PolyU 85th Anniversary Grand Concert a resounding success as University begins new journey towards brighter future

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) last night presented the PolyU 85th Anniversary Grand Concert at the Jockey Club Auditorium, featuring a dazzling lineup of internationally acclaimed musicians and revered artists performing an array of Chinese and Western music from different eras. Guests joined members of the PolyU community on the nostalgic musical journey reliving the University’s evolution in tandem with Hong Kong’s development over 85 years, and witnessing the University embarking on a new journey towards a brighter future.

Internationally renowned musician Mr LEUNG Kin-fung was music director of the Grand Concert. Sharing the stage were renowned Hong Kong artist Dr Liza WANG, world-renowned violinist Ms YAO Jue, guzheng virtuoso Dr Lunlun ZOU, Steinway artist Dr Vivian CHENG Wai, renowned singer Ms Sophie CHEN, erhu master Mr GUO Gan, choir conductor Mr Alex TAM, as well as aspiring music talents from Academy Choir of The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts and the PolyU Community – PolyU Orchestra, PolyU Choir and The Federation of PolyU Alumni Associations Chinese Orchestra.

Internationally renowned musician Mr Leung Kin-fung was music director of the Grand Concert.

The audience was taken on a captivating musical journey, which opened with the theme song of the PolyU 85th Anniversary, followed by memorable performances of music and songs from different generations performed by the talented musicians and artists against the backdrop of PolyU’s four stages of development. The concert rose to a crescendo with everyone on stage and in the audience joining in a chorus of “Below the Lion Rock”.

Dr LAM Tai-fai, Council Chairman of PolyU, remarked, “PolyU is committed to whole-person education to nurture graduates who have positive values and a strong sense of national identity, who are socially responsible and willing to shoulder greater responsibilities for the betterment of Hong Kong, the Nation and the world. Holding art and cultural events is part of our efforts to foster the whole-person development of our students, in order to broaden their horizons beyond academic studies. Over the years, we have been promoting art and culture in collaboration with acclaimed outstanding artists on campus. My sincere thanks to their tremendous support.”

Prof. Jin-Guang TENG, President of PolyU said, “PolyU is delighted to promote art and culture among the PolyU community and the wider community through the anniversary Grand Concert. Our thanks to the generous sponsors of our ‘Art and Culture Development Fund’, through which we support unique programmes and collaborative activities on campus for developing students of special talents and promoting art and culture at PolyU and in the community. Looking forward, PolyU will continue to fulfil our mission of providing the best holistic education and nurture leading talents who live up to the University’s motto of ‘To learn and to apply, for the benefit of mankind’.”

A series of 85th Anniversary celebratory activities under the theme of “We Are PolyU‧Together We Excel” has been held during the year. The Grand Concert marked the beginning of the grand finale programme of the Anniversary celebrations. Other finale events include a public lecture by Olympic gold medallist in diving Ms GUO Jingjing, the launch ceremony of the Policy Research Centre for Innovation and Technology cum I&T forum, as well as the PolyU 85th Anniversary Gala Dinner.

Renowned Hong Kong artist Dr Liza Wang performed two famous songs, namely “Love and Passion” and “The Brave Chinese”.		World-renowned violinist Ms Yao Jue, performed “Tone Poem of Seashore” and “Marche Miniature Viennoise (Miniature Viennese March)” in video recording format.
Virtuoso of Guzheng Dr Lunlun Zou, performed “Fighting with Typhoon” together with PolyU Orchestra.		Steinway artist, Dr Vivian Cheng Wai, performed “L’isle joyeuse, L. 106 (The Joyful Island)”.
Renowned singer Ms Sophie Chen performed two songs, including “O mio babbino caro” (Oh my dear Papa) from Gianni Schicchi and a Chinese song.		Erhu master Mr GUO Gan, performed “Horse Racing” together with PolyU Orchestra.
Choir conductor Mr Alex Tam participated in the Grand Concert.		Academy Choir of The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts performed “Ballade to the Moon”, “Antiphonal Flower Song” and “Life Has Loveliness to Sell”. Mr Alex Tam is the choir conductor.
PolyU Orchestra performed “Medley” with famous songs of the 1970s and 1990s. Mr Leung Kin-fung is the conductor of the orchestra.		PolyU Choir performed “PolyU 85th Anniversary Theme Song”, “Festival Sanctus” and “Trusting the Rainbow”. Mr Alex Tam is the choir conductor.
The Federation of PolyU Alumni Associations Chinese Orchestra performed “Medley” with famous songs of the 1930s and 1940s.

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