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.
In support of cross‑sector collaboration to advance sustainable development, The Hong Kong Jockey Club, through its Charities Trust, has approved a donation of over HK$426 million to support The University of Hong Kong (HKU) in establishing and operating the HKU Jockey Club Enterprise Sustainability Global Research Institute. The donation also supports the creation of The Hong Kong Jockey Club Endowed Professorships, with the aim of bringing together distinguished international scholars from diverse fields to provide global insights into local needs and to transform research findings into practical policy recommendations and solutions for a more liveable and resilient Hong Kong - so contributing to the betterment of society.
Rimsky Yuen, The Hong Kong Jockey Club Steward (left) and Prof Xiang Zhang, President and Vice-Chancellor of The University of Hong Kong (right) officiate at the dedication ceremony of The Hong Kong Jockey Club Endowed Professorships.
The dedication ceremony of The Hong Kong Jockey Club Endowed Professorships was held on 5 May. Attending guests included Rimsky Yuen, The Hong Kong Jockey Club Steward, Prof Xiang Zhang, President and Vice-Chancellor of The University of Hong Kong; Prof Yang Wang, Vice-President and Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Institutional Advancement) of The University of Hong Kong; Professor Hongbin Cai, Dean of Business School of The University of Hong Kong and three endowed professors: Professor Guojun He, The Hong Kong Jockey Club Professor in Economics; Professor Jeffrey Ng, The Hong Kong Jockey Club Professor in Accounting, and Professor Uta Schönberg, The Hong Kong Jockey Club Professor in Economics.
Rimsky Yuen, The Hong Kong Jockey Club Steward (3rd left); Prof Xiang Zhang, President and Vice-Chancellor of The University of Hong Kong (centre); Prof Yang Wang, Vice-President and Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Institutional Advancement) of The University of Hong Kong (1st left); Professor Hongbin Cai, Dean of Business School of The University of Hong Kong; and the three endowed professors (2nd left): Professor Guojun He, The Hong Kong Jockey Club Professor in Economics (3rd right); Professor Jeffrey Ng, The Hong Kong Jockey Club Professor in Accounting (1st right), and Professor Uta Schönberg, The Hong Kong Jockey Club Professor in Economics (2nd right) attend the dedication ceremony of The Hong Kong Jockey Club Endowed Professorships.
Congratulating the four eminent scholars on their appointments, including Professor Roni Michaely, The Hong Kong Jockey Club Professor in Finance and Entrepreneurship, who was unable to attend the ceremony, Club Steward Rimsky Yuen said that, with the support of the four endowed professorships, the institute is well-placed to become a world-class knowledge hub, providing actionable insights that can deliver meaningful impact in Hong Kong, Asia and beyond. He added that the Club has supported many groundbreaking initiatives at HKU over the years. This reflects the Club’s long-standing investment in human capital and higher education, and its commitment to nurturing leaders who can propel the city’s economic development and sustain the prosperity of the nation.
Club Steward Rimsky Yuen delivers a speech at the dedication ceremony of The Hong Kong Jockey Club Endowed Professorships.
The HKU Jockey Club Enterprise Sustainability Global Research Institute aims to become a world-class hub for Environmental, Social, Governance (ESG) and Sustainability best practice in Hong Kong, Asia and beyond with respect to three core aspects:
1）Research — Create four endowed professorships in the disciplines of economics, finance, entrepreneurship, and accounting. Under the leadership of the appointed scholars, the Institute will foster multidisciplinary collaboration and integrate knowledge with practice and transform top-tier research into actionable solutions.
2）Engagement — Develop a sustainability index, offer consultancy and advisory services, and organise conferences, seminars and international summits to facilitate dialogues and forge cross‑sector partnerships.
3）Education — Curate sustainability related courses and interdisciplinary initiatives to equip forward-looking sustainability professionals.
The Club’s support for the HKU Jockey Club Enterprise Sustainability Global Research Institute, 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.
Group photo.
