Cover Introducing our performing arts partners for the United Hong Kong Benefit

Tatler presents United Hong Kong, a unique fundraising benefit showcasing leading performing artists at 13 iconic hotel venues and rallying industries and communities in aid of a common cause

On November 21, United Hong Kong will bring together 13 iconic Hong Kong hotels to each host a fundraising dinner in aid of social housing enterprise Light Be.

Rallying industries and communities through an unprecedented event concept, the city-wide fundraiser is not only in support of Light Be, but it also strives to celebrate Hong Kong’s vibrant energy, unique heritage and can-do spirit.
 
To uplift and support the performing arts industry in a one-of-a-kind collaboration, United Hong Kong will be showcasing leading performing arts companies and numerous independent artists and performers to stage immersive performances at each of our locations.

Here, we list everything you need to know about our creative and inspiring performing arts partners.

1. Hong Kong Ballet

As one of Asia’s premier ballet companies, Hong Kong Ballet (HKB) is internationally recognised as a world-class institution which represents Hong Kong’s unique character.

Since its inception in 1979, HKB has evolved into a vibrant performing arts organisation with a dynamic repertoire, forward-thinking community engagement initiatives and an emphasis on excellence. Since July 2017 Septime Webre, the former Artistic Director of The Washington Ballet, has been on board at HKB as its Artistic Director, recently successfully touring locations including Europe, Mainland China and the US and working with nearly 50 dancers from all over the globe to also maintain a full schedule of community engagement initiatives throughout Hong Kong.

Find out more at hkballet.com

2. Hong Kong Philharmonic

The Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra (HK Phil) is recognised as Asia’s foremost classical orchestra––and in 2019 was the first orchestra in Asia to receive the prestigious Gramophone Orchestra of the Year Award.

HK Phil has been under the leadership of Music Director Jaap van Zweden since the 2012/13 concert season, with the orchestra also adopting a new brand identity in 2012 that represented a step towards a new tomorrow. HK Phil currently presents more than 150 concerts over a 44-week season, attracting more than 200,000 music lovers annually.

Find out more at hkphil.org

3. BPM Dance Productions

As one of Asia’s leading entertainment partners, BPM creates unforgettable moments through performances that are inspired by fresh ideas and endless imagination.

The tailor-made performances promise to generate energy, emotion, buzz and style––creating engaging, extraordinary and entertaining experiences. The highly talented team works to provide an end-to-end service from storyboard and design to creation and show execution; pushing the physical limits with acrobatics, merging technology with performance; fusing music and styles in new and innovative ways.

Find out more at bpmdanceproductions.com

4. Chung Ying Theatre

Founded in 1979, Chung Ying Theatre Company (Chung Ying) is one of Hong Kong's leading professional theatrical arts companies.

Led by artistic director Dominic Cheung, Chung Ying dedicates itself to producing quality stage productions, and drama education and outreach programmes, with an aim to promote theatrical arts, facilitate cultural exchanges and enrich the city’s cultural life. The productions are full of local characteristics while with an international perspective. Throughout its 38 years, Chung Ying has staged more than 320 productions, receiving over 100 nominations and 91 awards in the previous 26 Hong Kong Drama Awards Presentation Ceremony, and touring countries including Macau, Singapore, Australia, Malaysia, Canada, Japan, South Korea, China, the United States, the United Kingdom and Taiwan. 

Find out more at chungying.com

5. City Contemporary Dance Company

Founded in 1979 by Willy Tsao, City Contemporary Dance Company has been inspiring and elating audiences in Hong Kong and around the world with superb modern dance performances for 41 years.

CCDC has presented more than 200 original works––including productions by Tsao and other leading choreographers, such as Helen Lai, Mui Cheuk-yin, Pun Siu-fai and Yuri Ng––with each winning critical acclaim. The company has presented innovative collaborations with artists from other media and with artists from around the world, and is renowned for reflecting the vigour and creativity of Hong Kong’s vibrant, multifaceted contemporary culture.

Find out more at ccdc.com.hk

6. CPG (Creative Production Group)

Founded in 1997 by professional dancers Emma Seward and Lisa Keegan, CPG Concepts has grown into one of Asia’s leading dance production companies.

Trailblazers in the industry for nearly two decades, CPG were among the first to bring many acts to Hong Kong, including performances with aerial work and cirque-style acts. Known for creating productions that are as diverse and high energy as they are top quality and professional, CPG have performed everything from ballet to ballroom, bringing together engaging concepts for the likes of grand openings, exhibitions, corporate events and even flash mobs and festivals.

Find out more at cpgconcepts.com

7. Haw Par Music Foundation

Housed on the revitalised former residence of Tiger Balm founder, Aw Boon Haw, Haw Par Music is a unique and cross-cultural music school.

