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Hong Kong Week at World Expo 2010 Shanghai China (Shanghai Expo) opened today (October 18) with a dazzling array of performances and activities to highlight Hong Kong's creativity, vibrancy and cosmopolitan city life.
Under the spotlight this week from October 18 to 22 will be an impressive lineup of events and performances covering music, dance, Cantonese opera, film, fashion, design, art and the innovative applications of smart card technology.
Today's highlight was the debut of the innovative "Hong Kong Pop Up!" Parade along Bocheng Road inside the Expo Park.
The centerpiece of the Parade was a giant pop-up book of Hong Kong sight and scenes, supported by some 50 energetic dancers, to introduce Hong Kong's lifestyle, attractions and cityscape.
The procession included a troupe of cuddly mascots from Hong Kong Ocean Park, a walking feast of Hong Kong food favorites, the ever-popular Hong Kong Police Band and the funky jazz ensemble from the Hong Kong Fringe Club.
Over at the Baosteel Stage (Large), music aficionados flocked to enjoy a diverse string of performances that underscored the depth of Hong Kong's performing art talent.
To start with was a rich repertoire of orchestral works played by over 80 musicians in the Hong Kong Youth Symphony Orchestra's concert.
This was followed by a music-visual art crossover performance involving piano and live flower arrangement, presented by the Arts for the Disabled Association Hong Kong.
The audience was captivated by the beautiful Chopin music played by visually impaired pianist Lee Hin in a floral garden setting designed by by international floral arrangement competition medalist Mandy Tang.
To add a new dimension to the piano performance, Mandy displayed her skills in floral arrangement to the sweet rhythm of the music.
Next in line for audience enjoyment was Huqin maestro Wong On-yuen playing a mix of East and West music that also displayed the richness and versatility of the Huqin family.
Joining him were renowned Mainland cellist Dong Jinchi; Hong Kong young erhu master and maestro Wong's son Sunny Wong; the King's Harmonica Quintet; and celebrated Hong Kong pianist Cheng Wai.
Heading up the talent at Baosteel stage (Small) were two enthusiastically received performances by 25 children and teenagers from the Hong Kong Children and Juvenile Chinese Opera Troupe, who displayed their love for and talent in Cantonese opera.
Dressed in traditional costumes, they sang, acted and performed difficult martial arts and acrobatics in a fascinating mix of famous Cantonese opera excerpts.
Their programme also included workshops on hairpiece production and make-up demonstrations, as well as a dress-up photo zone.
At the Baosteel Stage Interactive Zone, the Budding Winter installation art display provided young Hong Kong artists with an excellent chance to impress Expo visitors with their creativity and talent.
Over at Celebration Square, the Hong Kong Police Band Spectacular for Expo attracted large crowds with an eclectic display of their musical talent.
The band staged a spectacular marching display and amazed visitors with their wide repertoire of music, from military concert band music to Scottish folk tunes, innovative Chinese drums and pop favourites.
Outside the Expo Park, a Hong Kong Film Retrospective kicked off with a red-carpet gala premiere event at Shanghai Film Art Center.
The Film Retrospective will present 23 acclaimed Hong Kong movies to Shanghai audiences uncut and in their original language for the first time at selected Shanghai United Circuit cinemas until October 22.
And over at Century Square, in the high-traffic Nanjing Road East pedestrian mall, the Hong Kong Trade Development Council's Style Hong Kong exhibition continued to attract large crowds to experience the quality and creativity of Hong Kong fashion, accessory and lifestyle brands.
More than 20 events and programmes will be held inside and outside the Shanghai Expo Park during Hong Kong Week.
On Wednesday morning (October 20) a star-studded Hong Kong Week Opening Ceremony will be staged at the Baosteel Stage (Large), and officiated by the Chief Executive, Mr Donald Tsang.
Hong Kong Week will end on Friday night with the Hong Kong Sinfonietta's presentation of Igor Stravinsky's "A Soldier's Story" at the Shanghai Oriental Art Center on the night of October 22.
Also during Hong Kong Week will be a strong line-up of events and activities to echo the theme for October "Creative Hong Kong", covering film, fashion and art.
For more details on Hong Kong's participation in Shanghai Expo, please visit www.hkexpo2010.gov.hk.
Ends/Monday, October 18, 2010
Issued at HKT 17:31
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