An iconic Hong Kong art festival featuring top artists will be expanded this year, and will include new performances showcasing Middle Eastern culture, as well as more outreach activities to engage residents, the city's culture chief said on Tuesday.
From September to November, artists from nearly 30 countries in Asia, the Belt and Road regions and the Middle East will attend the second Asia+ Festival in Hong Kong.
During a media briefing to discuss the festival’s program, Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism Kevin Yeung Yun-hung said that the event will stage 100 performances and host many activities this year, with the organizers aiming to attract over 100,000 participants.
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Last year, the inaugural Asia+ Festival invited artists from 23 countries to participate in 29 performances and activities, attracting over 62,000 attendees.
As a highlight, a Middle East series presenting a blend of Middle Eastern and Western styles will be included at the festival for the first time.
The authorities are also hoping to better engage local communities and are exploring new venues and organizing outreach activities, in a bid to offer visitors a taste of the multicultural vibrancy and vitality of the city.
Yeung said that Hong Kong stands out in the cultural and sports fields. The Asia+ Festival is in line with the National 14th Five-Year Plan, which aims to enhance Hong Kong’s position as an East-meets-West center for international cultural exchange.
This year’s program is diverse and includes dynamic multimedia dance performances, concerts by an internationally acclaimed virtuoso pianist and a superstar vocalist, and imaginative multimedia music performances.
The opening show, The Accountants, will be performed on Sept 27 and 28 at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre, integrating state-of-the-art visuals and everyday communication tools into choreography. Audiences are encouraged to arrive early to take part in some interactive gaming before the show begins.
A performance called After the Rain will feature enchanting live music and interactive multimedia design. It will be staged at the Western Salt Water Service Reservoirs, the city’s first reservoir built into rock caverns and a popular movie-shooting location. This will be the first time for the site to be opened for a public performance.
On Nov 11 and 12, pianist Krystian Zimerman, who is regarded as one of the world’s greatest pianists, will give two recitals, including his highly acclaimed interpretations of works by Chopin and Szymanowski. The last time he performed in Hong Kong was 12 years ago.
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Latvian singer Elina Garanca, one of the most sought-after singers internationally, will make her debut in Hong Kong on Oct 29 at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre.
Tickets for most of the performances at the festival are available at URBTIX from 10 am on Aug 21 onwards.
In addition to the performances, related library and fringe activities — such as multicultural workshops — will also be offered during this period.
Contact the writer at atlasshao@chinadailyhk.com