Its music curriculum offers a year-round Chamber Music Academy, featuring instrumental programmes for individual and group classes in Chinese and Western Music Curriculum, Innovation & Creativity, Integrated Music & Wellness and other short-term programmes for children and adults in a collaborative setting.

Find out more at hawparmusic.org

8. Stuart Palm The Mentalist

Mentalist, reader, hypnotist, mystic, entertainer, showman and more, Stuart Palm provides incredible and enigmatic mentalism, hypnosis, and all forms of psychic-entertainment in his performances. 

Bringing an atmosphere of mystery and wonder to any event, he uses his unique gifts to amaze and captivate audiences. From describing hidden objects, to answering unsaid questions from the audience and duplicating drawings all while blindfolded, The Stuart Palmer Experience promises a unique, mysterious, and uplifting performance.

Find out more at stuartpalm.com

9. The Chinese Artists Association of Hong Kong

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Above Photo: @hkbarwoymt / Facebook

The Chinese Artists Association of Hong Kong was founded in the Qing Dynasty, during the reign of the Emperor Guangxu. With a history of 130 years, it has undergone many changes and regroupings, but has always kept the aim of developing the art of traditional Cantonese opera.

The association also promotes the professional development of its members and nurtures talented new performers, driving the development of Cantonese Opera through educational efforts. It organises training classes in traditional performing arts for teenagers and cooperates closely with the Vocational Training Council in offering opera courses, along with hosting regular performances by established artists.

Find out more at hkbarwo.com

10. Toolbox Percussion

Toolbox Percussion is a percussive arts and contemporary performance collective based in Hong Kong.

Driving percussive arts programming in Hong Kong since 2012, their work aims to curate ambitious music projects whilst also continually nurturing new musical talent in innovative ways––striving towards their trifold vision to create cutting-edge and innovative programmes that challenge local artists; tour and collaborate with musicians in the Asia-Pacific Region to enhance cultural exchange; and develop the outreach and professional educational activities.

Find out more at toolboxpercussion.org

11. Vox Vanguard

Founded in London in 2015 by Matthew Tosca, Vox Vanguard is an international classical art production and consultancy company committed to breaking down the barriers between performer and audience.

Since its inception, Vox Vanguard has designed for and collaborated with a multitude of designers, artists, brands, individuals and institutions. Vox Vanguard designs and produces experiences and installations that enliven the sentiments and historical contexts of classical music and art for a broader audience, by collaborating with other art forms, such as: fine art, dance, fashion, film, literature, technology and more. It has an extensive international collective of artists and industry professionals and it is their mission to promote these world-class, emerging talents by creating bespoke and unique environments, where interaction between artist and audience is not hindered by concert hall seating or continuous musical performance. Its programmes intersperse artistic collaboration throughout an evening or space to produce a storyline that promotes artistic interaction with a contemporary relatability.

Find out more at voxvanguard.com

12. Independent DJs and Artists

Arthur Bray

Arthur Bray is a DJ, editor and creative consultant based in Hong Kong. Arthur is also the founder of pan-Asia music collective Yeti Out which bridges east and west with its series of pop-up raves, art shows and artist bookings. With residencies on London's NTS Radio, W Hotel, and monthly showcases at BEAM Bangkok to Le Baron Shanghai, YETI OUT continues to fill the calendar with headlining shows during Art Basel and Fashion Week from London to Tokyo. His creative tenure has also seen him design a capsule collection for Coach, manage ASAP Mob’s Cozy Boys Asia Tour, consult for Dior, Nike and LVMH group, and work with Boiler Room to push underground culture in Asia for a series of parties.

Casey Anderson

Casey Anderson is a versatile DJ, producer and live musician who has spent over a decade in Hong Kong making his mark as a tastemaker. He has held DJ residencies at Ozone at The Ritz Carlton, Popinjays at the Murray and Woobar at W Hotel.
 
His music style reflects a lifelong love of music of nearly all genres and eras, but especially house music, soul, funk and pop music from the 70’s and 80’s. Casey has also made his mark on Hong Kong’s local music scene, playing live performances with his homemade synthesisers, releasing house music on record labels in Hong Kong and Europe, meanwhile DJing at cutting edge clubs like 宀 (Mihn) Club and the city’s largest outdoor music festivals like Sónar Hong Kong and Clockenflap.

DJ FU

Well recognised as a high-skill vinyl DJ, DJ FU grew up in South London, and was exposed to London’s vibrant electronic music scene from a young age.
 
