In celebration of the 60th Anniversary of the establishment of the People's Republic of China and following the success of the "Trey Lee" National Day Concert last year, Sun Wah Foundation once again sponsored the opening performance of "Butterfly Lovers A Legend Reborn" Concert at the Cultural Centre on 9th October 2009.
Dr. Jonathan Choi, Chairman of Sun Wah Group and Chairman of Sun Wah Foundation expressed his appreciation to more than 250 guests from various sectors who attended the celebration reception and the Concert to celebrate the Chinese National Day. The three Guests of Honour of the celebration were: Mr. Li Gui-kang, Deputy Director of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in HKSAR; Mr. Zhan Yong xin, Acting Commissioner of the Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the PRC in HKSAR and The Hon. Leung Chun ying, the Convenor of the Non Official Members of the Executive Council. Consuls Generals and Consuls from various countries also attended the Concert. Government officials included Professor K C Chan, the Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury; Mr. Edward Yau, the Secretary for the Environment; Mr. Raymond Tam, Director of Chief Executive's Office; Ms Yvonne Choi, Permanent Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development (Commerce, Industry and Tourism); Ms Florence Hui, Under Secretary for Home Affairs and Mr. Tony Nguyen, Director of Protocol. Among the well-known guests were Mr. Cheng Yiu-tong, Sir. David Akers-Jones, Dr. Robin Chan, Dr. Jose Yu, Dr. Fong Yun-wah, Professor Lau Siu-kai, Dr. Vincent Lo, Mr. Peter Wong Kwok-keung, Mr. David Chiu and Professor Ng Ching-fai.
Speaking at the celebration reception before the Concert, Dr. Jonathan Choi said, "Sun Wah Foundation is the public services arm of Sun Wah Group, which covers a wide variety of public interests and activities including support for education, arts and culture, science and technology, and charity work. This concert is organized to celebrate the Chinese National Day and it is another highlight of our Foundation in promoting arts and culture."
Under the baton of the renowned Chinese conductor Jahja Ling, the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra performed a contemporary work by the young Chinese composer Huang Ruo as the prelude. The highly regarded Chinese violinist Xue Wei played the world famous "Butterfly Lovers" Concerto, with the Orchestra.
The "Butterfly Lovers" Concerto is celebrating its 50th birthday since its premiere in 1959. It has become the main theme for performances in major orchestral events in the Mainland this year. During the performance, the audience was captivated by the brilliant performance of Xue Wei. Mr. Ling led the Orchestra to perform Dvorak's ebullient Symphony No. 8 for the second half of the Concert and got a big round of applause.
