In collaboration with the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra, Sun Wah Foundation for the third time sponsored the opening performance of the China National Day Concert on this special occasion and presented to the audiences one of the most exquisite classics in the Chinese repertoire, the "Yellow River Concerto" at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre Concert Hall on 24 September 2010.
More than 150 guests from the political and commercial sectors, and Consul Generals of various countries in HKSAR attended the celebration reception and the Concert to celebrate the Chinese National Day. The three Guests of Honour were: Director-General Mr. Shen Chong of the Co-ordination Department and Director-General Mr. Tang Yi-yuan of the Taiwan Affairs Department of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in HKSAR; Deputy Commissioner Mr. Zhan Yong-xin of the Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the PRC in HKSAR and Mr. Edward Yau, JP, Secretary for the Environment.
The Yellow River Concerto bears the same significance with the Butterfly Lovers Concerto in Chinese classic music history. The composer, Mr. Xian Xinghai wrote the "Yellow River Cantata" in 1938, depicting the roaring waves of the Yellow River to boost spirit against invaders. The music piece was re-edited by various composers in later years, and today it signified as a symbol of Chinese patriotism and a representation of the long-standing history of Chinese culture. It was an ideal piece to celebrate the 61st anniversary of the National Day of the People's Republic of China.
Joining forces with the Orchestra were young pianist Ms Chen Jie and conductor Mr Lu Jia. At the age of 25, Chen Jiewas one of the most exciting young artists in today's classical music scene. She was winner of numerous prestigious prizes in international competitions including the Arthur Rubinstein Piano Master Competition in Israel, the Van Cliburn International Competition and the Minnesota International Piano-e-Competition in the United States. The young conductor Lu Jia came from a musical family in Shanghai. He was the first Asian conductor to be appointed as the Music Director and Principal Conductor of the Verona Arena Opera in 2006. Il Secolo acclaimed him as "the most talented opera conductor at the moment".
Speaking at the celebration reception, Dr. Jonathan Choi, Chairman of Sun Wah Group thanked all the Sun Wah friends and music lovers for their unfailing support throughout these years. "Sun Wah Foundation is funded by Sun Wah Group, and has supported a wide variety of activities of public interests including education, arts and culture, science and technology, and charity work. The China National Day Concert is one of the most important annual events of Sun Wah Foundation."
