Exclusively sponsored by The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust, the Jockey Club TUTTI Programme (Tuning Up Talents, Transforming Individuals) presented the Jockey Club Masters Series: Kahchun Wong’s Pictures at an Exhibition on 8 and 9 May at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre. Conducted by internationally renowned Singaporean conductor Kahchun Wong, the concerts featured his own orchestration of the Russian classic Pictures at an Exhibition, delivering a cross-cultural musical celebration that showcases Hong Kong as a precious stage where Eastern and Western traditions blending seamlessly. The award-winning Hong Kong violinist Angela Chan, a recipient of The Hong Kong Jockey Club Music and Dance Fund in 2020, also performed as soloist. The performances earned thunderous applause throughout the venue, including local students, teachers, and parents in the audience who were supported by the Club to enjoy the show. The concerts have demonstrated the Club’s support for the National 15th Five-Year Plan and its commitment to promoting Hong Kong as a centre for Chinese and international cultural exchange, as well as inspiring the next generation of music talents through the world-class intercultural performance.
Kahchun Wong seamlessly wove together Eastern and Western musical traditions in his own orchestration of Mussorgsky’s Pictures at an Exhibition, inviting audiences to rediscover the distinctive colours of Chinese instruments within these familiar and beloved melodies. (Photo credit: Keith Hiro/ HK Phil)
The programme opened with Wagner’s Tannhäuser Overture, followed by Mendelssohn’s beloved Violin Concerto, performed by Chan. The second half featured Wong’s own orchestration of Pictures at an Exhibition by the renowned Russian composer Mussorgsky. By seamlessly weaving together Eastern and Western musical traditions, Wong invited audiences to rediscover the distinctive colours of Chinese instruments within these familiar and beloved melodies. The performance was presented by the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra joined by guest Chinese instrument soloists from the Singapore Chinese Orchestra, performing Wong’s unique arrangement. Conceived as a concerto grosso featuring multiple Chinese instruments alongside the symphony orchestra, the work reimagined iconic movements such as “The Old Castle” and “The Ballet of the Unhatched Chicks”, creating a richly Eastern soundscape.
Hong Kong violinist Angela Chan, who performed Mendelssohn’s Violin Concerto, is a recipient of The Jockey Club Music and Dance Fund in 2020. (Photo credit: Keith Hiro/ HK Phil)
On 10 May, following the concerts, two free music education activities were held, including a conducting masterclass led by Wong. Three outstanding young local conductors were personally coached by Wong, working alongside musicians from the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra and 47 local young music talents to form a joint orchestra of nearly 100 performers. Through live rehearsals and performances, the public was invited to enjoy high-quality musical experiences with their families on Mother’s Day. An artist talk was also held on the day, allowing young people with a passion for music to engage directly with Wong and gain first-hand insights from the maestro.
The Jockey Club TUTTI Programme is a three-year flagship education initiative of the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra. It aims to promote arts accessibility, nurture the next generation, and enrich and inspire lives through music. Beyond stage performances, the programme bridges the classroom and the professional music world. Through masterclasses and open rehearsals, local students are given invaluable opportunities to learn directly from world-class musicians.
The annual Tai O Dragon Boat Water Parade took place today (19 June), attracting hundreds of visitors and residents to celebrate one of the city’s unique traditions. Originating more than a century ago as a way to ward off plague and purify the community, the Water Parade is inscribed on the third National List of Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH). The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust has supported it since 2012, helping to preserve and promote a cherished local tradition.
Guests fire the ceremonial cannon at the Tai O Dragon Boat Water Parade.
The opening ceremony was held at the Tai O Promenade, officiated by David Lam, Acting Secretary for Development of the HKSAR Government; Anita Fung, Club Steward; Wu Jiahao, Deputy Director of New Territories Work Department, Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the HKSAR; Ryerson Ip, Assistant District Officer (Islands) of the Islands District Office of the HKSAR Government; Judith Ng, Head of the Intangible Cultural Heritage Office of the HKSAR Government and Fan Sum-kee, Chairman of the Joint Association of Traditional Dragon-Boats in Tai O.
David Lam, Acting Secretary for Development of the HKSAR Government (3rd right); Anita Fung, Club Steward (3rd left); Wu Jiahao, Deputy Director of New Territories Work Department, Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the HKSAR (2nd right); Ryerson Ip, Assistant District Officer (Islands) of the Islands District Office of the HKSAR Government (2nd left); Judith Ng, Head of the Intangible Cultural Heritage Office of the HKSAR Government (1st left) and Fan Sum-kee, Chairman of the Joint Association of Traditional Dragon-Boats in Tai O (1st right) at the Tai O Dragon Boat Water Parade.
Club Steward Anita Fung said that the Trust’s support for the Tai O Dragon Boat Water Parade has helped to maintain an important piece of national intangible cultural heritage as well as enabling the younger generation to appreciate its cultural significance. This year, three traditional dragon boats supported by the Trust made their debut, injecting new vitality into this century-old tradition.
Club Steward Anita Fung delivers a speech at the Tai O Dragon Boat Water Parade.
Club Steward Anita Fung (right) presents souvenirs to participating organisations.
Since the inscription of the Water Parade onto the Third National List of ICH more than a decade ago, the Trust has donated over HK$9.5 million to support the event, including funding the construction of dragon boats, programme arrangements, manpower support and educational programmes. This year’s event brought together over 320 dragon boat paddlers and 160 volunteers and attracted hundreds of visitors. In addition to the Water Parade, educational activities helped deepen public understanding of its heritage and encourage younger generations to participate.
Three traditional dragon boats supported by the Club made their debut.
The Trust has long supported the preservation of intangible cultural heritage, encouraging public and youth participation through a diverse range of initiatives. In addition to the Tai O Dragon Boat Water Parade, this includes the current Hong Kong ICH Month, as well as other local traditional events on the national heritage list: the Tai Hang Fire Dragon Dance and the Cheung Chau Jiao Festival. Since 2010, the Trust has donated over HK$167 million to support these ICH events and related educational programmes. These initiatives align with the HKSAR Government’s Development Blueprint for Hong Kong’s Tourism Industry 2.0 and the National 15th Five-Year Plan, as different sectors of society work together to contribute to the country’s development.
Highlights of the Tai O Dragon Boat Water Parade.
The Club’s support for the Tai O Dragon Boat Water Parade, like all its charity and community donations, is made possible by its unique integrated business model through which racing and responsible sports wagering generate substantial tax contributions, charity support and employment opportunities for Hong Kong.
Highlights of the Tai O Dragon Boat Water Parade.
