25 Oct (Fri) - 26 Oct (Sat)
40 Years of Brilliance: Inheriting the Artistic Legacy
The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts is proud to present a night of exceptional performances to celebrate its 40th anniversary. Titled 40 Years of Brilliance: Inheriting the Artistic Legacy, this event will showcase the talents of students from six of the Academy's distinguished Schools including Chinese Opera, Dance, Drama, Film & Television, Music and Theatre & Entertainment Arts. Audiences can look forward to an evening filled with captivating performances that highlight the artistic excellence and innovation nurtured at the Academy over the past four decades.
This programme is one of the events of The 4th Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Culture and Arts Festival.
Programme Details
School of Chinese Opera: “Shatter the Marriage Challenge Sign” from Liu Jinding
A harmonious performance combining traditional Chinese opera martial arts and Chinese music
Chinese opera is a comprehensive art form that integrates singing, acting, recitation, and acrobatics. Combined with the powerful percussion and the gentle melodies of the orchestra, it offers the audience a visual and auditory feast. For our 40th anniversary celebration, we will present a well-known story - “Shatter the Marriage Challenge Sign” from Liu Jinding. This performance not only showcases spectacular opera martial arts scenes but also brings to life the dramatic atmosphere created by the diverse personalities of the characters.
In the early Song dynasty, Zhao Kuangyin, the Emperor of the Song, unified the states in the North. Li Yu, the King of the southern state of Nantang who still occupied the South, besieged Zhao at Shouzhou by feigning surrender. To rescue Zhao from the crisis, Gao Junbao, the nephew of Zhao, slipped away from the capital Bianzhou. When he passed Shuangsuo Mountain, he saw the marriage challenge sign set up by the lady Liu Jinding and shattered it. Gao took the challenge and had martial art competitions with Liu, who beat Gao with her extraordinary skills in three rounds of the fight. In their encounter, they gradually developed romantic feelings and exchanged their weapons and accessories to confirm engagement.
School of Dance: Three excerpts from brand new choreographies produced in 2024
Interwoven Souls: Reflecting Our Shared Humanity
Echoes of Existence, choreographed by the renowned Australian choreographer Tim Podesta, is a contemporary ballet that delves into the intricate interplay between our online personas and authentic selves. Podesta's work unravels the complexities of identity, authenticity, and the yearning for genuine connection in an increasingly digital world. Through powerful choreography, the piece reflects upon the profound impact of our virtual lives on our true essence.
Human, Common Territory is a contemporary dance choreographed by Artist-in-Residence Sharon Vazanna. Through movements, choreographer manifests the chain reaction that binds humans together, depicting our bodies as intertwined territories and our souls as reflection on one another. The piece reminds us of our shared humanity and interconnectedness.
Tashi Delek is beautifully choreographed by Yan He, a talented choreographer from the Mainland. This composition is deeply rooted in the life and spirit of Tibet, exploring the relentless pursuit of dreams and desires. Through expressive movements and a profound narrative, Yan He takes the audience on a transformative journey, delving into the essence of human aspirations.
School of Drama: Excerpts from You’re A Good Man , Charlie Brown
Do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble
1. “You're A Good Man, Charlie Brown” – Company
2. “My New Philosophy” – Sally and Schroeder
3. “T.E.A.M.” - Company
4. “Happiness” – Company
The Broadway musical You're A Good Man, Charlie Brown brings you a simple day in the life of Charlie Brown. What is meant to be brought out is not some great truth, but that no matter how bad life is, as long as you can regain your childhood innocence, happiness will come to you.
Based on The Comic Strip “Peanuts” by Charles M. Schulz
Book, Music and Lyrics by Clark Gesner
Additional Dialogue by Michael Mayer
Additional Music and Lyrics by Andrew Lippa
Original Direction for this version of
“You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown” by Michael Mayer
Originally Produced in New York by Arthur Whitelaw and Gene Persson
YOU'RE A GOOD MAN, CHARLIE BROWN is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Tams-Witmark LLC. www.concordtheatricals.com
School of Film & Television: Video Showcase
1. HAGAKURE
2. HKAPA FTV Graduation Projects and Thesis Project 2024 (Trailer)
School of Music: 40th Anniversary Music Showcase
Experience elegant strings and thrilling percussion witness forty years of brilliance and enjoy the infinite charm of music
1. Debussy's String Quartet in G minor, Op.10
Assez vif et bien rythmé
2. Ginastera's String Quartet No. 1, Op 20
Allegramente rustico
3. John Psathas's Kyoto
4. Nebojša Jovan Živković's Trio Per UNO, Op.27 (1st movement)
In celebration of The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts' 40th anniversary, the School of Music is proud to present a captivating programme that showcases the Academy's musical prowess and stylistic diversity. The programme will feature two string quartet pieces and two percussion pieces, offering a unique and vibrant musical journey.
The IONICA String Quartet will kick-off the showcase by performing the second movement from Claude Debussy's String Quartet in G minor, Op.10, Assez vif et bien rythmé, renowned for its playful nature, highlighting Debussy's distinctive impressionist style. They will also bring us the fourth movement from Alberto Ginastera's String Quartet No. 1, Op. 20, Allegramente rustico. The Academy Percussion Ensemble, as the finale programme, will then take the stage to perform John Psathas's Kyoto Percussion Quintet. Inspired by Keith Jarrett's improvisational style, Kyoto captivates with its continuous rhythm and ever-changing time signatures, creating a mesmerising and technically demanding performance. Then, the Percussion Ensemble group will perform the first movement of Nebojša Jovan Živković's Trio Per UNO. This intense and ritualistic piece features three performers on a large bass drum, bongos, and a small gong providing an exciting and captivating finale to conclude the performances from the School of Music.
This performance by the School of Music will showcase the essence of the Academy's artistry, taking you on a journey through the musical charm that transcends time and place. From the elegant melodies of strings to the thrilling rhythms of percussion, each piece will present the infinite possibilities of music. This is not just a feast for the ears but also a baptism of the soul. Join us in witnessing the 40-year glorious history of The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts and experiencing the boundless charm of music.