The Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra (HK Phil) held its 50th anniversary gala dinner at Regent Hong Kong in the presence of musicians, society, celebrity, and government officials. The landmark year for the musicians was marked with great celebrations, an auction, and fabulous live performances that were a prelude to upcoming concerts.
Eric Chan Kwok-ki, chief secretary for administration of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), was the guest of honour among innumerable VIP guests (over 400, in fact) as many turned up in black-tie, gown, and glory regalia to raise funds for Hong Kong’s most celebrated musicians and global talents, who’ve provided grand orchestral shows locally and in international concert venues.
Noted hotelier Winnie Chiu, president and executive director of Dorsett Hospitality International and the chairman of Agora Hospitality Group, chaired the fundraising gala this year. A former member of the HK Phil’s board of governors, Chiu has been deeply involved with the group for years now, honouring the homegrown and internationally acclaimed orchestra.
There were several memorable live performances during the gala dinner, melodious interludes between the multiple courses from the famed kitchens of Regent Hong Kong. Of the many highlights of the night, several moments stand out, including soprano Jennifer Holloway and pianist Jan-Paul Grijpink performing Senta’s Ballad from The Flying Dutchman, and concertmaster Jing Wang with guest pianist Colleen Lee, principal violist Andrew Ling, and principal cellist Richard Bamping performing Brahms’ Piano Quartet No. 1 in G minor. Every performance was a constant reminder that the orchestra’s artistic excellence is second to none.
Music director maestro Jaap van Zweden hit the stage to share his 12-year journey with the HK Phil before zooming back to the rehearsal halls, as the orchestra was preparing for some of the biggest shows of the year. A welcome surprise, John Lee, chief executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), sent a video message to congratulate the HK Phil for its 50th anniversary.
The evening ended with a heart-racing auction where funds were raised to support the orchestra’s extensive education and community outreach programmes. The fundraising and generosity of spirt not only honoured 50 years of the philharmonic’s past, but ensuring that, for the next 50 years, the musical legacy of the famed institution would continue well into the future.
