London ETO supports first large-scale music festival in London featuring only Hong Kong musicians (with photos)
***************************************************************

     The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, London (London ETO) is promoting Hong Kong's vibrant cultural scene in the United Kingdom by supporting the "Hong Kong Music Series" in London this month. The three-week music festival comprising five productions is organised by the Hong Kong Arts Development Council (HKADC), and forms part of the programme of events supported by the London ETO to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.

     The series opened with the inaugural concert "Music Interflow – A Dialogue of Two Cultures", held at St John's Smith Square on July 7. The concert, which featured both well-established and emerging Hong Kong musicians, included a selection of classical and contemporary works played by traditional Chinese and western instruments, written by British and Hong Kong composers.

     Speaking at a reception before the concert, the Director-General of the London ETO, Ms Priscilla To, said, "The 'Hong Kong Music Series' is a signature event in our 20th anniversary celebration calendar. The main purpose of our celebration is to take stock of our achievements and work together with all concerned to seize the opportunities ahead. It therefore carries a special meaning to work together with the HKADC to bring over Hong Kong's finest composers, musicians and artists to London to celebrate the thriving and exciting cultural scene in Hong Kong."

     Also speaking at the reception, the Chairman of the HKADC, Dr Wilfred Wong, said that by providing opportunities for Hong Kong musicians to showcase their talents in one of the international music capitals, the HKADC hoped to show the world the creativity and vibrancy of the Hong Kong music scene and to strengthen cultural ties between Hong Kong and London.

     The concert was attended by over 400 participants including many dignitaries from both Hong Kong and the United Kingdom.

     On July 7 and 8, an innovative music show entitled "Hong Kong Episodes" at Wilton's Music Hall provided a stunning mix of cinema, jazz and classical music, conjuring up Hong Kong's cosmopolitan cityscape, fast-paced lifestyle and avenues for spiritual retreat. "Hong Kong Episodes" was created by architect Anthony Lai together with original music written by jazz guitarist Teriver Cheung and composer Lam Fung, the first Hong Kong composer ever commissioned by the BBC.

     Subsequently, on July 10, Wilton's Music Hall also featured a concert by Music Lab, a young group from a Hong Kong programming hub connecting local musicians of various backgrounds. The innovative "3-in-1" concert "Music Lab: Fingerman X Beloved Clara X SMASH" was led by charismatic pianist Wong Ka-jeng and featured piano, violin, saxophone, vocal and harmonica performances by talented and promising musicians including CY Leo, Mark Hui, Lai Bo-ling, Alison Lau and Timothy Sun.

     Speaking before the concert, Ms To said, "With their passion for music and commitment to strive for excellence in performing, Music Lab will take you through a memorable journey and bring you an innovative concert experience."

     The other two performances in the series are "Beyond the Senses – Atmospheric Music Theatre by Law Wing Fai" at the Shaw Theatre on July 15 and the closing performances of "Datong: The Chinese Utopia" at the Richmond Theatre on July 27 and 28.

     More information on these and other 20th anniversary events organised by the London ETO can be found at www.hketolondon20.gov.hk.

Ends/Wednesday, July 12, 2017
Issued at HKT 20:43

NNNN