Tag: Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts

The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts (HKAPA) and the Hong Kong Culture and Sustainability Centre (HKCUSU) will jointly present the Hong Kong Culture and Sustainability Conference 2026 (CU:SU 2026) on 12-13 October 2026 at HKJC Amphitheatre of the Academy. 

Under the theme “Alliance for Action”, the two-day conference will bring together cultural leaders, artists, academics and practitioners from around the world to explore how culture sector can contribute to sustainable development through international partnerships and cross-sector collaboration. Building on the success of the inaugural conference in 2025, CU:SU 2026 will move beyond advocacy to action. Seminar sessions, workshops, case studies and dialogue will explore practical innovations across arts, culture, and community building.

Day 1 Highlights:

·        Features global perspectives from leaders of the Theatre Green Book, CILECT and Culture for the Planet, exploring how the cultural sector can work collectively to respond to climate change and the energy crisis;

·        Covers concerts and festivals, with speakers from YG Entertainment and Clockenflap sharing practical ways to embed sustainability into programming, production and operations;

·        Explores sustainable theatre-making, Asian performing arts practices, and developments in technological innovation, architecture, community-building and cultural practice across the Chinese Mainland.

Day 2 Highlights:

·        Broadens the conversations to sustainable urban development and rural culture, alongside visual arts practices and culture-led approaches to wellness;

·        Offers insights from prominent organisations including M+, Tai Kwun and the Singapore Botanic Gardens, before concluding the conference with local educators reflecting on wellness through artistic disciplines.

The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts (HKAPA) expressed its staunch support for the initiatives of arts and culture, higher education and the Northern Metropolis development outlined in Hong Kong’s Five-Year Plan and the 2026 Policy Address. The Academy sees these policy directions as both a validation of its long-standing mission and a catalyst for its next phase of growth.

Central to this vision is the second campus of HKAPA in the Northern Metropolis, which the Academy envisions as more than a physical expansion. It will be a dedicated incubator for creative technology and interdisciplinary research, designed to work in close synergy with the Wanchai main campus. Together, the two campuses are expected to form an integrated cultural and creative engine that serves not only Hong Kong but the wider Greater Bay Area. Meanwhile, with an increased intake of non-local students and a stronger emphasis on cross-disciplinary collaboration, the Academy aims to further strengthen our city’s reputation as a dynamic East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchange, a premier education hub and the “Study in Hong Kong” brand.

Mr Symon Wong, Chairman of the HKAPA Council, said, “The Northern Metropolis campus represents a strategic leap forward, giving us the space and scope to raise performing arts standards while building a world-class talent and culture hub. As an institution ranked 10^th globally and 1^st in Asia in the QS World University Rankings for Performing Arts, we have a responsibility to nurture artists who are not only technically accomplished, but also culturally grounded and globally minded. This new chapter will directly support both regional development and national cultural strategies. Looking ahead, HKAPA remains unwavering in its commitment to advancing the arts as a force for cultural dialogue, social progress, and sustainable development. With a clear strategic direction and robust policy backing, we are well-positioned to play an even more pivotal role in Hong Kong’s evolution into an international arts and cultural centre.”

Professor Anna CY Chan, Director of HKAPA, added, “The Five-Year Plan and the Policy Address offer a clear and timely blueprint for integrating our artistic strengths into the broader national agenda. In response to rapid global changes, we are pioneering a fundamental shift in how performing arts education is delivered. HKAPA will continue its commitment to talent development, creative innovation, cultural exchange, and industry transformation. In early 2027, the Academy will launch the HKAPA Creative Futures and Innovation Centre, aiming to open new possibilities for our students, educators, and young artists to experiment with emerging technologies, incubate innovative ideas, and develop new forms of creative expression. Coupled with our green theatre standards and AI-enriched curricula, this initiative will equip the next generation of artists with the cultural depth, technological agility, and forward-looking mindset they need to lead the industry into the future.”

The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts (HKAPA) is delighted to announce the outstanding achievements of two Bachelor of Music (Honours) Year 1 students from the School of Music at the UCSI University 7^th International Piano Festival and Competition, held in Malaysia. Lan Rayming was awarded First Prize in the Young Artist Category; while Jetthew Lee Paak-Yu secured Third Prize in the same category and was also honoured with the Best Étude Award.

The competition brought together participants from around the world and was adjudicated by a distinguished panel of experienced international pianists. Amid intense competition, both students distinguished themselves with exceptional performances, reflecting HKAPA’s excellence and its sustained commitment to nurturing young musical talent.

