Performances and Receptions of Le French May 2015 (11-22 May) [fr]
A large variety of performances, cocktail receptions and special events took place in the second and third weeks of May. Ranging from classical music, circus / fanfare, hip-hop / ballet to horse races at the Happy Valley - Le French May 2015 has been gratifying all your senses!
27-year-old pianist Lise de la Salle has emerged as one of France’s musical revelations, captivating audiences the world over with her prodigious gifts. Together with the City Chamber Orchestra of Hong Kong, Lise de la Salle performed Mozart’s Concerto for Piano No.23 and Saint-Saëns’ Concerto for Piano No.2 under the baton of Jean Thorel.
A cocktail reception was held in the presence of the principal sponsor Ms. Olivia Lo Tai Chuen, the Consul General of France in Hong Kong and Macau Mr. Arnaud Barthelemy, the pianist Ms. Lise de la Salle and representatives from the City Chamber Orchestra of Hong Kong.
One of Europe’s most celebrated young singers, Sébastien Fournier, and ensemble Sprezzatura gave a début performance at the University of Macau. The concert was the first Le French May event to take place in the University with counter-tenor Sébastien Fournier, accompanied by the musicians of Sprezzatura Ensemble (Thibault Lafaye, harpsichord, Carole Charbonnier Carrive, gamba and Xavier Janot, traverso). They performed a broad array of music and early opera from various European courts, culminating in an encore performance of a Chinese folk song, with wholehearted approval from the audience.
The officiating guests of the pre-concert reception included Mrs Anne Denis-Blanchardon, Consul for Culture, Education & Science of France in Hong Kong and Macau; Mr. Roberto Bruzzone, Co-director of the concert sponsor HKU-Pasteur Research Pole; and Professor Kevin Thompson, Master of Moon Chun Memorial College of the University of Macau and Board Director of Le French May.
Seven incredible perfomers combined the joyful sounds of a brass band with amazing and surprinsing acrobatics, without ever dropping a beat or a musical instrument! Between circus, clown and music, their performances offered a one-of-a-kind entertainment to the audience at the Piazza of the Hong Kong Cultural Centre and at K11.
Energised by his personal history of urban sidewalks, big tops, boxing rings and theatres, Artistic Director and Choreographer, Kader Attou, describes The Roots as a work that is deep-rooted in hip-hop culture. It is a creation of light and air representing yet another step forward in redefining the boundaries of hip-hop, making the performance both innovative and nostalgic. As their Asian premiere, the performance warmly received a standing ovation from the audience in Hong Kong for both evenings.
Guests included the Mr. Arnaud Barthelemy, Consul General of France in Hong Kong and Macau; Mr. Michael TH Lee, JP, Steward of The Hong Kong Jockey Club; Ms. Rhoda Chan, Head of Charities Projects, The Hong Kong Jockey Club; Mrs. Elisa Ghigo-Barthelemy, Board Director of Le French May; Mr. Julien-Loic Garin, CEO of Le French May, etc.
France Galop, the Hong Kong Jockey Club and the Consulate General of France presented the seventh edition of the French Day at Happy Valley Racecourse on 20 May (Wednesday), when two cup races, Le French May Trophy and the France Galop Cup, were staged. Alongside with the exciting races, the night was completed with spectacular gipsy-jazz music by Gadjo Station and delicious wines and cuisine.