The fourth Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Culture and Arts Festival, which will be hosted by Hong Kong for the first time this year, will feature 260 captivating performances, exhibitions, and exchange activities across the cluster in October and November.
Themed Integration in Diversity - Power and Possibilities, the festival will run concurrently in cities across the Greater Bay Area from Oct 19 through Nov 24.
Kevin Yeung Yun-hung, secretary for culture, sports and tourism, said during the festival’s program parade on Tuesday that the three regions involved aim to enhance cultural exchanges and talent collaborations through the festival, creating a distinctive cultural brand for the region.
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The festival’s opening program will be conducted by renowned conductor and composer Tan Dun, with orchestras from Hong Kong, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, and Macao performing the world premiere of Sound River at the Hong Kong Coliseum in Hung Hom. Zhou Shen, a distinguished singer on the Chinese mainland, will deliver a song during the program as a special guest.
Other highlights include a special edition of the sensational dance drama Wing Chun by the Shenzhen Opera and Dance Theatre. Hong Kong artists will also participate in the production.
Huang Danyang, a Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts graduate, will collaborate with Shenzhen performers to create a production blending arts from both locales.
The Foshan Cantonese Opera Troupe will bring The Legend of The White Snake, a classic repertoire, to the big screen to present the love story between Bai Suzhen and Xu Xian.
The film received multiple nominations at the 2nd Hong Kong Bauhinia International Film Festival in 2023, including those for best film and best art direction.
Renowned Hong Kong artist Tsang Man-tung will reinterpret ChoreoMusica Soiree, an original production of Xinghai Concert Hall in Guangzhou blending music, dance, and imagery in an innovative way.
The festival also aims to foster cultural exchanges and showcase young talent through concerts featuring young singers, bands and choirs from GBA cities.
Additionally, a symposium focusing on the latest trends in the evolving arts and cultural scenes in the region will be held in late October for artists to foster cultural exchange and future collaboration.
Featuring auspicious animals, a free exhibition will be staged in Hong Kong to showcase the intangible cultural heritage of the Bay Area.
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Apart from activities in Hong Kong, the festival will bring Hong Kong’s intriguing arts and cultural productions to other Bay Area cities.
The festival is jointly organized by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, and local governments of Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao.
Major art institutions in Hong Kong include nine major Hong Kong art groups, the West Kowloon Cultural District, and the China Federation of Literary and Art Circles Hong Kong Member Association.
Contact the writer at stephyzhang@chinadailyhk.com
