Events & Programs
MASTERCLASS AND RECITAL WITH RENÉE FLEMING
A Masterclass and Recital with our Grammy Award winning FIF Honorary Advisor!
We love an opportunity to provide support for music. In June, First Initiative Foundation (FIF) collaborated with the Leisure and Cultural Services Department to present a Renée Fleming recital, open to the 2000 members of the public and deserving students. Everyone enjoyed a glittering evening of music.
Later, Ms Fleming mentored promising young opera scholars in a special vocal masterclass! We are lucky to provide students a front row seat to Renée Fleming’s sparkling charisma and sensational voice.
"I WANT..." CHARITY RECORDING
International superstar sensations Renée Fleming, Eason Chan and Lang Lang collaborated in support of First Initiative Foundation, on a charitable recording project produced by Leon Ko. The song “I Want…” was remastered from the 1950s release “I Want You to Be My Baby”, which became popular in Hong Kong with Grace Chang’s bilingual take on the jump blues hit.
This soon to be released CD was recorded in Hong Kong, Los Angeles and New York in English, Cantonese and Mandarin. The fun, upbeat song pays homage to the true power of music to unite us all.
JAZZ MASTERCLASS (LE FRENCH MAY)
French talents Geraldine Laurent and Paul Lay present a jazz masterclass!
First Initiative Foundation (FIF) and Le French May partnered again this year to present a jazz performance and masterclass at Hong Kong City Hall. Geraldine Laurent brought her exceptional alto saxophone talents to the stage, accompanied by Paul Lay, one of his generation’s most talented jazz pianists.
This outstanding educational opportunity brought two of France’s most admired jazz musicians to Hong Kong’s deserving music students and educators. FIF is happy to support the cultural festival Le French May and to engage Hong Kong students in music education of the highest quality.
This year, we also sponsored jazz performances by the Stephane Belmondo Trio, the Geraldine Laurent Quartet and Paul Lay.
STEPHANE BELMONDO TRIO
First Initiative Foundation was pleased to sponsor this Le French May performance by Stephane Belmondo, who performed in a trio with Jesse Van Rulleron guitar and Thomas Bramerieon double-bass. The trio performed an album in loving memory of Chet Baker, the legendary jazz trumpeter who had once attended a show by Stephane Belmondo. This important tribute, performed immaculately by the trio, brought the energy and soul of Baker’s music back to Hong Kong audiences.
FIF was also pleased to sponsor two more jazz performances by Paul Lay and the Geraldine Laurent Quartet, in addition to a Jazz Masterclass.
GERALDINE LAURENT AND LE FRENCH MAY PRESENT ‘AT WORK’
First Initiative Foundation sponsored this energetic, passionate jazz concert performed by Geraldine Laurent on saxophone, Paul Lay on piano, Donald Konotamanouon drums and Thomas Bramerieon double bass. The quartet performed their new album, ‘At Work’: produced by the notable Laurent de Wilde, this collection delves into the freedom of swing within jazz.
FIF also supported performances by Paul Lay and the Stephane Belmondo trio, and an FIF-sponsored Jazz Masterclass.
WORLD IN TUNE
Celebrating the power of music to unite us all – this year’s initiative brings together remarkable supporters and superstars for a good cause.
First Initiative Foundation held a memorable fundraising gala to benefit music in the community and celebrate music that makes the world go round. Supported by patrons, donors and international star members, the evening was filled with music. From the supporting artists who collaborated to give a truly spectacular evening of performances to the announcement of a special FIF charitable CD recording by Eason Chan, Renée Fleming, and Lang Lang, music took the spotlight.
Guests enjoyed a 12 star Michelin dinner by 3 Star chefs Umberto Bombana, Alvin Leung, Chan Yan Tak, and Julien Tongourian. A fabulous charity auction rounded out the evening as patrons bid on a curated selection of unique lots to benefit FIF.
