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.
Penfold Park - built and managed by The Hong Kong Jockey Club (the Club) – has recently been upgraded to enhance the visitor experience. The opening ceremony of Pony World, one of its new community facilities, was held today (5 June) as part of the Club’s Year of the Horse Campaign. The facility offers an interactive equestrian experience that combines education and entertainment.
Guests tour the newly constructed facilitates at the Penfold Park including its park office.
Officiating guests at the ceremony included Vivian Sum, Permanent Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region; Lester Huang, Deputy Chairman of The Hong Kong Jockey Club; Philip Lo, Steward of The Hong Kong Jockey Club; Andrew Harding, Executive Director, Racing of The Hong Kong Jockey Club; and Leonie Lee, District Officer (Sha Tin).
Vivian Sum, Permanent Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (2nd left,); Lester Huang, Deputy Chairman of The Hong Kong Jockey Club (middle); Philip Lo, Steward of The Hong Kong Jockey Club (2nd right); and Andrew Harding, Executive Director, Racing of The Hong Kong Jockey Club (1st left); join Leonie Lee, District Officer (Sha Tin) (1st right) to officiate at the opening ceremony of Pony World.
Vivian Sum, Permanent Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, noted that the Jockey Club has launched a series of Year of the Horse activities aligned with the policy areas of the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau. Among them, the opening of Pony World seeks to cultivate children’s interest in equestrian sports and raise awareness of animal care through a range of interactive experiences, appealing to both local residents and tourists while promoting the development of equestrian sports. She expressed her sincere thanks to the Club for delivering this educational and recreational facility for the public’s enjoyment.
Guests tour Pony World.
Guests tour Pony World.
Guests tour Pony World.
Officiating at the event, Lester Huang, Deputy Chairman of The Hong Kong Jockey Club, said the Club worked closely with the Government on Sha Tin’s large-scale land reclamation and new town development, dating back to the 1970s, including the establishment of Sha Tin Racecourse and Penfold Park. The latter served as one of the venues for the equestrian events of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games, marking a milestone in the development of equestrian sport in the city. He added that the completion of Pony World provides the public with an opportunity to learn about horses by combining education with entertainment. It adds a fresh dimension to Penfold Park and its legacy of community service and Olympic heritage, reflecting not only the Club’s mission to enhance facilities, but also its commitment to popularising equine sports.
Lester Huang, Deputy Chairman of The Hong Kong Jockey Club, said the completion of Pony World adds a fresh dimension to Penfold Park and its legacy of community service and Olympic heritage.
Close encounters with ponies
Occupying more than 7,700 square metres, Pony World will officially open to the public on 22 June, offering a wide range of equestrian experiences for families and school groups. Visitors can tour the stables, take photos with mini ponies, join interactive workshops and immerse themselves in hands-on learning at the activity zone. Children aged 3 to 14 can also enjoy pony rides. These close encounters aim to deepen the public’s understanding of horses and foster an interest in equestrian activities. Pony World is expected to serve around 17,000 visitors a year. (Please refer to the attachment for activity details).
Guests tour Pony World.
Children aged 3 to 14 can enjoy pony rides.
Children aged 3 to 14 can enjoy pony rides.
Visitors can learn about pony behaviour, care and their unique personalities from professional equestrian coaches in the interactive pony classroom.
The Penfold Park renovation and enhancement work has been underway since 2023. The first two phases have been completed, including upgrades to the park’s landscape and the introduction of various new supporting facilities, such as the Pet Zone, pathway lighting, covered seating areas, a newly constructed park office, toilets and Pony World. Phase Three will commence in due course, further upgrading park facilities and improving connectivity between the park and the Sha Tin Racecourse grandstands, to enhance the overall experience for visitors.
Visitors can learn about pony behaviour, care and their unique personalities from professional equestrian coaches in the interactive pony classroom.
Visitors can visit the stables for a behind-the-scenes look at where the ponies live and learn the basics of horse care.
Visitors can visit the stables for a behind-the-scenes look at where the ponies live and learn the basics of horse care.
As a world-class sports and entertainment organisation, the Club is committed to equine sports development in Hong Kong. Initiatives range across the retraining of retired racehorses to the operation of public riding schools and provision of high-level coaching and professional support to equestrian riders through the Hong Kong Equestrian Performance Plan, as well as technical and logistical support for major equestrian events. All this is made possible by the Club’s unique integrated business model of world-class racing and racecourse entertainment, a membership club, responsible sports wagering and lottery, and charities and community contribution.
Visitors create magical moments with Shetland ponies.
Visitors create magical moments with Shetland ponies.
The activity zone offers a series of engaging activities designed to enhance the public’s understanding of ponies.
The Club’s Year of the Horse campaign is a year-long celebration of the close bond between horses and humans and the contribution racing makes to Hong Kong. It also promotes tourism as well as equine and sports development. Racing is not only the city’s favourite pastime, but also a symbol of its “can-do” spirit and stability under One Country, Two Systems. Through the success of Hong Kong horses on the international stage, the sport also brings pride to the community and global recognition to our city. None of this would be possible without the horse. For more information, please visit https://hkjc.com/YOTH.
Vivian Sum, Permanent Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (4th left, front row); Lester Huang, Deputy Chairman of The Hong Kong Jockey Club (middle, front row); Philip Lo, Steward of The Hong Kong Jockey Club (4th right, front row); Andrew Harding, Executive Director, Racing of The Hong Kong Jockey Club (3rd left, front row); and Leonie Lee, District Officer (Sha Tin) (2nd right, front row), join the Club’s Board of Management and other guests for a group photo.
