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Following is the speech by the Chief Executive, Mr C Y Leung, at the HK Phil 40th Anniversary Gala at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre this evening (June 14):
Chairman Liu, Maestro van Zweden, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,
Good evening everyone.
In March this year, I had the pleasure of officiating at the opening ceremony of the HK Phil China Tour in Beijing. The Tour was a great success. This evening, I am delighted to join you all for the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra's 40th Anniversary Gala Concert. Congratulations to the HK Phil on reaching this marvellous milestone. I very much look forward to yet another fantastic concert tonight.
Great cities are known by their orchestras, and the HK Phil has done us proud since it turned professional in 1974.
As our city's oldest and most active orchestra, the HK Phil has blossomed from a small group of players into one of the leading professional orchestras in Asia. Its rise has mirrored Hong Kong's growth into an international metropolis.
HK Phil has become a firm fixture of our extraordinary cultural scene, and has nurtured many of our leading musical talents. The orchestra also serves as our cultural ambassador, whether performing for local audiences or during its concert tours in the Mainland of China and around the world.
The Hong Kong SAR Government is committed to supporting our creative and cultural institutions, including of course the HK Phil, as we strive to make our city a better and more enjoyable place in which to live and work.
On this memorable occasion, it is a delight to enjoy both the orchestra's new work commissioned from young local talents and classical orchestral pieces presented under the baton of Maestro van Zweden, their Music Director.
I wish the HK Phil a brilliant 40th Anniversary Gala Concert and many more successful seasons to come.
Have a great evening everyone.
Thank you.
Ends/Saturday, June 14, 2014
Issued at HKT 21:22
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