The Academy Ball INFINITY, organised by The Society of the Academy for Performing Arts (SAPA), was successfully held on Saturday, November 25, 2023, at the Academy Lyric Theatre of The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts (the Academy). Being one of the focal fundraising events in town, this annual event of SAPA aims to raise funds for student scholarships and the ongoing development of the Academy. The Ball was attended by distinguished guests, donors and supporters of the Academy.
Ms. Charmaine Ho and Mr. Jonathan Cheung chaired the Ball for the second consecutive year. The event was honoured by the presence of Permanent Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Mr. Joe Wong JP, who served as the Guest of Honour. Also in attendance were Academy Council Chairman, Mr. Edward Cheng Wai-sun GBS JP and Academy Director, Professor Gillian Choa.
Themed INFINITY, the venue resembled a backstage setting with captivating lighting effects, creating a unique ambience that evoked a sense of wonder and exploration. Upon entering the theatre, guests were treated to a behind-the-scene glimpse as performers prepared for the show. The Ball commenced with students from the Schools of Dance, Drama and Music of the Academy, who showcased their performing talents through a series of songs and dance pieces, including Fanfare for the Common Man, Le Corsaire Pas de deux, Far Too Late Cinderella, and There’s No Business like Show Business. The alumni of the School of Chinese Opera and the School of Music also mesmerised the audiences with enchanting performances. The Organising Committee was grateful to Council Member of the Academy Dr. Raymond Chan JP for his special Guzheng performance of The Butterfly Lovers which raised additional donations for the Ball.
Another highlight of the event was the charity auction conducted by renowned auctioneer Ms. Jin Ling. The auction boasted 6 precious items, including Mouawad jewellery. The biddings liven up the atmosphere of the evening and brought in substantial funds to support scholarships and the development of the Academy.
Academy Director, Professor Gillian Choa, expressed her gratitude for the dedication of the Co-Chairpersons Ms. Charmaine Ho and Mr. Jonathan Cheung, and all the committee members, in organising this spectacular event. She also extended her heartfelt appreciation, on behalf of the Academy, to SAPA Joint Presidents Dr. Sophia Kao Lo GBS JP and Ms. Charmaine Ho, as well as SAPA’s Executive Committee, for their continuous and generous support to the Academy.
Attendees include the Ball Organising Committee members and their esteemed guests:
The Academy Ball INFINITY – Organising Committee
Co-Chairperson | Ms. Charmaine Ho & Mr. Jonathan Cheung |
Co-Vice Chairperson | Ms. Amanda Ho & Dr. Elina Leung |
Members | Ms. Laverna Chan Dr. Terence Chan Ms. Michelle Chen Ms. Beatrice Ho Ms. Jin Ling Ms. Shirley Jin Dr. Sophia Kao Lo Ms. Esther Ma Mrs. Anne Witt Ms. Juanna Yin |
Other guests include:
Ms. Michelle Cheng, Mr. Alan Chan, Mr. Derek Yeung, Mrs. Liana Yeung, Mr. David Kung, Mrs. Roletta Kung, Ms. Candy Chuang, Mr. Wilson Pong, Mrs. Helena Pong, Ms. Tina Leung, Ms. Yoyo Cao, Ms. Elly Lam, Ms. Feiping Chang
About The Society of the Academy for Performing Arts
Established in 1989, SAPA is the major fundraising arm of the Academy. Most of the funds raised have been donated as student scholarships, enabling highly talented and deserving local and international students to pursue studies in the performing arts. The balance of the funds is applied to capital improvements, the purchase of musical instruments and overseas study tours for Academy students. More information about SAPA can be found online at www.hkapa.edu/giving/sapa.
About The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts (www.hkapa.edu)
The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts (HKAPA), established by The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts Ordinance in 1984, is a leading tertiary institution in the performing arts in Asia. It provides professional undergraduate education and practice-based postgraduate studies. The study encompasses Chinese Opera, Dance, Drama, Film and Television, Music, and Theatre and Entertainment Arts. Its educational philosophy reflects the cultural diversity of Hong Kong with emphasis on Chinese and Western traditions, and interdisciplinary learning.
Since 2008, the Academy has attained the Programme Area Accreditation (PAA) status awarded by the Hong Kong Council for Accreditation of Academic and Vocational Qualifications (HKCAAVQ) to self-monitor and accredit its own undergraduate and post-secondary programmes in the five programme areas of Dance, Drama, Film and Television, Music, and Theatre and Entertainment Arts. Since 2016, the PAA status has been extended to cover Master’s Degree programmes and below; and since 2023, the programmes operated by the School of Chinese Opera accredited by HKCAAVQ has also received PAA status for its post-secondary and undergraduate programmes.
Besides the main campus in Wanchai, Béthanie, the site of the Academy’s Landmark Heritage Campus in Pokfulam, has housed training facilities for the School of Film and Television since 2006.
In the QS University Rankings announced in 2023, the Academy ranks 1st in Asia and 13th in the world in the Performing Arts category.