The Hong Kong Gaudeamus Dunhuang Ensemble Held the 8th Anniversary Concert "As Wishes" to Trace Back to the Ensemble's Footpath

The Hong Kong Gaudeamus Dunhuang Ensemble successfully held its 8th Anniversary Concert "As Wishes" at the Hong Kong City Hall (Theatre) on January 23rd. Hundreds of audience members appreciated the beauty of resonance between traditional Dunhuang culture and contemporary music creation. The ensemble hoped the concert could lead the audience to trace back to its 8-year development footpath and look forward to continuing the musical journey with like-minded individuals, as wished in the future.

The Hong Kong Gaudeamus Dunhuang Ensemble successfully held its 8th Anniversary Concert "As Wishes".

The concert contained three acts: Dunhuang, the Forbidden City, and the Whole World. The theme of the first act was built based on the spirit of the Silk Road and Dunhuang culture, presenting a musical dialogue across millennia. As for the second act, the beauty of the Forbidden City and traditional Chinese porcelain was depicted via the chorus of musical instruments. In the final act, the ensemble presented their musical creation based on the elements of museum collections to unfold a diverse cultural dialogue and fusion.

The ensemble hoped the concert could lead the audience to trace back to its 8-year development footpath.

At the end of the concert, the ensemble gave a special closing performance of The Mogao Spirit and Thank You for Your Time, dedicating it to the cultural guardians of Dunhuang, the Forbidden City, and museums around the world who "dedicate their lives to accomplishing one thing," and also expressing its sincerest gratitude to the audience, partners, and friends from all walks of life who have supported along the way.

NEW YORK (AP) — A 51-year-old Connecticut man fell to his death from an upper deck of Madison Square Garden during a concert on Saturday night, police said.

Officers responding to a 911 call around 9:51 p.m. found the man unconscious and unresponsive with injuries indicating a fall from an “elevated position,” New York City police said. Police did not say how far the man fell, but said he was in Section 300. They identified him as Paul Kueker of Niantic, Connecticut.

The man was with his wife, according to police. He was taken to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Police do not suspect foul play.

The rock band Goose was performing. In a statement, the band said it was “reeling” from the tragedy.

Goose played a concert Sunday evening in Central Park and said all proceeds from the show would go toward a charitable fund providing support and resources for their fans.

“We considered whether or not we were going to play and came to the decision that the best thing we can do right now is bring our community together, lean on one another, and offer a space for healing,” the Sunday statement said. “So let’s be kind to each other tonight and remember our friend.”

FILE - Fans line up outside Madison Square Garden before an NBA basketball game in New York, Feb. 23, 2021. (AP Photo/Brittainy Newman, File)