The Bachelor of Music (Honours) programme offered by the Academy’s School of Music is a four-year full-time undergraduate degree designed for secondary school graduates who meet the entry requirements and aspire to pursue professional training in music performance or composition. The programme aims to equip students with advanced professional skills in performance and creative practice, enabling them to achieve a high level of artistic excellence. At the same time, it strengthens their understanding of music history, theory, and related cultural and artistic disciplines. The curriculum also emphasises the development of critical thinking, creativity, and artistic judgment, while fostering an awareness of the roles and responsibilities of musicians in society.

Members of the media are invited to interview the award-winning students. Please contact the Communications Office for assistance with interview arrangements.

The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts has once again ranked 10^th in the 2026 QS World University Rankings for Performing Arts and 1^st in Asia. 

Mr Symon Wong, Council Chairman of the Academy, remarked, “The Academy remains one of the world’s leading centres of excellence in delivering outstanding performing arts education and advancing international cultural exchange. This recognition affirms our long-standing commitment to nurturing the next generation of performing arts talent and reflects the dedication of our entire community. It also reinforces the ‘Study in Hong Kong’ brand and underscores Hong Kong’s growing reputation as a world-class higher education destination. We are sincerely grateful to the Government for its unwavering support and look forward to deepening partnerships with our stakeholders to further advance arts education, preserve cultural heritage, and contribute to Hong Kong’s role as an East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchange. I believe the Academy will continue to set new benchmarks in artist training and pioneer innovative approaches to teaching and learning.”

Professor Anna CY Chan, Director of the Academy, added, “As Hong Kong’s only higher education institution dedicated to the performing arts, the Academy is greatly encouraged by this recognition, which affirms the strength of our interdisciplinary programmes across Chinese Opera, Dance, Drama, Film & Television, Music, and Theatre & Entertainment Arts. The ranking not only reflects our steadfast commitment to excellence but also reinforces our leadership in Asia and across the Greater Bay Area and the Mainland. It provides strong impetus for our next phase of development, including the Northern Metropolis campus. In alignment with the National 15^th Five-Year Plan, we will continue to nurture high-calibre cultural talent, promote Chinese culture, strengthen regional and international collaboration, and advance high-quality growth and deeper national integration. We are grateful for the continued support of the Government, the Academy Council, and our community as we further contribute to the development of the cultural and creative industries.”

Dr Terry Lam, Dean of Film and Television of The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts, along with our faculty members, contributed to the Art of Intelligence Forum hosted by IBM earlier at the Hong Kong Palace Museum. They presented cineDESK, an innovative AI-integrated tool for the preproduction process of filmmaking.

With a diverse crowd eager to dive into the fusion of cutting-edge AI and traditional culture, the atmosphere was electric! Dr Lam shared with the audience his insights on “Creativity, Storytelling, and Human Imagination in the Age of AI”. Dr Michael Li, Principal Head (Digital Learning and Information Management) of the Academy, was also invited to attend this event. Let’s continue to blend the magic of the past with the innovations of the future in the world of art and intelligence! Join us on this brand new journey!

Learn more about the programmes on offer by the School: https://www.hkapa.edu/admissions/programmes

The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts (the Academy) has conferred Honorary Awards on five outstanding individuals in recognition of their significant achievements and contributions to the performing arts, the cultural industry, and the development of the Academy. The ceremony, officiated by the Academy Council Chairman Mr Charles Yang Chuen-liang SBS JP, was held at the Academy Lyric Theatre. Council Chairman Mr Charles Yang and the Academy Director Professor Anna CY Chan expressed their sincere gratitude for the Honorary Awardees’ exemplary services and unwavering support to the Academy and the community.  

Recipient of Doctorate of the Academy honoris causa:

Mr William Au Weng-hei SBS JP

Recipients of Honorary Fellowship:

Mr Chen Qing

Mr Leo Cheung Kwok-wing

Mrs Yvonne Law Shing Mo-han BBS JP

Ms Wu Han

The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts (HKAPA) received a generous donation from Shaw Studios to establish Shaw Studios Scholarships in the 2024/25 academic year. The Scholarship aims to provide recognition and encouragement to outstanding Bachelor’s Degree and Master’s Degree students of the School of Film and Television. The Academy held a scholarship presentation ceremony on 18 September 2025. Ms Helena Young, Director of Production Services and Marketing of Shaw Studios; and Professor Anna CY Chan, Academy Director attended the ceremony and presented certificates to the three awardees.

Professor Anna CY Chan, Academy Director, expressed heartfelt gratitude to Shaw Studios for its generous donation and support for the Academy. “Shaw Studios is a pioneer and leader of Hong Kong’s film and television industry. It has contributed tremendously to the development of the industry and generations of filmmakers and producers. Its generous donation to the Academy provides significant encouragement for our students. We look forward to further collaborations with Shaw Studios to provide students with opportunities for industry practice, working together to nurture more talent in film, television, and the performing arts.”

