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Cultural bridge between nations

www.hongkonginhungary.com

On 7th September 2007 the Palace of Arts will host a new and thrilling event. In order to strengthen cultural and economic bonds between Hong Kong and Hungary, the Hungarian Classical Music Foundation and the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office Berlin organize a unique classical music concert. We have been speaking to András Kertész, Co-chairman of the Hungarian Classical Music Foundation and chief organizer of the event.

-  What was your inspiration for the concert?

- We wished to organize a high quality event that could initiate a long-term economic and cultural co-operation between Hong Kong and Hungary. The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in London sought the help of Mr Antal Kuthy, Chairman of the Hungary – Hong Kong Innovative Business Council to find a suitable partner for common cultural projects aiming at the reinforcement of cultural and economic partnership between the nations. This is how they found the Hungarian Classical Music Foundation.

As the first step in this partnership our Foundation organizes a concert that gives the opportunity for Hong Kong to introduce itself, and by the invitation of prominent personalities from the political, business and cultural world it facilitates new business relationships.

- How can you present Hong Kong to the Hungarian public?

The classical music life of Hong Kong will be represented by Colleen Lee, a young pianist, winner of multiple competitions. In the interval of the concert a photo exhibition will open, showing the city and the people of Hong Kong with all state-of-the-art IT equipment. We would like to bring the Hungarian stereotype about Hong Kong closer to the reality of 2007.

Our Foundation was aiming at a concert programme that could give an exciting and high quality experience for all. Ventoscala Youth Symphonic Orchestra will also be performing, they have already proved their talent in several successful concerts. We would like to include Hungarian folk music and the works of Zoltán Kodály, as the 125th  anniversary of the composer birth is celebrated in 2007.

The Palace of Arts, recognized with the Architecture Oscar Prize, was chosen as the venue since it unites modern architecture and tradition, just like Hong Kong does, so it is the best location for a programme introducing the culture of a country. We managed to get the permission of the Hungarian State to use the Festival Theatre in the Palace of Arts for this event.

 - Why did the foundation undertake this „cultural mission”?

- It is the mission of the Hungarian Classical Music Foundation to help Hungarian classical music and musicians get recognition in Hungary and abroad, as well as to represent and spread the values of Hungarian culture worldwide. The Hong Kong project suits our mission in many aspects. Hong Kong will be represented by a young pianist in his twenties, and Hungary will be represented by Ventoscala Youth Symphonic Orchestra, consisting of talented young musicians. This way we can offer the opportunity to approximately thirty musicians.

I believe that one of the most important task of the 21st century is to bring classical music back to the everyday life of people. The power, the beauty and the content of music could reach people in all ages – and it can still do that today. Classical music has been used for entertainment or representation for centuries, being high culture in itself. With this event we would like to achieve that classical music and concerts should not be regarded as merely a sophisticated means of entertainment. We would like to make politicians realise that classical music does have its place in the life of people nowadays, and that it could be a successful means of strengthening economic and political relationships. We believe that this event will contribute to the reinforcement of international cultural, economic and political relationships, and that we could be able to persuade further companies to participate in cultural sponsorship.

- What are your long term ideas for international cultural cooperation?

We would like to strengthen the relationship between the two countries through a series of events (conferences, concerts, exhibitions, seminars, courses) both in Hungary and in Hong Kong. We are planning further cultural and economic co-operation that would result in trade relationships and the development of tourism, as well as building the foundation of mutually beneficial bilateral agreements between the countries on cultural and educational issues. It has been realised all over Europe that Hong Kong and the Far East is wide open for European culture, representative offices have been opened in China and in Hong Kong to introduce talented artists to this vast market. Talent and enthusiasm are not enough in themselves, we would need professionals who are able to represent Hungarian culture effectively. We wish to become indicators in Hungarian cultural life and many will join us in this mission.

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Hungarian Classical Music Foundation

The aim of the Hungarian Classical Music Foundation is to help Hungarian classical music and musicians get recognition in Hungary and abroad, as well as to represent and spread the values of Hungarian culture worldwide. HCMF is the first private classical music foundation in Hungary that conducts this activity in a truly professional manner, following the internationally recognised business ethics and practices. In early 2005 the Internet home page www.musicianswho.hu was launched, containing over 800 CVs of Hungarian musicians today, having published over 4000 pieces of helpful information since its beginning. Modern IT infrastructure, creative professionals and the largest law firm of the world help HCMF fulfil its mission.