​The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, Sydney (Sydney ETO) supported a dinner reception celebrating the co-production of "Hansel and Gretel" in Adelaide, Australia, yesterday (August 25) by State Opera South Australia and Opera Hong Kong. The event showcased the strong cultural ties between Hong Kong and Australia while promoting Hong Kong's role as an East-meets-West centre for international arts and cultural exchanges.

     The event was co-hosted by the Sydney ETO, State Opera South Australia, Adelaide Airport and Cathay Pacific. It brought together senior government representatives, business leaders, arts and cultural stakeholders, and community leaders to celebrate the enduring partnership between Hong Kong and South Australia, as well as the collaboration between two leading arts organisations from Hong Kong and Australia.

     Speaking at the reception, the Director of the Sydney ETO, Mr Ricky Chong, said that the relationship between Hong Kong and South Australia is underpinned by connections across a wide range of areas, including business, education, tourism and culture.

     Mr Chong welcomed the resumption of direct flights between Hong Kong and Adelaide, noting that the renewed air link would bring the two cities closer together and open up more opportunities for people, businesses and creative ideas to move between them.

     "Culture is a wonderful way to bring people together. The collaboration between State Opera South Australia and Opera Hong Kong on 'Hansel and Gretel' is a great example. It is especially fitting that this production begins its journey here in Adelaide before travelling to Hong Kong next year, allowing audiences in both cities to share and enjoy the same artistic experience," Mr Chong said.

     Mr Chong also highlighted Hong Kong's vibrant arts and cultural scene, world-class events and infrastructure, and encouraged guests to visit Hong Kong to experience its cultural energy.
      
     The co-production of "Hansel and Gretel" brings together the creativity and professional expertise of the arts communities in Hong Kong and Australia, demonstrating the achievements that can be realised through cultural collaboration across borders. Through artistic exchanges and partnership, the two places can strengthen connections, foster mutual understanding, and create new opportunities for the development of arts and culture. The production will have its world premiere in Adelaide in August 2026, before being presented in Hong Kong in 2027.

Ends/Wednesday, August 26, 2026
Issued at HKT 16:35

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