East-West fusion concert explains Dragon Boat Festival’s origin for Hong Kong children
We want to make kids excited about going to music concerts, and explain Chinese festivals in a fun way, says promoter of Sunday’s event featuring new chamber music work, narrated by actor and singer Gregory Rivers
Premiere Performances of Hong Kong will stage two East-meets-West fusion concerts on May 28 to celebrate this year’s Tuen Ng Festival. The Beat of the Dragon Boat is part of the promoter’s ongoing effort to stimulate young Hongkongers’ interest not only in music but Chinese traditions.
The family concert programme featuring live chamber music and storytelling involves a sextet of local musicians playing Eastern and Western instruments: Born Lau (viola), Masami Nagai (double bass), Juliana Beckel (harp), Mark Lung (percussion), Yang Sin-yu (sheng) and Mai Wai-him (suona).
Joining them will be popular Hong Kong actor and singer Gregory Rivers, who will provide narration in Chinese and English.
“We are trying to expand the repertoire of children’s chamber music programming, explain the story behind Chinese festivals in a fun and inspiring way, and make kids excited about going to music concerts,” says Andrea Fessler, founder and executive director of PPHK.
