Speech by CS at 1st Hong Kong International Chromatic Harmonica Competition (9.4.2023)
9.4.2023

Following is the speech by the Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Chan Kwok-ki, at the 1st Hong Kong International Chromatic Harmonica Competition today (April 9): Mr Kuan (President of the Hong Kong Harmonica Association and Chairman of Jury of the 1st Hong Kong International Chromatic Harmonica Competition, Mr Kuan Man-hou, Johnny), Dr Ho (Chairman of the Steering Committee of the 1st Hong Kong International Chromatic Harmonica Competition, Dr Ho Pak-cheong), distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen, It gives me great pleasure to join you all here. I am sure you have enjoyed the outstanding performances of the four finalists just now. It is equally exciting to witness, in the prize presentation taking place very soon, the birth of the champion of the 1st Hong Kong International Chromatic Harmonica Competition. In all, over 20 final contestants from around the world – Hong Kong included – have taken part in the week-long event. For this memorable week of music, my thanks go to all the talented participating musicians, as well as the Hong Kong Harmonica Association (HKHA), for making it all possible. Since its establishment in 2002, the Association has spared no effort to bring the sound – and the creative power – of music to our community through its Harmonica Orchestra, the HKHA St James' Settlements Junior Harmonica Orchestra and other cultural initiatives. It also plays an active role in international festivals and competitions. I am grateful to the Association's contributions to strengthen Hong Kong's status as an East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchange, one of the eight hub positions enjoyed by Hong Kong under the National 14th Five-Year Plan. And the Government is no less committed to the development of arts and culture in Hong Kong. This week's competition is among the many arts and cultural initiatives supported by the Government. Funding-wise, it is underpinned by our Arts Capacity Development Funding Scheme. Venue-wise, it is supported by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department. That is why we are all here – at Hong Kong City Hall, one of the cultural landmarks in our city. That engagement underlines the Government's wide-ranging efforts in support of arts and culture in Hong Kong. Our plans include the creation of a ten-year development blueprint for arts and cultural facilities. And in the Budget Speech delivered in February, the Financial Secretary allocated HK$135 million to support Hong Kong artists, in the five financial years ahead, taking part in the performances and productions in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, or better known to you as the GBA. Ladies and gentlemen, my congratulations to the musicians from around the world on putting up rounds of impressive performances. My thanks, too, to the competition's prestigious international panel of jurors, and the Hong Kong Harmonica Association, for making this event a great success. Now, on to the moment we have been eagerly waiting for – the prize presentation of the 1st Hong Kong International Chromatic Harmonica Competition. And I wish you all the best in the year to come. Thank you. Ends/Sunday, April 9, 2023 Issued at HKT 18:49 NNNN