Hong Kong Drum Festival Celebrates 20th Anniversary with Spectacular 5G Live Concert
Hong Kong witnessed a remarkable gathering of international artists who united to spread positivity through the captivating rhythms of drumming at the “One Beat, One World” Hong Kong Drum Festival 5G Live Concert. Held at the Arts Park of the West Kowloon Cultural District on 14 October, this event marked the 20th anniversary of the Hong Kong Drum Festival, a highly anticipated celebration organized by the Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra.
Sponsored by Chinachem Group as part of the “One Beat, One World: Connecting Through the Drum”, the festival aimed to inspire and uplift spirits through the power of drumming, while also re-establishing Hong Kong as the “events capital” after the city’s return to normalcy.
Maestro Yan Huichang, the esteemed Artistic Director and Principal Conductor for Life of the Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra, expressed his unwavering commitment to bringing musical feasts to the public and promoting the rich Chinese cultural heritage of Hong Kong.
Since its inception in 2003, the Hong Kong Drum Festival has become an annual source of inspiration for the public, serving as a response to uplift the city’s spirits after the devastating impact of the SARS epidemic.
The 5G live concert witnessed a harmonious collaboration between Conductor Yan Huichang, the Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra, and percussion maestros from around the world. The lineup featured exceptional artists such as Dori from Korea, Yosuke from Japan, Azaguno African Drum Ensemble from Africa, Abbos Group from Uzbekistan, the world-famous Anthony Fernandes, Shanxi Jingzhou Drum Art Troupe from the Mainland of China, and Hong Kong’s Jigdrum. The concert, streamed worldwide through 5G technology, captivated an audience of 16,000 attendees, both physically present and engaged online, who immersed themselves in the passionate and exhilarating world of percussion. The pulsating beats emanating from the stage uplifted spirits and created an electrifying atmosphere.
The international flair took center stage with awe-inspiring performances by renowned artists. Dori from Korea mesmerized the audience with her captivating beats, while Yosuke, a taiko artist from Japan, delivered thunderous rhythms that left a lasting impact. Each performance showcased the diverse drumming traditions from around the world, weaving together an unforgettable symphony of sound and fostering cultural exchange.
Dori, a women’s percussion performance group founded in 2013, demonstrated their exceptional talent in traditional Korean percussion, celebrating their 10th anniversary by performing “Samulpangut” and a selected segment from the percussion concerto “Four Objects.”
Yosuke, an energetic and intense taiko artist, pushed the boundaries of his performance, captivating the audience with the power and dynamism of the Japanese drumming ensemble, Taiko. Their fusion of traditional and contemporary elements resonated deeply with the audience, showcasing the versatility and impact of drumming as an art form.
The festival’s drum beats and melodies transcended cultural boundaries, spreading joy and positivity through the universal language of music. The Hong Kong Drum Festival once again proved its significance as a source of inspiration and unity, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of all who attended.
“One Beat,One World: Connecting Through The Drum” 5G Live Concert – live-streamed link: https://www.youtube.com/live/rohXU0OI8UQ?si=YE-OTyvxwOOnMNv0
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Praphan
