We are thrilled to announce the successful completion of the Arts in the Neighbourhood – Divertimento Orchestra Community Concert which took place at St. Paul’s Convent School originally known as the ‘French Convent School’, on 26 May 2024. The special guests in attendance included Mr. Xavier Mahe, Executive Director of the French May Arts Festival; Ms. Brune Luciat Labry, Partnerships Manager of French May Arts Festival; Mr. YUNG Kong Sing, Principal of CCC Kei San Secondary School and Rev. Sr. Margaret WONG, Principal of St. Paul’s Convent School.

The event commenced with the traditional eye-dotting ceremony and a captivating Dragon Dance performance by the SPCS Dragon Dance Team. This was followed by a warm welcome by Mr. Xavier Mahe before the concert started.

In the first part of the concert, the SPCS Symphony Orchestra, together with the Divertimento Orchestra conducted by Ms. Zahia Ziouani, Artistic Director and Conductor of Divertimento Orchestra, presented a magnificent repertoire of music featuring Tchaikovsky’s lively Trepak from the Nutcracker, Bartok’s spirited Romanian Folk Dance, Elgar’s Serenade for Strings First Movement, and Saint-Saens’s hauntingly beautiful Danse Macabre.

In the second part of the concert, the SPCS Symphony Orchestra under the baton of their conductor, Ms. Harty Tam, joined effort with musicians from CCC Kei San Secondary School and King Ling College to perform a delightful mix of French and Chinese pieces. These included Chinese folk music Yao Dance, a French classic La Vie En Rose and a French pop song Le Festin.

As the programme came to an end, the SPCS School Choir joined the orchestra for an uplifting Latin song Dona Nobis Pacem to pray for world peace and the well-known Canto pop Under the Lion Rock in tribute to the spirit of perseverance and solidarity of Hong Kong people. The evening came to an end with the enchanting Ode to Joy performed by all the musicians in celebration of the collaboration between East and West, and the aesthetic harmony of art and culture.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to all the participants, guests, and audience for their fervent support which made this event an unforgettable and mesmerizing experience for all!