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Pong Chow-wah (1928-1991) was a local lyricist who wrote many popular Cantonese songs, from love songs to New Year carols to cartoon soundtracks. The Hong Kong Public Libraries of the Leisure and Cultural Services Department has organised a thematic exhibition, "The Hong Kong Musicians Series: 'Those were the days', Pong Chow-wah", to commemorate this talented musician. A display of Pong's manuscripts, gramophones and photos will accompany an in-depth feature on his life and works.
Pong was born in Guangzhou and studied in Bagui Middle School. He was a teacher in Mainland China before moving to Hong Kong and learnt Cantonese opera from renowned actor Kwong Shan-siu and scriptwriter Chan Tin-chung. He then worked as a prompter and scriptwriter of Cantonese operas, and later became an assistant film director. He wrote more than 30 movie scripts in the 13 years from 1955 to 1968.
Pong also wrote the lyrics of many popular Cantonese ditties and movie theme songs, including Chan Po-chu's "Lady Bond" (1966). In the late 60s, Pong devoted himself to the phonographic industry and became a composer, songwriter and production supervisor. Pong later joined Rediffusion Television Ltd and took charge of variety shows. Throughout various career turns in Cantonese operas, movies, pop songs, phonograph and television production, Pong remained passionate about music and never stopped writing songs and lyrics.
The exhibition is now being held at the Arts Document Reading Room on the 10th floor of the Hong Kong Central Library and will run until February 28 next year. Admission is free. For enquiries, please call 2921 0259.
Ends/Thursday, December 18, 2014
Issued at HKT 14:01
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