Fu’s talents have seen him play all over the world for some of the best festivals and venues, including Ministry of Sound, Glastonbury Festival, Brixton Academy, Corsica Studios, Warehouse Project (UK) Bassrush (LA); and Outlook Festival (Croatia) to name just a few.. Fu has also collaborated with brands including Adidas, Eastpak, Lacoste, MTV, PlayStation, RedBull, Secret Walls and Universal Studios.

DJ Drafus

An avid music lover, Drafus has been a DJ since 1998, with his wide influences in musical styles meaning that his sets are never confined in any particular genre, and can range from house, techno, indie, rock, acid house, deep house, broken beat, UK bass and nu disco on any given night. 
 
His uncompromising styles have since caught on as he plays regularly at Hong Kong’s top venues. He also makes up one third of the trio the Uptown Rockers, an influential group of DJs that helped kick off the electro scene in Hong Kong during its infantile stages. They have opened for Phoenix, and De La Soul, and regularly headline the Robot tent at Clockenflap. DJ Drafus has also played various events which include top brands such as  Soho House, Art Basel Hong Kong Party, Chanel, Dior, Loewe, Shanghai Tang, De Beers and many more.

Ivan Sit

Born and raised in Hong Kong Ivan Sit a.k.a. Mr. Sit has been a DJ since 1996 in his hometown, holding residencies in the clubs Drop, Landmark Mandarin Hotel – Mo Bar and Ce La Vi. He is notably one of Hong Kong’s top talent and is highly sought after to play for exclusive special events for which he has played for brand names like LV, Nike, Mercedes, Dior, Fendi and Dunhill to name but a few.
 
His wide variety of styles ranges from deep house, nu-disco, club jazz, broken beat, electronica, deep funk, Motown soul, 70s disco 80s grooves, Cuban Latino, bossa, afro beats, northern soul, rare grooves to old school electro boogie qualifying him to be highly knowledgeable and well cultured as a DJ. As well as the ability to play in a different variety of styles. He is also known for his collaborations with live musicians, performing with percussionists, vocalists, saxophonists and even rappers.

Janette Slack

Starting her career at age 17 in Hong Kong, Eurasian party-starter, audio wizard Janette Slack has gone on to have an international career.
 
After stints in London and all around the world, Slack returned to Asia in 2014 and has played at music festivals including Secret Island Party, Clockenflap and Macau’s Ultra Festival, Thailand and Australia’s Breakfest, along with venues ranging from the Ritz-Carlton, Beatship to Fly, Ophelia and the Pink Dot festival. This year, she launched her first radio chat and music show on new music medium Clockenflap Music––with every monthly show not only providing music, from Rock, Funk, to live Beatboxing, but also featuring Slack reach out to guests internationally who she feels are making a difference.

Re:Flex

Relocating from the US to Hong Kong in 2007, Re:Flex has been DJing since the age of 17. Completing a pan Asia tour in 2009, he has playing alongside acts such as Cruise Tom, Ben Pearce, Lianne La Havas, Doc Scott and me––learning to adjust his style to the ever-changing crowd, while still reaming true to his roots.
 
He has worked with clients including Burberry, Art Basel, Four Seasons, Hennessy, Joyce and more, playing at Hong Kong venues such as Dragon-I, XXX, The W Hotel and Sevva. 

Roy Malig

With years of DJ experience, Roy Malig––also called “The Godfather”––is regarded as a pillar of the Hong Kong club and music scene.
 
His versatile style relies on his mood, with much of his inspiration coming from his crowds, with his music ranging from soul funk and disco, to afro, reggae, deep house and more. He has also played supporting sets for international acts such as Jesse J, Bryan Ferry, Kylie Minogue and Rihanna.

Simon Pang

A DJ since 1989, whether rocking a sea of revellers with The Uptown Rockers or performing solo to provide a personalised weekend soundscape for an uber-select, Simon Pang loves to move his audience with a genre defying style wherever he plays. Music Director to Lane Crawford Joyce Group from 2004-2017, he helped shape the sound of the brands they represent. Simon’s technique is based upon a passion, joining the dots with his immensely eclectic music collection spanning almost a century, and listening to his clients needs, so to understand how they want to be perceived.

Not only has he spun grand affairs for Stella McCartney and Philip Lim, but also played for fun projects for brands as diverse as Aston Martin to Adidas, Balenciaga to Benefit Cosmetics.


To support the United Hong Kong Benefit, individuals and corporations can also donate to Light Be by contacting supportlightbe@tatlerasia.com, or by visiting givergy.hk/unitedhongkong

Find out more at unitedhongkong.com

This event is sponsored by HSBC Private Banking, Chopard & FANCL, and in partnership with Prenetics and Occasions Asia Pacific.

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