MnK took immense pride in presenting the 2025 Niseko Music Recital. The two performances showcased a lineup of globally renowned musicians, including lead violinist and Australian Chamber Orchestra artistic director Richard Tognetti, vocalist and violinist Satu Vänskä, cellist Julian Thompson, and keyboardist Ben Dawson. The first night was a tribute to the late Colin Hackworth, a visionary leader of Hanazono who played a pivotal role in growing Niseko into a premier international ski destination.
Filled with touching personal reflections, this first evening featured a heartfelt tribute from Richard Tognetti, who recalled meeting Colin after his very first concert in Niseko in the early 2000s. Tognetti noted that Colin was an essential part of past Niseko music recitals and attended nearly every year. Furthermore, Allison Halloway shared a moving message from Colin’s wife, Michelle, and his daughters, Claudia and Isabella, while Paul Wright, General Manager of The Park Hyatt Niseko, offered a poignant toast. Expressing deep appreciation to the attendees, the Hackworth family conveyed that Niseko and Hanazono will always be home to them, encouraging guests to keep sharing stories of Colin.
For the second night, a musical performance accompanied Mountain, a documentary film by Jennifer Peedom featuring an original soundscape and score curated by Tognetti and the Australian Chamber Orchestra. Both events were paired with lavish canapés and exquisite drinks from the Park Hyatt Niseko, allowing attendees to enjoy a truly beautiful evening surrounded by friendly faces. The recital stood as a fitting testament to Colin, whose legacy and spirit will remain a powerful influence on the Niseko community for generations to come.
