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Speech by CS at Asian Youth Orchestra Rehearsal Camp opening ceremony (English only) (with photo/video)
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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 at the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts today (July 20):

Richard (Pontzious), Mr Zhan (Yong-xin), Consuls General, Members of the Orchestra, Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen,

     I am delighted to join you again this year for the Opening Ceremony of the Asian Youth Orchestra Rehearsal Camp.

     First and foremost, a warm welcome to Hong Kong to the talented musicians from across Asia who are taking part in this year's Camp.

     Although you speak in different tongues and hail from different cultural backgrounds, you share the universal language of music.  I look forward to the orchestra spreading its message of unity and promoting cultural awareness around the region during this year's tour.

     Since its debut in 1990, the Asian Youth Orchestra has become an important part of the performing arts scene in Hong Kong.  For many young musicians involved in the orchestra over the years, learning from the masters and playing to full houses have proved to be a life-changing experience.  The orchestra has also opened up the joy of music to new audiences and inspired young people to take up an instrument and make the most of their musical talent.

     I would like to thank the dedicated organisers of the Asian Youth Orchestra.  Through your vision and leadership in running this exceptional project, you have made dreams come true.

     The next six weeks will be an experience of a lifetime for many of the young musicians here today. No doubt you will make the most of this opportunity to form lasting friendships and take your skills to a new level.

     This is a particularly important year for the Asian Youth Orchestra. Among other things, the orchestra will take part in events marking the 60th Anniversary of the Founding of the People's Republic of China.  This will include performances at the prestigious National Centre for the Performing Arts in Beijing and the Oriental Art Centre in Shanghai.  This is a wonderful opportunity for the Asian Youth Orchestra members to experience the various aspects of Chinese culture and play a unique role in the anniversary celebrations.

     The orchestra has also been invited by the Honourable Consul General of the Republic of Korea to perform in Gwangju and Seoul. I am sure that the Asian Youth Orchestra will have an amazing experience in Korea.  In addition, there will be concerts in Tokyo, Osaka and Kyoto as a part of the programme for the Hong Kong/Japan Tourism Exchange Year.

     Continuing its tradition of visiting Taiwan, the orchestra will also make a stop in Taiwan again this year.

     All in all, the tour promises to be a musical and cultural adventure for everyone involved.

     Over the years, the orchestra has earned a reputation for its high quality performances and for promoting performing arts.

     These are also important assets for us to establish Hong Kong as a cultural hub in Asia.  Another key component of our city's arts evolution is the development of the West Kowloon Cultural District.  When completed, this 40-hectare site will serve as a centrepiece for the arts in Hong Kong and around the region.  I hope the Cultural District will become an ideal place for the Asian Youth Orchestra to stage rehearsal camps and concerts in the future.  Meanwhile, the orchestra will continue to serve as an integral part of our efforts to foster cultural literacy in schools and the community.

     Finally, I would like to thank the business sector in Hong Kong and across Asia for its staunch support for the Asian Youth Orchestra.  Your commitment and financial sponsorship has helped the orchestra flourish over the past 19 years.

     I wish this year's Rehearsal Camp and the upcoming concert tour a resounding success and the members of the Asian Youth Orchestra an unforgettable journey across Asia.

     Thank you.

Ends/Monday, July 20, 2009
Issued at HKT 12:39

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