New York, NY (Top40 Charts/ Hong Kong ADC) - The Hong Kong Arts Development Council (ADC) gave formal recognition to 30 artists, arts organisations, schools and business organisations in recognition of their unstinting support and contribution to the arts development in Hong Kong at today's award presentation ceremony at the Concert Hall of the Hong Kong City Hall.
The ceremony was officiated by The Hon Henry Tang Ying-yen, Acting Chief Executive of the HKSAR Government and Mr Tsang Tak-sing, Secretary for Home Affairs. Their presence greatly demonstrated their support to the local arts sector.
An Erhu duet performance by renowned huqin player Wong On-yuen & his son Wong Sun-tat lifted the curtain of the award presentation ceremony. Mr Wong is also the recipient of the Award for Best Artist (Music).
Speaking at the ceremony, Mr Ma Fung-kwok, Chairman of the ADC, expressed his heartfelt thanks to all parties for their support to the award scheme. Mr Ma said, "Each award presented tonight represents the achievement of the artists and the contribution of various organisations in the development of arts and culture in Hong Kong. It also signifies the society's recognition towards their accomplishment."
The sound development of arts and culture in Hong Kong over the past decades, Mr Ma said, owed to the tireless efforts of the local artists. "Their dedication and perseverance in artistic pursuits pave the way for the generations to come. And, their endless contribution to the arts set a role model for us to follow."
The Award Scheme has seven categories, namely the Life Achievement Award, the newly introduced Award for Outstanding Contribution in Arts, the Award for Best Artist, the Award for Young Artist, the Award for Arts Education, the Award for Arts Promotion and the Award for Arts Sponsorship. In addition to a trophy, each recipient of the Award for Young Artist will receive a cash award of $22,000 for further studies or artistic creation.
This year, the Life Achievement Award was bestowed on Professor Louis Cha (Jin Yong), the world renowned Chinese writer and literary scholar. Louis Cha, aged 86, has enviable reputation for being a prolific writer. Many of his wuxia novels were adapted into TV series, movies, plays, and even dance. In recent years, he is actively involved in research and teaching. His achievements and contributions to the local cultural arts sector are extraordinary and remarkable.
First introduced this year, the Award for Outstanding Contribution in Arts accords recognition to arts practitioners who have outstanding contribution in various art forms over the past few decades. The Award was conferred on Dr Chung King-fai, veteran stage and television actor; Mr Lau Siu-ming, renowned dancer and actor; and Professor Lo Wai-luen, veteran literary and cultural scholar.
Among the awardees' list, the Award for Best Artist went to Mr Yang Yun-tao (Dance), Mr Ho Wai-lung, Jeffrey (Drama), Mr Cheung King-wai (Film and Media Arts), Ms Huang Ching-yuen (Literary Arts), Mr Wong On-yuen (Music) and Mr Wong Kwok-choi, Kacey (Visual Arts).
The Award for Young Artists went to Mr Chan Cheuk-wai, Octavian (Drama), Ms Mak Hei-yan, Heiward (Film and Media Arts), Ms Cheung Wai-ching, Rachel (Music), Ms Chan Ka-yuen (Visual Arts) and Ms Tsui Sin-yan (Xiqu) while the Award for Arts Sponsorship went to Shun Hing Group. For detailed listing, please refer to the enclosure.
To enlighten the ceremony, performances were staged by the awardees. It included:
- Rendezvous at River Luo in a Dream, The Legend of Luo River Goddess by Tsui Sin-yan (the winner of the Young Artist Award in xiqu) and East Sing Cantonese Opera Troupe;
- Chopin: Ballade No. 4 in F minor by Cheung Wai-ching, Rachel, recipient of the Award for Young Artist in music
- Joy, Parting, Resistant - the excerpt of Everlasting Love by Hong Kong Dance Company's performance, the piece is choreographed by Yang Yun-tao, recipient of the Award for Best Artist in dance
