The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in San Francisco (HKETO San Francisco) welcomed the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts (HKAPA) Nexus Ensemble by hosting a Hong Kong Cultural Evening series in Seattle (March 31, Seattle time), San Francisco (April 2, San Francisco time), and Los Angeles (April 6, Los Angeles time). The Nexus Ensemble's West Coast debut was part of a cultural exchange tour aimed at strengthening cultural ties between Hong Kong and the United States (US).

     The HKAPA Nexus Ensemble is a chamber ensemble formed this year, bringing together outstanding students and alumni of the Academy. The ensemble takes its name from the word "nexus" - a point of connection between musicians, musical traditions, and cultures. The current edition consists of six members including string musicians and coaches.

     All three Hong Kong Cultural Evenings featured a performance by the Nexus Ensemble. The Seattle event also included a screening of "Four Trails," a documentary showcasing Hong Kong's scenic hiking trails. San Francisco event was held aboard The Historic Klamath, a restored 1920s steamboat in San Francisco Bay. The Los Angeles event was organised in partnership with the Chinese American Museum and took place at the historic Pico House.

     In addition to the Hong Kong Cultural Evenings, the Nexus Ensemble participated in several other cultural activities. These included the Cathay Pacific Seattle Gala on March 30 and a community concert titled "Bridging Cultures: Hong Kong - California Music Journey" in collaboration with the San Jose State University Jazz Band in San Francisco on April 5. The ensemble also visited schools including the Colburn School, the San Francisco Conservatory of Music, the University of San Francisco, and the University of Southern California Thornton School of Music.

     Through a thoughtfully designed programme, the ensemble presented Western classical repertoire alongside music rooted in Hong Kong's cultural identity, including newly composed and specially arranged works for the US tour. Nearly 1 000 audience members across three cities enjoyed their performances.

     The cultural exchange tour was made possible with support from the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau. The international flights of the ensemble were sponsored by Cathay Pacific.

     Speaking at the Hong Kong Cultural Evenings, the Director of HKETO San Francisco, Mr DC Cheung, provided business updates on the city. "Hong Kong has once again been ranked as the world's freest economy, with expected growth of 2.5 per cent to 3.5 per cent this year. We are the world's fifth-largest merchandise trading entity and have reclaimed the top spot in global IPO rankings for 2025, representing a 200 per cent increase from 2024. The city is also reinforcing its position as an international education hub, with five universities in the world's top 100. The Government will increase funding for exchange and learning opportunities as we continue to promote cultural exchanges between Hong Kong and California and attract outstanding students and global talent," he said.

     "We also thank Cathay Pacific for sponsoring the Nexus Ensemble's flights to the US West, which helps connect these young musicians with new audiences and support meaningful exchanges in art, culture, and travel between Hong Kong and the region," Mr Cheung added.

     The Director and Coach of the HKAPA Nexus Ensemble, Ms Karry Li, said, "This US tour marks an important milestone for the ensemble. Through multiple performances in Seattle, San Francisco, and Los Angeles, and visits to leading music conservatories, our students grew artistically and personally through cultural exchange, proudly bringing music from Hong Kong. We thank the HKETO San Francisco and our generous sponsors for their support."

     The representative of the receiving institution, the Provost of the Colburn School, Dr Nathaniel Zeisler, said, "I was beyond thrilled to be able to host the HKAPA students and teachers while they were here at the Colburn School. I look forward to future collaborations with them, as we have already been speaking with the HKAPA leadership about potential partnerships. This was especially important and wonderful to be able to experience this event, as it was great to see potential partnerships forming in both the business and the arts and culture sectors."

Ends/Saturday, April 18, 2026
Issued at HKT 9:40

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