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[22 December 2023, Hong Kong] The Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra (HK Phil) successfully hosted a Gala Dinner at the Asia Society Hong Kong Centre on 16 December 2023 (Sat), graced by Mrs Vicki Kwok Wong Wing-ki, JP, Deputy Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, as the Guest of Honour.
The Fundraising Dinner Organising Committee was led by the Honorable Advisors Mrs Janice Choi and Ms Angela Yau, the Chair Ms Sarah Wong, andthe Committee members including Mrs Christine Ip, Ms Lilian Kiang, Ms Karen Ng, Ms Melody Xu, Ms Ling Yang and Ms Nikki Zhan .
The Dinner received tremendous support from all sectors and was attended by many distinguished guests in the city. The guests include renowned pianist Mr Lang Lang, HK Phil Music Director Maestro Jaap van Zweden, HK Phil Resident Conductor Maestro Lio Kuokman, Dr John van Praag and Ms Pat Fok, Dr and Mrs Ronald Lu, Mrs Helen Fong, Mrs Regina Leung, Mrs Cecilia Sze, Ms Winnie Tam, Mr Michael Tien, and Director of Christie's Education Asia Pacific Ms Sara Mao who also served as the auctioneer of the night.
Mr David Cogman, the Chairman of the Board of Governors of the HK Phil, said that, “As you know, this is our 50th anniversary – our golden jubilee. We started off in 1947 as a small amateur social club. The journey from a social club to one of the leading orchestras in the world is a very long one, and that is made possible by the orchestra’s friends, supporters and patrons. First of all, the HKSAR Government recognised very early on the need to have world-class art institutions, and the need to give them stability. The partnership with the government over the years has allowed us to become the orchestra you see today, and you could not hope for a better partner. The second of all, this is the last season that Mr Jaap van Zweden will be with us as our Music Director. Over the last decade, it’s Jaap who built the orchestra into the institution that you see today. On behalf of the orchestra, thank you all again for your support.”
“The Hong Kong government takes great pride in the accomplishments of the HK Phil’s extraordinary 50-year journey. Under the guidance of the Board of Governors and the leadership of Music Director Maestro Jaap van Zweden, the HK Phil has achieved global recognition and toured in different cities across the Mainland and around the world. Its reputation on the international stage is important in promoting Hong Kong in the east-meets-west cultural exchange, and showcasing our unique culture,” said Mrs Vicki Kwok Wong Wing-ki, JP, Deputy Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism.
“I would like to thank Mr Lang Lang for being with us. Thank you for the opportunity to make music with you. I would like to thank Mr David Cogman for his support, courage and strength as such a fantastic partner for me and the orchestra. I thank Swire, the power behind us. I thank the government for being very supportive and thinking highly of us. There are many orchestras in the world which have to work without support from their governments. Finally, I thank the former Chairman Mr Y. S. Liu for everything he did for the organisation, for the musicians, and not to forget – for the city of Hong Kong, ”said HK Phil Music Director Jaap van Zweden.
The eventful evening commenced with the guided viewing of the artworks of Pang Jiun at the Asia Society’s gallery. During the Dinner, HK Phil Associate Principal Bass Clarinet Lorenzo Iosco, Second Associate Concertmaster Wang Liang, First Violin Gui Li, Assistant Principal Viola Kaori Wilson and Principal Cello Richard Bamping performed Traditional/ Goran Frost arr, Klezmer Dance No.3. After that, HK PhilChief Executive Mr Benedikt Fohr led an inspiring conversation with pianist Lang Lang, diving into Lang Lang’s music journey and his wealth of experience as a music educator. Furthermore, Lang Lang captivated the guests with his performances of 4 Mazurkas byFrédéric Chopin and “Can You Feel The Love Tonight” from the iconic Disney movie The Lion King.
Chair of the Organising Committee Ms Sarah Wong said: “Our Gala Dinner can only succeed with the tremendous support of many friends, patrons, corporate and individual sponsors, media partners Jessica and Vogue, Ms Sarah Mao from Christies being our Auctioneer, Ms Vincy Wong being our MC, and many more. My heartfelt thanks to all of you, along with the staff from the HK Phil.”
The HK Phil would like to give its heartfelt thanks to the following Gala Dinner Organising Committee Members:
Honorable Advisors: Mrs Janice Choi, BBS, MH, JP, Chevalier del’ordre des Arts et des Lettres, Ms Angela Yau;
Chair: Ms Sarah Wong;and Members: Mrs Christine Ip, Ms Lilian Kiang, Ms Karen Ng, Ms Melody Xu, Ms Ling Yang and Ms Nikki Zhan.
