The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in New York (HKETONY) launched the celebration of the 20th anniversary of the establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region in Chicago with a glittering award night paying tribute to Teddy Robin Kwan yesterday (May 11, Chicago time). The versatile Hong Kong film and music talent was honoured with a Lifetime Achievement Award presented by the Asian Pop-Up Cinema.
 
     Speaking at the award ceremony in Chicago History Museum, the Director of HKETONY, Mr Steve Barclay lauded Teddy Robin for his tremendous contribution to Hong Kong cinema and music. "A pioneer of Hong Kong's pop-scene, and a prolific composer, he has produced and composed numerous Cantonese film scores that are easy listening with meaningful lyrics," said Mr Barclay.
 
     Winners from a singing contest performed the classic theme songs of "City on Fire" (1987), "Cops and Robbers" (1979) and "Till Death Do We Scare" (1982), all composed by Teddy Robin. Chicago's Fulcrum Point New Music Project performed the original sound score of "Gallants" (2010), which coveted the best original film score in the 2011 Hong Kong Film Awards.

     The Executive Director of Asian Pop-Up Cinema, Sophia Wong-Boccio, said Teddy Robin's songs and films had raised a lot of interest among the Chicagoeans on Cantopop and Hong Kong movies. Teddy Robbin received the award from the Director of the Chicago Film Office, Rich Moskal.

     Mr Barclay also took the chance to update the audience about the exciting arts and cultural development over the last two decades. "We're a cosmopolitan, diverse society with global connectivity and business friendly policies. All these coupled with strong government support also enable the arts and culture sector to flourish," he said.

     Upcoming events in Chicago to celebrate the 20th anniversary include the "Confluence‧20+" roving exhibition, presented by the Hong Kong Design Centre and Create Hong Kong. It provides a holistic view on Hong Kong creative ecologies with exhibits from 20 groups of outstanding local designers. A gala dinner organised by the Hong Kong Club of Chicago will be held today (May 12, Chicago time) and more than 500 guests from different sectors of Chicago will attend.

Ends/Saturday, May 13, 2017
Issued at HKT 0:36

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