An all-star gala Momentum featuring New York City Ballet Principal Dancer Sofiane Sylve and three signature one-act ballets has drawn to a successful close with enthusiastic responses from audience after five stunning performances on 9 to 11 November at Lyric Theatre of The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts.
A presentation ceremony was held in the première gala to acknowledge the generous support of Bank of China (Hong Kong), the Title Sponsor of Momentum. Board Chairman Mr. John J. Ying said, "I am delighted that Bank of China (Hong Kong) is so strongly committed to supporting the development of arts and culture which enables us to remain relevant in the 21st century." Mr. Gao Yingxin, Executive Director and Deputy Chief Executive of Bank of China (Hong Kong) said "With its driving artistic vision and excellent dancers, Hong Kong Ballet actually exemplifies the characteristics of Hong Kong as an energetic and dynamic city. Bank of China (Hong Kong) is glad to bring you various enthralling local and international arts programmes to enrich the cultural life of the public at large, while continuing to serve our community with high quality and innovative banking products and services." At the ceremony, Mr. Ying and Mr. Gao exchanged souvenirs to mark the exciting collaboration between two organizations.
In the cocktail reception held in the evening gala on 10 November, Mr. John J. Ying expressed his gratitude to the support of Club Hong Kong Ballet members. Club Hong Kong Ballet is established with an aim to provide a platform for the Hong Kong business community to be part of the development of local arts and culture. Since its launch in July this year, the Company is pleased to have China Construction Bank (Asia) and China LotSynergy Holdings Limited as Diamond members, as well as M. Magtague Company Limited and Quality HealthCare Medical Services Ltd. as Ruby members.
Momentum featured three distinctive one-act ballets from Marius Petipa's timeless masterpiece Paquita, powerful contemporary ballet Clear by Houston Ballet Artistic Director Stanton Welch, to refreshing new work Night Light by local young choreographer Eve Chan. The gala was highlighted by a sparkling performance by New York City Ballet Principal Dancer Sofiane Sylve and her dancing partner Tamas Solymosi who made their debut in Hong Kong with a pas de deux from Le Corsaire Act I. The two international ballet stars met the audience in an autograph session and "Meet-the-Artist" session on 10 November.
Over a hundred of VIPs attended the performances of Momentum including Mrs. Cissy Pao Watari, Ms. Monica Wong, Ms. Daisy Ho, Mr. James Tien, Mr and Mrs. James W. Ying, Ms. Lindzay Chan, Mrs. Daphne King Yao, Ms. Deirdre Fu, Ms. Ming Ho, Ms. Jean M. Wong, Mrs. Christine Liao, Mrs. Olivia Lee-Davies, Dr. Darwin Chen, Ms. Wendy Hu, Mrs. Yama Chan Gaw, Mr. Vincent Fang were amongst the guests.
For enquiries, please contact Ms Wong Mei-yee at 2105 9712 or Ms Caroline Cheung at 2105 9722, or email to marketing@hkballet.com.
Photos
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| (from left) John Meehan, John J. Ying, Gao Yingxin, Stacey Morse | (from left) Gao Yingxin, John J. Ying |
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| (from left) John J. Ying, Cecilia Ying, Monica Wong, James W. Ying | (from left) James W. Ying, John J. Ying, Cecilia Ying, Daisy Ho, Ming Ho |
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| (from left) Olivia Lee-Davies, John J. Ying, Stacey Morse | (from left) Wendy Hu, Jean M. Wong, Benny Yue and friend |
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| (from left) Lui Chung-man, Benny Yue, Shirley Loong, Lilian Shih, Deirdre Fu, Yama Chan Gaw | (from left)Tamas Solymosi, Sofiane Sylve, John Meehan meet audience in the "Meet-the-Artist" session |
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| Sofiane Sylve, Tamas Solymosi dance a pas de deux from Le Corsaire Act I Photo: Conrad Dy-Liacco |
Paquita Choreography: Marius Petipa Dancers: Jin Yao, Zhang Yao Photo: Gordon Wong |
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| Clear Choreography: Stanton Welch Dancers (front):Yo Takahira, Yuh Egami, Wei Wei, Brett Simon Photo: Gordon Wong |
Night Light Choreography: Eve Chan Photo: Gordon Wong |