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Crowds and applause enliven Silicon Valley again. But this time, IT tycoons do not orchestrate the activity. Nor is it a celebration of a high profile merger and acquisition of high tech companies. It is the Hong Kong Ballet's US premiere in San Jose. Entitled "Legend of the Great Archer", this original ballet has attracted the undivided attention of the audience in the Center for the Performing Arts, San Jose. More than 2 000 spectators packed the major city in South Bay on May 19 (San Jose time), to enjoy this special form of ballet under the framework story of one of the most ancient Chinese folklores.

Permanent Secretary for Home Affairs Ms Shelley Lee officiated the opening ceremony and she endorsed the Hong Kong Ballet as fulfilling the role as a Hong Kong cultural ambassador by bringing impressive performances to overseas audience. "We are excited by the enthusiastic response from the audience," Ms Lee said. "Also, we are grateful for the support from the City of San Jose and local community, making the performance such a great success."

The event was hosted by the City of San Jose. Mayor Ron Gonzalez, who officiated the opening ceremony together with Ms Lee, and was delighted to welcome the group. He said, "It's truly an honor to have the Hong Kong Ballet perform in San Jose. This is a major theatrical undertaking that reaches halfway around the world. And it's an amazing opportunity for San Jose, the capital of Silicon Valley."

The "Legend of the Great Archer" is a full-length ballet created by Hong Kong Ballet's artistic director Stephen Jefferies. It is based on an ancient Chinese folklore and the music was composed by world renowned composer Kuan Nai Chung. The combination has set the record for first piece of ballet using Chinese orchestral music.

"This evening's performance is a showcase of the best of Hong Kong's cultural talents, couched in a unique Hong Kong style of East meets West," Director of the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office (San Francisco) Ms Annie Tang said. Her office organised the evening's Hong Kong Ballet show.

The colorful costumes and setting, masterpiece music, and expressive movements of the dancers, captured the heartbeat of the audience. The performance sizzled with passion, jealousy, intrigue and murder in a tragic tale of love and betrayal. Such emotions were so delicately and elegantly displayed that the audience swayed with the dancers.

The Hong Kong Ballet's North America Tour spreads over four cities. San Jose is the third stop after Toronto and Vancouver. The group will leave San Jose for Washington D.C. on May 20 (San Jose time).

Ends/Thursday, May 20, 2004

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