Corporate News

Club brings CAVALIA a£į”§ a unique equestrian theatrical experience - to Hong Kong as part of its 130th Anniversary celebrations

01/23/2015

To celebrate its 130th Anniversary, The Hong Kong Jockey Club is bringing CAVALIA to Hong Kong: a grand theatrical production internationally-known for its innovative mix of equestrian and performing arts, multimedia and special effects. With the Club’s support, CAVALIA will launch its inaugural season in Hong Kong on 31 March under its Big Top at Central Harbourfront.  And to ensure as many people as possible can enjoy this thrilling show, which celebrates the relationship between man and horse, the Club is arranging for discounts on some categories of tickets, and providing 10,000 tickets for students and the less-privileged to attend special matinee shows.

Attending a press conference held today (23 January) to announce details of the show, the Club’s Chief Executive Officer Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges said the Club was excited about bringing CAVALIA to Hong Kong and to be the Presenting Sponsor. The show is as an absolute highlight of the many events marking the Club’s 130th anniversary.

Mr Engelbrecht-Bresges was impressed by the way CAVALIA explores the beauty of the horse and the amazing connection that takes place when man and horse work so closely together. “Training horses to perform at this level takes a great deal of time and incredible dedication. It’s the kind of drive you see in our leading horsemen in striving for world-class racing excellence here in Hong Kong,” he added. “It’s that shared passion for excellence which makes CAVALIA such a perfect match for the Jockey Club and such an ideal way to celebrate our 130th anniversary.”

Artistic Director and Creator of CAVALIA Normand Latourelle, who is also one of the co-founders of the famous Cirque du Soleil, thanked the Club for its support. “We are honoured and grateful to The Hong Kong Jockey Club who generously contributed to the Hong Kong tour as the Presenting Sponsor.  Together we are also pleased to host a series of outreach programmes that will benefit the local community,” Mr Latourelle said.

In addition to providing 10,000 tickets for students and the less-privileged to attend special matinee shows, and subsidising some categories of tickets for the public, the Club will also be arranging for community organisations and educational institutes to join behind-the-scenes tours and acrobatic sessions; giving young people and the community at large the opportunity to learn from and be inspired by the hard work and dedication of CAVALIA performers. CAVALIA artists will also be sharing their skills at the Club’s 130th Anniversary Community Festival in Penfold Park between 3 and 5 April.

The Club will also be providing veterinary services and horse transport logistics to CAVALIA; helping to ensure the smooth running of this major cultural event.

CAVALIA has toured across several continents and been seen by more than 4 million people. For this lavish production, 40 magnificent horses along with 40 riders, aerialists, acrobats, dancers and musicians have been brought together from different parts of the world. CAVALIA is a unique theatrical experience, celebrating the relationship between humans and horses, virtually reinventing equestrian arts.

Under the theme of “Riding High Together for a Better Future”, the Club is celebrating 130 years of racing and of giving back to the community. In addition to CAVALIA, the Club is also organising a number of events to share its anniversary joy with Hong Kong people. This includes sponsorship of this year’s Longines Hong Kong Masters, Asia’s largest 5-star show jumping competition from 13 to 15 February. A special feature of the competition will be the “HKJC 130th Anniversary Races of the Riders”, co-hosted by the Club and Longines.

The Hong Kong Jockey Club
Founded in 1884, The Hong Kong Jockey Club is a world-class horse racing operator and Hong Kong’s largest community benefactor, as well as one of Asia’s most prestigious membership clubs.  Operating as a not-for-profit organisation, the Club allocates its surplus for charitable and community projects.  In 2013/14, its donations reached a record $3.6 billion, and in the last decade alone it supported over 1,275 projects.  The Club is also Hong Kong’s largest single taxpayer, contributing a record HK$19.58 billion in 2013/14.  With about 70% of its revenue given back to society every year through donations and tax contributions, The Hong Kong Jockey Club delivers a significantly higher return to the community than any other racing and/or sports betting organisation in the world.  As a socially responsible organisation, the Club helps Government combat illegal betting and advocates responsible gambling.  The Club is also one of Hong Kong’s largest employers with over 24,800 full-time and part-time staff.  Committed to global excellence and giving back to society, the Club is always “riding high together for a better future” with the people of Hong Kong.   Please visit 130.hkjc.com.

Club Chief Executive Officer Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges announces the Cluba£į?s support for CAVALIA - a unique theatrical experience combining equestrian and performing arts - as part of the Cluba£į?s 130th Anniversary celebrations.
Club Chief Executive Officer Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges announces the Cluba£į?s support for CAVALIA - a unique theatrical experience combining equestrian and performing arts - as part of the Cluba£į?s 130th Anniversary celebrations.

Artistic Director and Creator of CAVALIA Normand Latourelle thanks the Club for its support as the Presenting Sponsor of the Hong Kong Tour.
Artistic Director and Creator of CAVALIA Normand Latourelle thanks the Club for its support as the Presenting Sponsor of the Hong Kong Tour.

Club Chief Executive Officer Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges (1st left) and Artistic Director and Creator of CAVALIA Normand Latourelle (1st right) pose for a photo with CAVALIA artists Fairland Ferguson (2nd left) and Jennifer Lecuyer (2nd right).
Club Chief Executive Officer Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges (1st left) and Artistic Director and Creator of CAVALIA Normand Latourelle (1st right) pose for a photo with CAVALIA artists Fairland Ferguson (2nd left) and Jennifer Lecuyer (2nd right).

Club Chief Executive Officer Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges (back row, 2nd right), Artistic Director and Creator of CAVALIA Normand Latourelle (back row, 2nd left), and Consul General of Canada in Hong Kong and Macao J. Ian Burchett (back row, 1st left) pose for a photo with CAVALIA artists Fairland Ferguson (back row, 1st right) and Jennifer Lecuyer (front row).
Club Chief Executive Officer Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges (back row, 2nd right), Artistic Director and Creator of CAVALIA Normand Latourelle (back row, 2nd left), and Consul General of Canada in Hong Kong and Macao J. Ian Burchett (back row, 1st left) pose for a photo with CAVALIA artists Fairland Ferguson (back row, 1st right) and Jennifer Lecuyer (front row).

Other Corporate News