Hong Kong's Ambassador for Cultural Promotion Tan Dun Unites Young Musicians Across East and West

Strategic Insights -

Internationally renowned composer and conductor Tan Dun, appointed as Hong Kong's Ambassador for Cultural Promotion, has facilitated the performances of several local young musicians at the Edinburgh International Festival and a concert in Xi'an, China. This move aims to showcase Hong Kong's position as an East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchange. Tan Dun has lined up a number of local young musicians to perform in prominent cultural arenas, allowing them to gain prominence on the international performing arts scene.

Key Takeaways:

  • The song "Buddha Passion" was inspired by stories of the Buddha depicted in the Mogao Caves in Dunhuang and was performed in Chinese, English, and Sanskrit.
  • The Edinburgh International Festival performances by the three young vocalists, Louise Kwong, Samantha Chong, and Chen Chen, were favourably reviewed by critics in the United Kingdom, gaining them prominence on the international performing arts scene.
  • Tan Dun invited violinist Nina Wong, cellist Jia Nan, and pianist Rachel Cheung to perform Beethoven's Concerto for Violin, Cello, and Piano in C Major with the Xian Symphony Orchestra in the "From Beethoven to the First Emperor" concert in Xian on July 15.
  • Prior to these performances, Tan had already invited Hong Kong young soprano Candice Chung to appear at the world premiere of "Requiem for Nature" at the Holland Festival.
  • This year, Tan will continue to explore opportunities for local young artists to perform on the global stage, including performances with the Orchestra dell'Accademia Nationale di Santa Cecilia - Roma in November.
  • The Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) will continue to work with Tan to bring more local young artists out of Hong Kong, telling good stories of China and Hong Kong with the arts.

Sources:

  • Hong Kong SAR Government
  • http://www.contify.com/pressrelease/3854/hong-kong-s-ambassador-for-cultural-promotion-tan-dun-unites-young-musicians-across-east-and-west