​Following is the speech by the Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Mr Kevin Yeung, at the opening ceremony of "The Hong Kong Jockey Club Series: The Road to the Baroque – Masterpieces from the Capodimonte Museum" today (July 14):
Mr Contestabile (Consul-General of Italy in Hong Kong, Mr Clemente Contestabile), Mr Cheung (Executive Director, Charities and Community of the Hong Kong Jockey Club, Mr Leong Cheung), distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,
Good evening. Welcome to the opening ceremony of "The Hong Kong Jockey Club Series: The Road to the Baroque – Masterpieces from the Capodimonte Museum" exhibition. It gives me great pleasure to join you in my new capacity as the Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism at the first comprehensive exhibition of Baroque art in Hong Kong.
This year marks an important milestone for our city as we celebrate the 25th anniversary of the establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR). As one of the celebration activities under the theme of "A New Era – Stability, Prosperity, Opportunity", the exhibition opens today will accentuate our achievements as an international arts and cultural metropolis.
Indeed, the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) has been collaborating with world-class museums across the globe to bring top-notch exhibitions to Hong Kong over the years. If you just recall the very well received exhibition of the Uffizi collection of Italian Renaissance art in Hong Kong last time, I can assure you that this exhibition of Baroque art is equally unique and no less inspiring.
This exhibition also marks the first collaboration between the Capodimonte Museum and the LCSD. The Capodimonte Museum is among the most visited museums in southern Italy and boasts some of the world's best art collections. I'm sure the success of this exhibition will definitely bring more opportunities for cultural exchanges and closer ties with the museum in future.
This exhibition would not have been possible without the unwavering support of our collaborating partners. I would like to take this opportunity to express my heartfelt gratitude to the Consulate General of Italy in Hong Kong who has played the most vital role in the success of this collaboration. My gratitude also goes to the Capodimonte Museum, our first-time partner, and the Hong Kong Jockey Club, our long-term partner and also the exclusive sponsor of the exhibition. I wish to thank both of them sincerely for their tremendous and generous support.
I cordially invite everyone to join in the celebration of the 25th anniversary of the HKSAR, especially this meaningful cultural event which strengthens our ties with Italy. Lastly, may I wish everybody good health and the exhibition a great success. Thank you very much.
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