Dr Raymond Chan JP, Chairman of Shaw Foundation and Managing Director of Shaw Studios, said, “For over four decades, The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts has nurtured numerous outstanding talents for the film and television industry, with many alumni achieving remarkable success in the field. Through the Shaw Studios Scholarship, we aim to provide awardees with additional resources to fully develop their strengths and contribute more exceptional works to the industry.”

The Greater Bay Area Youth Orchestra (GBAYO), presented by The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts (HKAPA) and supported by the Swire Group as Founding Patron, has returned with live performances in Hong Kong, Guangzhou and Shenzhen from 11th to 15th July. This year, HKAPA and the Swire Group announced the renewal of their partnership in support of the GBAYO, reaffirming their shared commitment to inspiring young musicians and promoting cultural exchange in the Greater Bay Area (GBA).

The concert tour is also supported by the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau of the HKSAR Government (HKSARG) and the Culture, Media, Tourism and Sports Bureau of Shenzhen Municipality.

This year’s opening concert was held at HKAPA’s Hong Kong Jockey Club Amphitheatre (HKJC Amphitheatre) on 11th July with officiating guests in attendance, including Charles Yang Chuen-liang SBS JP, Council Chairman of HKAPA, Professor Anna CY Chan, Director of HKAPA and Arnold Cheng, Director, Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, Swire.

Nurturing nearly 300 talented young musicians from the GBA

The GBAYO programme features an orchestral training camp to cultivate musical excellence and cross-cultural collaboration among youth from the GBA. In early July, 98 young musicians gathered at HKAPA in Hong Kong for intensive training. Now, the orchestra has embarked on a three-city concert tour, beginning in Hong Kong on 11th July, followed by performances in Guangzhou on 13th July and concluding in Shenzhen on 15th July.

In the past three years, the programme has trained 279 musicians aged 16 to 28 and attracted over 6,500 concertgoers, highlighting its growing public resonance and cultural impact. Beyond the stage, the programme has made a lasting impact on its young musicians. Alumni from 2024’s GBAYO cohort have been accepted into HKAPA, The Royal Danish Academy of Music and the Cleveland Institute of Music, underscoring the orchestra’s success in nurturing talent and opening international doors.

A renewed partnership for enhanced cultural exchange

The GBAYO was launched by HKAPA with the support of the Swire Group in 2022. The 2025 season marks a continued partnership between the two organisations, strengthening youth engagement and community connections in the GBA.

Guy Bradley, Chairman of John Swire & Sons (H.K.) Limited, said, “As the Founding Patron, we are proud of what the GBAYO has achieved over the past three years and are pleased to renew our collaboration with HKAPA. Doing so furthers our shared mission of creating a world-class platform for young classical performers. At Swire, we are growing our presence in the GBA. At the same time, contributing to cultural exchange in the region is also important to us, as is promoting the GBA’s artistic achievements to the wider world.”

Professor Anna CY Chan, Director of HKAPA, remarked, “With the resounding success of our GBAYO concerts over the past three years, the Academy is proud to once again share the beauty of music with the public. Our commitment to young talent development is at the heart of this initiative, providing training and mentorship by renowned musicians that empower young musicians to excel on the global stage. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau of the HKSARG, the Culture, Media, Tourism and Sports Bureau of Shenzhen Municipality and the Swire Group for their invaluable support.”

First overseas conductor to lead the GBAYO

This season marks a significant milestone for the GBAYO as it welcomes Christoph Koncz as its first overseas guest conductor. Currently in his second season as Music Director of the Orchestre Symphonique de Mulhouse and Principal Conductor of the Deutsche Kammerakademie Neuss am Rhein, Mr Koncz brings extensive international experience and artistic vision to the programme. Under Mr Koncz’s baton, the programme showcases a vibrant selection of pieces, including Dance of the Golden Snake by Nie Er (arr. Tang Jianping), Dohnányi’s Symphonic Minutes, Ravel’s Daphnis et Chloé Suite No.2 and Bartók’s Concerto for Orchestra.

Mr Koncz said, “I am delighted to lead the GBAYO as its first overseas guest conductor. From the very first rehearsal it was immediately clear that these young musicians are promising and passionate individuals, and their eagerness to learn and connect through music is very inspiring. I’m very much looking forward to sharing this exciting journey with the musicians and our audience and to contributing to a programme that so meaningfully bridges cultures and nurtures the next generation of artistic talent across the region.”