FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
UOB Proudly Presents The Butterfly Lovers
World Premiere Delighted 10,000 Hong Kongers
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[Hong Kong — 28 October 2024] During 18-27 October, Hong Kong Ballet (HKB) thrilled Hong Kong audiences with eight performances of its 45th anniversary highlight programme, a world premiere of UOB Proudly Presents The Butterfly Lovers, at Hong Kong Cultural Centre’s Grand Theatre. Nearly 10,000 enthusiastic audience members were captivated by this touching Chinese folktale brought to life by brilliant choreography from HKB Choreographer-in-Residence Hu Song Wei Ricky and his choreographer wife Mai Jingwen, Tim Yip's exquisite sets and costumes, Tian Mi's amazing score by Macao Orchestra under the batons of Lio Kuokman and Tony Cheng-Te Yeh and Yeung Tsz Yan's special lighting effects.
A Legendary Chinese Folktale Reimagined
The Butterfly Lovers tells the epic Chinese legend of humble scholar Liang Shanbo and aristocratic heiress Zhu Yingtai, who disguises herself as a boy in order to study at a prestigious academy. From innocently meeting as students and forging a strong, immediate bond to dangerously rebelling against centuries-old forces that threaten to keep them apart, the lovers face unexpected challenges at every turn, as secrets are revealed and a shocking family betrayal ultimately seals their fate.
On opening night, HKB proudly hosted UOB management including CEO of Greater China, and Head of Group Strategic Communications and Brand Mrs Christine Ip, UOB Hong Kong Head of Wholesale Banking Mr Ricky Ng, Head of Strategic Communications, Brand and Customer Insights, Hong Kong and Taiwan Ms Marietta Li, UOB Hong Kong Head of Private Bank Mr Muck Kin Ling, HKB Vice-chairman Mrs Mira Yeh, HKB Board of Governors Mrs Janice Chan-Choy, Ms Evonne Tsui, Mrs Deirdre Fu Tcheng, The Hong Kong Ballet Guild Co-chairs Mrs Emily Lam Ho, JP, Mrs Michelle Miller Erb, Mrs Emelda Wong Trainor, leaders from renowned Chinese ballet companies and government officials.
Following The Butterfly Lovers world premiere in Hong Kong, HKB and the Macao Orchestra will present two performances of the ballet in Macao on 9-10 November 2024 at Macao Cultural Centre’s Grand Auditorium.
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UOB Proudly Presents The Butterfly Lovers
Creative Team
Concept and Choreography: Hu Song Wei Ricky
Libretto and Associate Choreographer: 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 and Costume Design: Tim Yip
Design Supervisor: Jin Yau
Associate Costume Designer: Mandy Tam
Costume Design Assistant: Lai Wing Ki
Assistant Set Designer: Matthieu Chu Siu Ming
Set Design Assistant: Katie Chow Tsz Wing
Video Design: William Kwok, Yicai Wang
Lighting Design: Yeung Tsz Yan
Sound Design: Roy Cheung
Orchestra Partner: Macao Orchestra
Conductors: Lio Kuokman (18-20 Oct), Tony Cheng-Te Yeh (26-27 Oct)
For further information, please contact:
Jerry Qiu | Communications & Programme Manager | T: 2105 9753 / 6879 6734 | [email protected]
Ruth Chung | Assistant 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 some of today’s most sought-after 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-in-Residence, Hu Song-wei Ricky, and numerous emerging Hong Kong choreographers.
With almost 50 tours to 11 countries, HKB has recently toured throughout Europe, the US and Asia and places a special emphasis on representing Hong Kong in Mainland China and the West. 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.
