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2012 marks the 15th anniversary of the establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) of the People's Republic of China. To celebrate the occasion, the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, Berlin (HKETO, Berlin) staged a joint performance of the Hong Kong Children's Choir (HKCC) together with the Berliner Mädchenchor (BMC, Berlin Girls' Choir) on August 23 at the Linden Church in Berlin.
Welcoming the choir on stage, the Director of the HKETO, Berlin, Mr Ivan Lee, highlighted the choir's contribution to Hong Kong's vibrant cultural life. "The HKCC is one of the leading choirs in Hong Kong. Under the guidance of Kathy Fok, Music Director and Principal Conductor, and more than 100 professional tutors, choir members not only develop their artistic talents, but also learn the importance of team spirit through interesting yet well disciplined practices," said Mr Lee.
Hong Kong is a cultural metropolis with a distinct identity grounded in Chinese traditions and enriched by different cultures, where life is celebrated through cultural pursuit; and creativity is a constant driver of progress in the community. To take advantage of our identity, Hong Kong is accelerating the development of its dynamic cultural and creative industries ¡V film, television, music, design, architecture, advertising, animation and comics, arts, publishing and digital entertainment. The HKSAR Government supports these industries to develop high quality programmes and to promote arts and creativity in the community. With about 34,000 cultural and creative industry-related establishments and more than 189,000 practitioners, Hong Kong is one of Asia's most important cultural and creative hubs.
Founded in 1969, the HKCC has made tremendous contribution to the children's arts education in Hong Kong. It is one of the leading choirs in Hong Kong and over the years, it has gained considerable worldwide acclaim. The HKCC won the prestigious "Award of the Audience" at the "Vivace 2006 International Choir Festival" in Hungary. In 2008, the choir was awarded the "Gold Cup" from Shanghai International Children's Chorus Festival Organising Committee.
On the second consecutive European tour of the HKCC, Ms Fok has selected a wide repertoire of songs including Bagatelle, a song dedicated to the friendship between China and Germany, and the brand new Choriental Symphony.
Directed by Ms Sabine Wˆ¢sthoff, the BMC was established in 1986 as a choir school for girls and included 120 girls. The BMC has cooperated with Berlin radio choirs and regularly participates in international choir competitions and festivals all over the world such as the "Varsovia cantat" in Warsaw 2011 where the BMC was awarded with the first prize.
Over 150 guests joined the concert of the HKCC and BMC in Berlin Wilmersdorf.
The HKETO Berlin is organising a series of events to commemorate the 15th anniversary the establishment of the HKSAR. On August 26, the HKCC will stage another performance in Hamburg's Miralles Saal. After the German premiere of A Simple Life at the 30th Filmfest Munich and film festivals in Berlin and Dˆ¢sseldorf, the HKETO Berlin is currently hosting its edition of the Hong Kong Film Festival during the China Time 2012 at Metropolis Cinema in Hamburg (August 16-29). There will also be celebration events in other cities under the purview of the HKETO, Berlin.
Ends/Saturday, August 25, 2012
Issued at HKT 00:08
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