Events & Programs

"the GOLDEN ERA" FILM PREMIERE

A story of adversity and achievement: “The Golden Era” dazzles and inspires.

It was FIF’s great pleasure to present the Hong Kong premiere of “The Golden Era”. Directed by the award winning Ann Hui and written by Li Qiang, this critically-acclaimed film told the inspiring story of Xiao Hong (played by Tang Wei), one of China’s most important modern women writers. The film closed the prestigious 2014 Venice Film Festival and represented Hong Kong for Best Foreign Language Film at the 2015 Academy Awards. At FIF, we support our city’s recognition as a centre of creativity on the world stage.

FIF also supported “The Golden Era” exhibition. Open to the public, the display brought the writings and educational value of “The Golden Era” into the spotlight.

ALEXANDRE THARAUD RECITAL

FIF celebrates music with Alexandre Tharaud.

Internationally renowned French pianist Alexandre Tharaud gave his first performance in Hong Kong, sponsored by First Initiative Foundation (FIF) and Le French May. A delightful FIF cocktail reception welcomed guests and patrons. Tharaud’s signature sound of rich, full tones filled the Hong Kong Cultural Centre as he performed pieces by Mozart, Schubert, Ravel and Chopin. The community positive event brought Tharaud’s music to more than 2000 music lovers, and an outreach initiative by FIF and the Education Bureau provided tickets for the recital to young deserving students.

The previous evening, FIF held an Alexandre Tharaud Masterclass for outstanding music students and teachers in Hong Kong.

ALEXANDRE  THARAUD MASTERCLASS

Outstanding music students and teachers in Hong Kong gathered for a masterclass with internationally renowned French pianist Alexandre Tharaud. The masterclass was held at Hong Kong Polytechnic University in cooperation with Le French May and the Hong Kong Education Bureau.

After Tharaud performed a beautiful piece by Chopin, he invited three students to join him on stage. One by one, they received valuable mentorship, and the audience was enthralled by Tharaud’s instruction and technique.

This community positive event exemplifies First Initiative Foundation’s outreach and music initiatives. The following evening, Alexandre held a recital sponsored by FIF in partnership with Le French May.

101 PIANISTS

One hundred young pianists and Lang Lang: a unique social and educational masterclass.

FIF was proud to be part of Lang Lang’s "101 Pianists", a blend of masterclass and recital, in which Lang Lang simultaneously guided 100 young pianists to bring a glowing energy of music and young talent to the stage. This fantastic concert, performed globally and for the first time in Hong Kong, promoted music education and encouraged young pianists to perform together.

FIF’s partnership with Lang Lang’s Young Scholars is a fantastic charitable mentoring program that helps some of Hong Kong’s most talented young pianists to gain incredible performing experience.

"THE REINCARNATION OF RED PLUM" CANTONESE OPERA

The renowned Cantonese Opera The Reincarnation of Red Plum presented by the Yam Kim Fai & Pak Suet Sin Charitable Foundation will be staged at the Academy’s Lyric Theatre in March 2014.

With the generous contribution from the First Initiative Foundation, the Opening Performance on Thursday, 27 March 2014 is reserved to raise funds for the Academy. Proceeds from this evening will be donated to the Academy to support the development of Chinese Opera programmes. At the same time, donations will be matched dollar-for-dollar under the Government’s Matching Grant Scheme. Complimentary tickets will be given to donors.

THE ART OF CHINESE OPERA

FIF celebrates the art and heritage of Chinese Opera with a fundraising dinner.

After a fantastic performance of ‘The Reincarnation of Red Plum’, First Initiative Foundation (FIF) hosted a dinner to benefit The Opera Initiative and the Hong Kong Academy of Performing Arts (HKAPA) School of Chinese Opera. In cooperation with the Yam Pak Foundation, FIF’s important Chinese Opera initiative funds scholarships to help preserve a unique part of Hong Kong and Asia’s heritage and culture.

Held at the fantastic China Tang, the special dinner presented delicious Chinese cuisine. Patrons enjoyed Erhu, Dizi and Pipa performances by talented HKAPA students, a remarkable example of traditional arts taught and treasured at the school.