concert “Timeless Classics 盛世經典演唱會2026” residency at the East Kowloon Cultural Centre with a flood of familiar hits. The second performance, on the 24th, brought an extra dose of emotion when guest Joey Yung helped the duo pay tribute to two beloved figures: Cantopop icon Roman Tam and screen legend Patrick Tse.
Honoring Friends and Mentors
Yip singled out the late Patrick Tse by performing “紅顏,” the theme song from the TV drama of the same name. Tse died in July. The evening’s bigger tribute came as Yip, Chan, and Yung teamed up for “願望就是明天” in memory of Tam. Yung explained that Tam cherished the Mid-Autumn Festival, and she had warm memories of celebrating at his home under the moon. She wanted to honor him through song during the festive run-up.
Yip, who turns 79 next month, also reflected on her family life between songs. “I was busy working in a bank and could not spend much time caring for my son after he was born,” she said. “When my granddaughter was born, I was 60 and became a grandmother. I put all my energy into looking after her and regained the close, warm moments I had missed. Now she is 18 and has been accepted into university. Time really flies.”
A Multilingual Night
Both headliners said their long international careers have allowed them to sing in 10 languages. Their setlist included a French duet and a playful game of rock-paper-scissors to decide who would take a solo on “Send in the Clowns.” Chan won the right to perform the song alone.
Yung’s appearance was also a homecoming. She joined Chan for a duet of “未知,” trading lines in Cantonese and English. “I remember going to Tai Wai to learn my first song, ‘未知,’ with Elisa Chan,” Yung said. She described her guest slot as a way of repaying the teacher who helped shape her career.
The audience included Albert Yeung, Deborah Lee, Grasshopper’s Choi Yat-kit, Patrick Tam, ERROR leader Leung Yip, and singer Lung Ting.
‘It’s My Call’
Speaking after the show, Chan said Yung often misses Tam during festive occasions, and that shared friendship made the tribute song an easy choice. When asked about the playful song-selection contest, Chan laughed: “I’m the director, so it’s my call.”
Yip, meanwhile, said she plans to celebrate her birthday next month in Australia with family. “I miss my husband very much,” she said. “We have several video calls every day.”
With four concert evenings remaining, the residency is a reminder that Cantopop’s golden era still resonates across generations.
