Reflecting on Hong Kong International Festival of Chinese Orchestras 2008

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patty-hkifco

去年十月,我們樂團應香港中樂團的邀約到香港參加香港中樂團與香港中樂協會合辦的「2008 香港國際中樂節」;我和幾位團員帶著這份使命一起踏上此音樂之旅。

多倫多中樂團、庇詩中樂團及愛城民樂團合組成的加拿大代表隊在香港與來自中國、香港、星加坡、馬來西亞、台灣及澳州等地的中樂團組成百多人的聯合樂團演奏。在八日的國際中樂節裏,我們在香港文化中心音樂廳及多個其他場地,包括文娛中心、大學、商場等演出十多場音樂會。各團員在香港的每個角落,以音樂會友,一起推廣宣揚中樂。多謝主辨單位黎先生與大會的悉心安排,令我們有賓至如歸之感。

此行最令我興奮的就是能參與和香港中樂團、香港青少年國樂團及宏光國樂團的兩場演出,尤其是最後一場大型演出,音樂家多達數百人,以至不能全數安置在舞台上演出,很多樂師就在舞台外的觀眾席間一起演奏,場面壯觀感人。這不但是一個寶貴的經驗,也是我多年的夢想,估不到,竟可夢想成真!

這次旅程不但能讓我和參與的團員增廣見識,不但在音樂造詣上有所得著,更能讓我們將所見所學帶回樂團與團員分享,眼界大開,為多倫多中樂團開拓一片新天地。在加拿大這多元之化社會,我們可以教育下一代,加深他們對中國文化及中樂的認識,不獨要培育音樂家;培養觀眾也是很重要。我相信只要我們共同努力,加上決心和毅力多倫多中樂團定能繼續蓬勃發展。音樂是文化橋樑,也是無價之寶,但願將此轉贈各位,更渴望香港中樂團很快能再舉辦香港國際中樂節。

PattyChan-YanHuiChangIn October 2008, I and several TCO members arrived in Hong Kong for the first HKIFCO event, where representatives of Chinese orchestras from over 10 different countries and regions were invited together to play, perform and exchange ideas. The HKIFCO was jointly organized by the Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra (HKCO) and the Hong Kong Chinese Instrumental Music Association. TCO combined with members of the BC Chinese Orchestra and Edmonton Chinese Philharmonica to represent Canada. During this 8 day event, we were able to meet and establish connections with many orchestras from China, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Singapore, Taiwan, and Australia. Everyday, there were concerts and rehearsals taking place all over Hong Kong – it was amazing! The main organizer, Mr. Tony Lai, worked tirelessly to make it a thoroughly enjoyable experience for everyone.

One of the many highlights of the festival was being able to play and perform with the HKCO, fulfilling one of my childhood dreams. We performed with the Hong Kong Juvenile and Youth Chinese Classical Orchestra, and the Wang Kwong Orchestra. As well, we joined with other orchestras to play with HKCO for two concerts. The final performance had musicians from many of the orchestras perform en masse. As there were hundreds of musicians, many were performing from the balcony too! It was a sensational experience.

I learned a lot from this trip. I saw what we, TCO, can aspire to. There was much passion and energy from all the musicians there: to learn, grow, and share this beautiful music with others. Here in Canada, we can do so much in our multicultural society to teach others and most importantly, the next generation about our music and culture. There is so much potential here! With determination and commitment, our orchestra will continue to flourish. Music has helped connect me to my culture and my wish is to pass this priceless gift forward.