Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra Gala Dinner 
at Hong Kong Palace Museum

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Dennis Wu
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Emily Hui
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[13 December 2022, Hong Kong] The Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra (HK Phil) held a Gala Dinner at the Hong Kong Palace Museum on December 13, 2022 (Tuesday), with Mr. Joe Wong, Permanent Secretary of the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, as the Guest of honour.

The fundraising dinner was led by Mrs Janice Choi as the honorable advisor, Ms Sarah Wong as the chair of the organising committee, Ms Angela Yau, Ms Melody Xu and Mrs Monica Cheung Mok as members of the organising committee, with the support of the Hong Kong Palace Museum in the planning and preparation.

The dinner received tremendous support from all sectors, and was attended by many distinguished guests in the city. The guests included Mr & Mrs Kenneth Fok and Guo Jinging, Dr John van Praag and Ms Pat Fok, Dr Jonathan Choi and Mrs Janice Choi, Hong Kong Palace Museum Chairman Ms Winnie Tam, West Kowloon Cultural District Authority Chief Executive Officer Mrs Betty Fung, Rocco Design Architects Associates Principal Dr Rocco Yim, Hong Kong Palace Museum Museum Director Dr Louis Ng. Guests from political sector included former Chief Executive of HKSAR Mrs Carrie Lam, member of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference Mr Lo Man-tuen, Secretary for Justice Mr Paul Lam, and former Secretary for Justice Ms Elsie Leung. Guests from commercial sector included Chairman and Executive Director of ICBC (Asia) Ms Gao Ming, and CEO and Executive President of Bank of China International Holdings Limited Ms Li Tong. Guests of our Partners included publisher of Vogue Hong Kong Ms Desiree Au, Rosewood Hong Kong Mr Paolo Pong & Ms Sonia Cheng, and Director of Christie's Education Asia Pacific Ms Sara Mao.

HK Phil Chairman of Board of Governors, Mr David Cogman said, “as a cultural ambassador of Hong Kong, the HK Phil has been proactively enriching the cultural life of our society and has made significant contributions to the popularization of classical music. It is only through the support of our friends and sponsors that we could have had these achievements. The funds raised from the dinner will sustain the long-term development of the HK Phil and benefit our community.”

“Hong Kong has a very diverse arts and cultural development. The hosting of the Gala Dinner in the Hong Kong Palace Museum makes a marvellous blending of the enchanting Western music with the priceless Palace Museum treasures. This is a perfect manifestation of such diversity, and underlines Hong Kong’s unique status as an East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchange. I sincerely hope that HK Phil will see even greater accomplishments in future,” said Mr Joe Wong, Permanent Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism.

It was an eventful evening commencing with the guided viewing of Hong Kong Palace Museum. Before the dinner, guests were welcome to visit selected galleries in the museum. During the dinner, HK Phil Concertmaster Jing Wang, Korean violinist Zia Shin and Hong Kong pianist Colleen Lee performed Moszkowski Suite in G minor for two violins and piano, op. 71: 1st Movement; HK Phil Second Associate Concertmaster Wang Liang, Principal Viola Andrew Ling, Assistant Principal Cello Dora Lam, Co-Principal Clarinet John Schertle & Hong Kong pianist Colleen Lee performed Elliot LEUNG Quintet No. 2 “Gardiner Expressway”.  Dr Rocco Yim, Principal of Rocco Design Architects Associates, who designed the Hong Kong Palace Museum, shared his philosophy and principles in designing the iconic new landmark. Lastly, pianist Niu Niu played pieces from his new album "Lifetime".

Chair of the Organising Committee Ms Sarah Wong said: "In addition to the donations and support from all the participants, the dinner was a great success because of the sponsorships from our friends and partners, providing auction items, gifts and major discounts, etc. to support the development of the HK Phil. The organising committee was very touched by their enthusiastic response and staunch support, and the fund raised from the dinner will sustain the HK Phil’s development, giving Hong Kong a world-class orchestra.”

The HK Phil would like to give its heartfelt thanks to the following Gala Dinner Organising Committee Members:

Honorary Adviser: Mrs Janice Choi, BBS, MH, JP, Chevalier del’ordre des Arts et des Lettres

Chair: Ms Sarah Wong

Members: Ms Angela Yau, Ms Melody Xu and Mrs Monica Cheung Mok