Zingaro gets off to a galloping start

8 February 2008

The six-week visit to Hong Kong world-renowned French equestrian theatre Zingaro, jointly presented by The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust and The Hong Kong Arts Festival Society, set off at a gallop today with a special opening ceremony and a preview show. Officiating at the ceremony were Chairman of The Hong Kong Jockey Club John C C Chan, Chairman of The Hong Kong Arts Festival Society Charles Lee, HKSAR Financial Secretary John Tsang, Zingaro!|s Founder and Creative Director, Bartabas, Herm?os Asia Pacific Limited Managing Director Bertrand Michaud and Bank of China (Hong Kong) Ltd Deputy Chief Executive Lam Yim Nam.

From 9 February to 23 March 2008, the troupe will perform its latest spectacle Battuta in special marquee at Hung Hom Ferry Pier Lawn. Mr Chan noted at today's ceremony that the Club had long been committed to the development of arts and culture in Hong Kong. "We hope that our co-presentation of Zingaro with the Hong Kong Arts Festival Society will not only promote arts and cultural development in Hong Kong, but also help cultivate public interest in equestrian sports, in the run-up to Hong Kong's staging of the Olympic equestrian events this summer," he explained. "For tonight's preview, we have invited 70 children to share the excitement as our guests. They are being looked after by the Club's own C.A.R.E.@hkjc volunteers."

Mr Lee said the Hong Kong Arts Festival was very pleased to present this spectacular equestrian show with long-time partner The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust, in addition to the regular Festival programme for 2008. "This is the year in which all things equestrian will engage the imagination of the community, with the Beijing Olympic equestrian events to be hosted right here in Hong Kong later in the year," he commented. "In co-presenting this show, the Festival is helping to mark this significant moment for Hong Kong and adding to the wealth of choices available to local audiences."

Zingaro has performed throughout Europe and Japan, earning rapturous receptions wherever it goes. Battuta features elements of lively music, stunning costumes, touches of Gypsy surrealism and daredevil skills of great horsemanship. The Hong Kong performance will offer local audiences a new and fresh look at equestrian sports. They can also enjoy a special Olympic equestrian exhibition, a Zingaro photo exhibition and a saddle-making demonstration in a large reception tent alongside.