The annual Academy Ball organised by The Society of the Academy for Performing Arts (SAPA) is one of the focal events of The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts (the Academy), aiming at raising scholarship funds for Academy students. This year, the Academy Ball CIRCUS was held on Saturday 8 December 2018 at the Academy Lyric Theatre. Over 350 eminent guests, donors and friends of the Academy joined the evening.
Ms Winnie Chiu, Executive Chairlady of the Organising Committee, was joined by Chairlady Mrs May Yang Lui and Vice-chairlady Ms Tan Jing to chair the Ball. Honorary Patron of SAPA, Mrs Regina Leung, Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China in the HKSAR, Commissioner Xie Feng and Financial Secretary of the HKSAR Government, The Hon Mr Paul Chan were the Guests of Honour of the evening.
To create the circus ambience, the venue was specially decorated with spectacular lighting effects, bringing visual delight to the guests. The Ball was kicked-off by a series of splendid performances by the Academy dance and drama students which brought wonderful scenes of The Greatest Showman to life. The Organising Committee was grateful to have Ms Tan Jing, solo singer in the CPC Central Military Commission Political Department Song and Dance Troupe and first class national actress, sharing with guests one of her greatest hits On That East Mountain Top with her beautiful voice. Ms Jasmine Yen and Mr James Yen, daughter and son of the celebrity artist Mr Donnie Yen, performed Rewrite the Stars which livened up the atmosphere.
Another highlight of the gala was the charity auction which featured five precious items donated by generous sponsors. The Organising Committee was honored to have Ms Jin Ling, the first auctioneer who was awarded the Gold Mallet in China, to conduct the auction.
The Academy Council Chairman Professor Stephen Chow Chun-kay and the Academy Director Professor Adrian Walter were grateful for the dedication of Ms Winnie Chiu, Mrs May Yang Lui, Ms Tan Jing and all committee members in organising this spectacular event, and extended their sincere appreciation to SAPA Joint Presidents, Dr Sophia Kao Lo and Ms Alison Lusher for SAPA‘s continuous and generous support. Proceeds of the Academy Ball will contribute towards Academy student scholarships and support other initiatives of the Academy.
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 by Academy students. More information about SAPA can be found online at www.hkapa.edu.
(From left) SAPA Joint President Alison Lusher, Academy Director Professor Adrian Walter, Academy Council Chairman Professor Stephen Chow, Guest of Honour, Financial Secretary of the HKSAR Government The Honorable Paul Chan and his wife Mrs Frieda Chan, The Academy Ball 2018 Organising Committee Chairlady Mrs May Yang Lui, SAPA Joint President Dr Sophia Kao Lo, The Academy Ball 2018 Organising Committee Executive Chairlady Ms Winnie Chiu.
Students from the Academy’s School of Dance and School of Drama kicked off the evening with a series of splendid performances which brought wonderful scenses of The Greatest Showman to life.
2018 Academy Ball – Organising Committee
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Executive Chairlady |
Ms Winnie Chiu |
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Chairlady |
Mrs May Yang Lui |
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Vice Chairlady |
Ms Tan Jing |
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Members |
Dr Sophia Kao Lo, Ms Alison Lusher, Dr Terence Chan, Ms. Diana Chen, Ms Michelle Cheng, Mrs. Marilyn Cheuk, Ms Fay Cheung, Ms Du Yan, Ms Charmaine Ho, Ms Sabrina Ho, Ms Winnie Hung, Ms Qi Jiao, Ms Jenny Lau, Ms Sanna Luk, Ms Esther Ma, Ms Lili Ma, Ms Tian Ling, Mrs Anne Witt, Ms Wong Yuk-fan, Ms Lisa Xia, Ms Yvette Yung |
About The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts (HKAPA) (www.hkapa.edu)
The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts (HKAPA), established by Government Ordinance in 1984, is a leading tertiary institution in 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.