FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Hong Kong Ballet’s The Butterfly Lovers
Captivated 6,000 New Yorkers at Lincoln Center
[Hong Kong — 30 August 2025] During 22-24 August in New York City, Hong Kong Ballet (HKB) garnered critical acclaim and enthusiastic audience praise for The Butterfly Lovers, co-presented with China Arts and Entertainment Group (CAEG) and s supported by the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in New York (HKETONY). This exciting tour reached around 6,000 audience members and marked a meaningful milestone for HKB as it brought one of China’s most cherished folktales to life on the iconic stage of the David H. Koch Theater at Lincoln Center.
Reimagined by HKB Choreographer-in-Residence Hu Song Wei Ricky and Mai Jingwen, and brought to life by a visionary international creative team, this legendary Chinese story is a powerful fusion of East and West, tradition and modernity. With breathtaking choreography, a sweeping original score by Chinese composer Tian Mi performed by the New York City Ballet Orchestra under the baton of Lio Kuokman and the exquisite visual artistry of Academy Award winner Tim Yip, The Butterfly Lovers transcends borders and speaks to the universal human experience.
The Butterfly Lovers received 5 stars on Bachtrack and praise from Theater Pizzazz.
‘…has found a way to tell a time-honored story with modern-day convictions.’ (Bachtrack)
‘The piece is dreamlike.’ (Theater Pizzazz)
On opening night, HKB proudly welcomed the Consul-General of the People's Republic of China in New York Mr Chen Li, the HKETO in New York Director Ms Maisie Ho, CAEG General Manager Mr Guo Liqun, China Performing Arts Agency General Manager Ms Wang Lu, Langham Hospitality Group Chief Operating Officer Mr Kevin Robinson and other esteemed guests. On closing night on 24 August, HKB hosted an epic closing party at Langham New York Fifth Avenue.
The Butterfly Lovers
22.8.2025 (Fri) 7:30pm
23 Aug 2025 (Sat) 2pm & 7:30pm
24 Aug 2025 (Sun) 2pm
New York City David H. Koch Theater, Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts
Creative Team
Concept & Choreography: Hu Song Wei Ricky
Libretto & Associate Choreography: Mai Jingwen
Music: Tian Mi (Inspired by He Zhanhao and Chen Gang’s The Butterfly Lovers Violin Concerto)
Music and Orchestral Arrangement: Zhou Chuhang, Luo Geng, Zhang Qun, Zhang Qiandan, Zhang Boning
Set & Costume Design: Tim Yip
Design Supervisor: Jin Yau
Associate Costume Design: Mandy Tam
Costume Design Assistant: Lai Wing Ki
Assistant Set Design: Matthieu Chu Siu Ming
Set Design Assistant: Katie Chow Tsz Wing
Video Design: William Kwok, Yicai Wang
Sound Design: Roy Cheung
Lighting Design: Yeung Tsz Yan
Orchestra: New York City Ballet Orchestra
Conductor: Lio Kuokman
For further information, please contact:
Jerry Qiu | Communications & Programme Manager | T: 2105 9753 / 6879 6734 | [email protected]
Ruth Chung | Marketing and PR Manager | T: 2105 9716 / 9741 7319 | [email protected]
About Hong Kong Ballet
Hong Kong Ballet (HKB) is recognised internationally as a world-class institution that 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.
Comprised of 50 dancers from all over the globe – Hong Kong, Mainland China and other parts of Asia, Australia, New Zealand, Europe and North America, HKB has won recognition both regionally and internationally with celebrated re-stagings of the classics, neoclassical masterworks by George Balanchine and others and original ballets created for HKB and about Hong Kong.
Additionally, HKB performs works by its Artistic Director Septime Webre and some of today’s most soughtafter choreographers, including Alexei Ratmansky, Christopher Wheeldon, Wayne McGregor, Justin Peck, Jiří Kylian, Nacho Duato and Annabelle Lopez Ochoa as well as innovative new works by its Choreographer-inResidence, Hu Song Wei Ricky, and numerous emerging Hong Kong choreographers.
HKB stands out as a dynamic Hong Kong cultural ambassador, sharing its unique repertoire and style with audiences in Europe, North America, Mainland China and Asia. With over 50 international tours since its founding, this year HKB will have performed or presented immersive works in Macau, Venice, New York, London, Seoul and Shanghai. HKB maintains the Hong Kong Academy of Ballet, a professionally-oriented ballet school, as well as a full schedule of award-winning community programmes and crossover collaborations throughout Hong Kong to ensure ballet is accessible to all. HKB has also produced engaging original videos and dance films that have collectively garnered over 10 million views online, connecting with ballet lovers worldwide.
