The Hong Kong Jockey Club today (2 May) helped launch a fascinating mix of French arts and cultural programmes in Le French May with a donation of more than HK$7.3 million from its Charities Trust. It is the third year that the Trust has been the major partner of this all-encompassing festival.
To celebrate the opening of the series of vibrant programmes that also mark the 50th anniversary of the establishment of Sino-French diplomatic relations, Club Chairman T. Brian Stevenson joined Consul General of France in Hong Kong and Macau Arnaud Barthélémy and Under Secretary for Home Affairs Florence Hui to officiate at the opening concert of Philippe Jaroussky & Venice Baroque Orchestra at the City Hall.
Mr Stevenson said the concert was one of the programmes being sponsored by the Trust. “Most importantly, we are proud to collaborate with Le French May in providing an educational programme that will enable close to 9,000 young people to experience and learn about visual and performing arts from professionals. The programme includes providing free tickets for over 2,000 underprivileged students to enjoy various performances,” he added.
Before tonight’s concert, a free-to-all talk on castrato singing was held to help the audience understand more about this repertoire and enhance their experience as part of the educational efforts. Other Trust-sponsored programmes being staged between May and August are The Mirror by Théâtre des Asphodèles; French Shadows: All Eyes on China; L’Immédiat by Camille Boitel; Palaces on the Seas: The Golden Age of French Ocean Liners; and Fabienne Verdier Crossing Signs. All these events are expected to reach an audience of 55,000.
During the festival, the public can also embrace French-themed nights of racing and entertainment on Wednesdays at Happy Valley Racecourse between 14 and 28 May.
The Hong Kong Jockey Club
Founded in 1884, The Hong Kong Jockey Club is not only one of the world’s leading horse racing organisations, but also Hong Kong’s largest community contributor, donating HK$1.95 billion in 2012/13. In addition, the Club is a major taxpayer, Hong Kong’s single largest by far, generating over HK$17.64 billion in 2012/13 for public funds. The Club pioneers technology applications for sporting and betting entertainment, striving for the highest levels of customer service. As a membership club, it is recognised as one of Asia’s most prestigious. These multifaceted roles make it a well-respected and remarkable organisation, dedicated to its mission of enhancing the quality of life for all Hong Kong people.
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Club Chairman T. Brian Stevenson says the Club is delighted to support a variety of Le French May programmes.
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Toasting the opening of Le French May are Club Chairman T. Brian Stevenson (1st right), Consul General of France in Hong Kong and Macau Arnaud BarthAclAcmy (3rd right) and his spouse, Elisa Ghigo- BarthAclAcmy (1st left), Under Secretary for Home Affairs Florence Hui (2nd right), Le French May Chairman of the Board Dr Andrew Yuen (3rd left) and Director Michelle Ong (2nd left).
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A pre-concert talk is held to help the audience understand more about castrato singing under the Jockey Club Education Programme.
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