Cantopop icon Joey Wong is set to headline three major concerts at Hong Kong’s new Kai Tak Arena in January, marking her first large-scale local performance in over seven years. The “AURA” concerts, scheduled for Jan. 18, 22, and 23, will carry deep personal resonance for the singer, connecting her first flight from the old Kai Tak Airport 28 years ago with her latest career milestone.
A Journey From the Runway to the Stage
Wong recently revealed the extraordinary symmetry of her relationship with the Kai Tak district. At 18 years old, she boarded her first-ever flight from the old Kai Tak Airport, heading to London and Paris for work. Unbeknownst to her, she was on the last civilian flight to depart the airport before it permanently closed.
“As the plane took off, I watched the lights on the ground go out one by one. The passengers erupted into cheers. I was very nervous and scared; I didn’t know what was happening or why they were screaming,” she recalled.
Upon returning to Hong Kong weeks later, her flight landed at the newly opened Chek Lap Kok Airport. “That trip was a huge turning point. From the old Kai Tak, I stepped into the entertainment world and flew out into the world. Twenty-eight years later, the new Kai Tak is here again to help me realize an even bigger dream. It feels magical and deeply moving,” she reflected.
Preparing for the Spotlight
Despite her vast performance experience, Wong admits the scale of the Kai Tak Arena is a new challenge. Before booking her own dates, she attended concerts there, including The Weeknd’s performance, to study the venue’s atmosphere and acoustics. “I must have done something very good in a past life, like helping 10,000 grandmothers cross the road, to get this opportunity,” she joked.
For the stage design, Wong has brought back internationally acclaimed scenic designer Es Devlin, who previously worked with her on the “Pretty Crazy” tour in 2019. The team has explored various configurations, including 360-degree and traditional three-sided stages, aiming to maximize visual impact and the experience for fans in every section.
Focus on Audio Excellence
“The venue is huge. We must look after every seat, every direction. Even if there was nothing else on the stage, the sound has to be absolutely perfect,” Wong stated, prioritizing audio quality above all else. Her observations of international acts performing at the arena gave her confidence that the venue could deliver the sonic experience she demands for her audience.
This meticulous approach extends to every element of the production, from lighting and choreography to setlists and costumes.
Ticket Information
Tickets for the “AURA” shows range from HKD 680 to HKD 1,680. A presale for selected credit card holders begins Nov. 9 at noon. The public on-sale launches via Trip.com Group on Nov. 12 at noon, with additional tickets going on sale through Ticketmaster Hong Kong and Damai on Nov. 13 at noon.
A Homecoming on Stage
The concerts represent more than a musical comeback; they are a creative and personal homecoming. For Hong Kong’s live entertainment sector, the event signals a robust return of major local productions to the city’s newest and largest performance space. For Wong, it represents the closing of a 28-year orbit that began with a terrified teenager on a history-making flight. As rehearsals intensify, the district that once launched her career is now primed to host its next spectacular chapter.
