Stars out in force for gala occasion

Published: 09:53, June 30, 2023 | Updated: 11:59, June 30, 2023

By Oasis Hu in Hong Kong

World of performing arts celebrated the 26th anniversary of Hong Kong’s return to the motherland

The show kicks off with a breathtaking drum and lion dance performance by Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra, Diocesan Boys’ School students and Kwok’s Kungfu and Dragon Lion Dance Team. (PHOTO PROVIDED TO CHINA DAILY)

Over 100 renowned filmmakers, musicians, and social dignitaries from the Chinese mainland, Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan gathered in Hong Kong on Thursday night to present a magnificent celebration of art, in honor of the 26th anniversary of the city’s return to the motherland.

The event venue, AsiaWorld-Expo, was brimming with anticipation as the Greater Bay Area Film Concert 2023, titled A Full Moon Rising above the Greater Bay Area, kicked off at 7:30 pm with a dragon dance and drumming performance.

Well-known artists appeared one after another, performing over 50 songs featuring Chinese culture, classic Hong Kong movies and classic TV series to showcase the accomplishments of Hong Kong’s film and television industry, the fruitful results of the “one country, two systems” policy and the development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.

The host team is a star-studded lineup of popular hosts from various TV stations and cameo actors. They include (from left) Pang Wei, Liu Naiqi, Wu Jing, Lan Yu, Su You-peng, Janis Chan Pui-yee and Guo Yangzi. (PHOTO PROVIDED TO CHINA DAILY)

Film directors Wu Jing and Su You-peng were among the hosts of the event, which featured a star-studded lineup including veteran actor and martial artist Jackie Chan, Hong Kong singers Hacken Lee Hak-kan, Leo Ku Kui-kei, Joey Yung Cho-yee, Hong Kong actors Cecilia Cheung Pak-chi and Andy Lau Tak-wah, Taiwan singers Wu Sikai and Zhao Chuan, and Chinese mainland singers Li Yuchun, Hua Chenyu, Tan Weiwei, and Zhou Shen, all of whom delivered fantastic performances.

Interspersed between the singing, interactive roundtable sessions gave mainland film star Huang Bo, Hong Kong singer Liza Wang Ming-chun, lawmaker Kenneth Fok Kai-kong, and Director of the Hong Kong Palace Museum Louis Ng Chi-wa the opportunity to offer their best wishes for the prosperity of Hong Kong, and the development of the GBA and of the country.

Hong Kong singer Gigi Yim Ming-hay, 18, was one of those performers. She said she was delighted to perform with over 100 artists in Hong Kong’s main venue, and that she hopes every artist enjoys their time in the city.

The Wynners (above) and Grasshopper from the 1970s and ’80s transport the audience back in time with a nostalgic blast from the past. (PHOTO PROVIDED TO CHINA DAILY)

The Wynners and Grasshopper (above) from the 1970s and ’80s transport the audience back in time with a nostalgic blast from the past. (PHOTO PROVIDED TO CHINA DAILY)

Yim said that music can help to express different emotions and is a good way to help people gather strength, adding that Hong Kong’s music represents many people’s youth and contains fond memories, making it a great vehicle to tell Hong Kong stories.

Citing the lyrics of the classic song Pearl of the Orient, Yim said she hopes that Hong Kong and the nation can continue to prosper, and enjoy an even brighter future.

Mainland singer Zhou Shen said that he finds singing in Cantonese to be captivating due to it having nine tones.

He added that music is an effective tool to promote Chinese culture and Chinese stories, as art transcends borders and limitations. It is the most direct and emotional medium of expression, capable of touching hearts and connecting people across cultures and languages, Zhou said.

The AsiaWorld-Expo auditorium was packed as the performers appeared on the stage, and the audience erupted in thunderous cheers and applause. The concert was also broadcast live on several television stations and new media platforms, attracting an impressive viewership.

Paula Tsui Siu-fung. (PHOTO PROVIDED TO CHINA DAILY)

Jackie Chan. (PHOTO PROVIDED TO CHINA DAILY)

Andy Lau Tak-wah. (PHOTO PROVIDED TO CHINA DAILY)

Zhou Jianhua, director and editor-in-chief of Joint Publishing (HK), was among those who enjoyed the live performance. He was deeply impressed by Cantopop star Paula Tsui Siu-fung who has enjoyed a career spanning over 50 years.

Chinese culture is profoundly rich with a long and storied history, and this has been beautifully incorporated into Chinese film and music, he said.

“I was deeply moved when I watched the classic film scenes and listened to the soulful songs,” he said.

Actor Xiao Zhan at Wednesday's show. (PHOTO PROVIDED TO CHINA DAILY)

Actor Wang Yibo at Wednesday's show. (PHOTO PROVIDED TO CHINA DAILY)

The audience member said that he wished the country and Hong Kong the best, and is hoping for prosperous and harmonious development of the GBA.

The concert was organized by the China Movie Channel Programme Centre, Bauhinia Culture Group, and Phoenix Television, with Television Broadcasts and Shenzhen Media Group as co-hosts and Emperor Entertainment Group the supporting organizer.

Xue Jingqi, Zhu Weijie, and Michael Wong contributed to the story.

Gigi Yim Ming-hay and Mike Tsang Pei-tak. (PHOTO PROVIDED TO CHINA DAILY)