HKAPA 40th Anniversary Performance Showcase

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

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.

Yuan Xin 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: 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 Music: 40^th 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
2. Ginastera's String Quartet No. 1, Op 20
3. John Psathas's Kyoto
4. Nebojša Jovan Živković's Trio Per UNO, Op.27 (1^st movement)

In celebration of the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts' 40th anniversary, the School of Music is proud to present a captivating program that showcases the academy's musical prowess and stylistic diversity. The program will feature two percussion pieces followed by two string quartet pieces, offering a unique and vibrant musical journey.

The Academy Percussion Ensemble 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.  Following this, the ensemble will 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 mesmerizing and technically demanding performance.   

The IONICA String Quartet will then take the stage with 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', to conclude the performances from the School of Music. It is a piece that fuses Argentine folk dance with vigorous rhythmic elements, providing an exciting and captivating finale.

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 thrilling rhythms of percussion to the elegant melodies of strings, 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.