Presented by the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau and organised by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department, the second edition of the Asia+ Festival will be held from September to November, highlighting the arts and culture of nearly 30 countries from Asia, the Middle East and Belt and Road regions.
The Asia+ Festival 2024 programme parade was held today (August 20) at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre. Addressing the event, the Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Mr Kevin Yeung, said that the inaugural Asia+ Festival last year was a tremendous success with an attendance of over 62 000. The festival is an initiative to tie in with the National 14th Five-Year Plan, under which Hong Kong is actively developing into an East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchange, giving full play to its unique strengths as a city where different cultures converge. At the Third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation hosted by President Xi Jinping last year, the festival was recognised as an item on the list of "People's Livelihood and People-to-people Connectivity Projects".
Mr Yeung also added that the second edition of Asia+ Festival is even larger in scale, with the number of performances and activities increasing from 29 last year to over 100, thanks to the unfailing support of various Consuls-General and overseas cultural organisations in Hong Kong. The "Middle Eastern Series" is a new addition this year that showcases programmes blending the styles of the Middle East and the West. The festival will further engage with local communities by exploring new venues and organising more outreach activities, in an attempt to bring citizens closer together and offer visitors a taste of the multicultural vibrancy and vitality of Hong Kong.
Some of the festival programmes are introduced below:
Dance × Technology
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Opening Programme: "The Accountants"
Chinese and Indian dancers transform into accountants in a friendly battle centred on data and cultural stereotypes. Cross-disciplinary artist and Head of Culture of 2012 London Olympic Games, Keith Khan; choreographer Xie Xin, often referred to as the "Epitome of Chinese Modern Dance"; and sought-after Indian choreographers Terence Lewis and Mahrukh Dumasia come together for this uplifting and high-tech visual spectacle.
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Japanese media arts pioneer Daito Manabe, choreographer MIKIKO and her dance company ELEVENPLAY have worked closely together for years. Among their collaborations is the world-famous "Tokyo Presentation" at the 2016 Rio Olympics Closing Ceremony. This time, their arts tech showpiece creates a hyperreal digital odyssey using holographic projection.
Music Masters
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Piano Recital by Krystian Zimerman
Widely regarded as one of the world's greatest pianists, Polish pianist Krystian Zimerman limits the number of concerts he gives each year. His return after a 12-year hiatus will feature two recitals with partly different programmes, including his highly acclaimed interpretations of works by Chopin and Szymanowski, and possibly Debussy.
Elīna Garan�a Gala Concert
The internationally acclaimed Latvian mezzo-soprano breaks the rule that sopranos always draw the most attention among divas. Garan�a's Hong Kong debut will cover a fine selection of opera excerpts and songs, including the arias by the title role in "Carmen", which won her worldwide fame. Under the baton of Karel Mark Chichon, the Macao Orchestra will perform in the concert.
Middle East Colours
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"The Woven Sounds"
Persian carpet-making is a world-famous craft in which the weaver sings about the intricate patterns while working. Iranian ethnomusicologist and musician Mehdi Aminian will lead his ensemble in a performance that revives this fading tradition.
Concert by Kinan Azmeh
Syrian-born award-winning clarinettist Kinan Azmeh is a core member of the Silk Road Ensemble founded by Yo-Yo Ma. His distinctive voice blends Arabic and Western influences, and was hailed by "The New York Times" as "intensely soulful… virtuoso". In his Hong Kong debut, Azmeh will be joined by percussionist John Hadfield and five emerging local musicians.
Beyond the Usual
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"After the Rain"
Toolbox Percussion, media arts collective Dimension Plus and Singaporean composer Lee Jiayi transform the Western Salt Water Service Reservoirs into a striking chamber for a site-specific multimedia music journey. Audiences will travel through a hillside cavern with a specially designed rainstick to explore the intricate relationship between humanity, technology and climate change.
"Post Capitalistic Auction"
In this alternative yet authentic auction co-created by Mainland Chinese artist Jingyi Wang and local curator Kyle Chung, audiences will have the opportunity to bid on their favourite artworks in tangible or intangible ways they can think of, before taking the pieces home. The auction comes with a showcase and fringe activities, offering multiple perspectives to contemplate the value of art.
"Atonement"
This suspenseful production by Malaysian theatre group MUKA Space is adapted from "Den Skyldige", the Best Film at the Robert Awards, Denmark's equivalent of the Oscars. It also won five awards at the prestigious ADA Drama Awards in its home country.
Together as One
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"Asian Ethnic Cultural Performances 2024" Outdoor Carnival and "Sartorial Splendour – National Costume Exhibition"
Under the theme of "Celebration in Splendour", the carnival will feature ethnic music and dance portraying the culture landscape of more than 20 Asian countries, along with booths and workshops displaying handicrafts, ethnic costumes and snacks. The exhibition, themed around wedding and festive costumes, shows the charm of different peoples on celebratory occasions.
The second Asia+ Festival will also feature musical "Finding Mr. Destiny", the K-Pop Community Festival, folk music and dance show "Borderless Stage: HARMONY", exhibitions "We Weave Our World" and "I Love Sushi", as well as film screenings from the "Coming of Age Fest". There will also be workshops, talks and masterclass for individual programmes. Tickets will be available from tomorrow (August 21) at URBTIX (www.urbtix.hk)*, with Asia+ Festival Stage Programmes booking discount schemes, early bird discount and other discount schemes. Telephone booking hotline number is 3166 1288; audiences may also use the mobile ticketing application URBTIX. For programme enquiries, please call 2370 1044 or visit www.asiaplus.gov.hk/2024/en/.
*Except for the musical "Finding Mr. Destiny"
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