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Following is the speech by the Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Henry Tang, at the Asian Youth Orchestra Rehearsal Camp Opening Ceremony this (July 14) morning:
Mr Richard Pontzious, Consul Generals, Members of the Orchestra, Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen,
Thank you for inviting me to this opening ceremony.
First and foremost, congratulations to the 101 musicians who have come through the gruelling audition process to be members of this year・s Asian Youth Orchestra.
It is always exciting embarking on a new journey, and this year・s Orchestra has quite a journey ahead.
The next six weeks or so will be a journey in music with performances in cities throughout Asia; a journey in friendship with scores of talented musicians joining hands from countries across the region, and a journey of discovery and the search for perfection.
Since its establishment in 1990, the Orchestra has won many accolades and delighted audiences far and wide. I・m sure this year will be no different.
Hong Kong is delighted to be the spiritual home of the Orchestra and to host the 18th annual Rehearsal Camp. The Orchestra inspires youngsters to take up music and achieve their full potential.
Virtually all Hong Kong students have the opportunity to study music during their school years, and concert halls are often filled with young and enthusiastic audiences.
This Camp, together with the Orchestra・s performances in Hong Kong next month, will play an important part in generating more interest in music and raising Hong Kong・s profile as one of the centres for performing arts in Asia.
We are committed to strengthening this profile by adding new facilities, constantly improving the management of existing venues, nurturing talent and educating young audiences so they can better appreciate the performing arts.
Earlier this month, we moved closer to our goal of establishing a world-class performing arts and cultural centre just across the harbour in West Kowloon.
Firstly, our Legislative Council cleared the way for setting up a statutory body to oversee the development of the cultural hub.
Secondly, our lawmakers gave the green light to the provision of $21.6 billion dollar, or almost US$2.8 billion, to fund this mega-project.
Our aim is to turn the 40-hectare site into an integrated arts, cultural and entertainment district, what we can describe as Hong Kong・s very own ．West End・ with a Broadway skyline.
No doubt the West Kowloon Cultural District is an important long-term investment for the city, which will attract performers and audiences from across the region. It will create jobs and training opportunities and provide further impetus to our creative economy.
Ladies and gentlemen, we will not forget that the heart and soul of any venue is its people. And especially the performers who devote their time, energy and resources into perfecting their talents and entertaining the rest of us.
I also thank the business community for its commitment to the Asian Youth Orchestra over the years. Your continued support is key to the Orchestra・s success.
I wish the Asian Youth Orchestra 2008 an enjoyable and productive Rehearsal Camp and a wonderful tour of the region. For the talented musicians, I wish you long and bright musical careers. Last and certainly not least, I look forward to seeing this Orchestra perform in one of the concert halls of the West Kowloon Cultural District in the near future.
Thank you.
Ends/Monday, July 14, 2008
Issued at HKT 12:28
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