The Le French Festival in Hong Kong is a two and a half month celebration of all things French. This incredible festival began in 1993. More than five hundred events have been staged since then, everything from opera, dance, classical and modern music, film, visual arts and culinary feasts. The entire array of the culture of France is represented. The year the festival started on April 24, and will run until June 13, with some events running through September. Many travel to the city for this festival, and this benefits all the businesses of the city, from the cafe to the market to the boutique hotel. Hong Kong is alive and exciting during these months.
One of the highlights this year, first time outside of France, is the Louis Vuitton. This is a combination of current works available as well as and informational exhibit that outlines the history of the various artists who have collaborated with the company over the years, including Takashi Murakami and the world renown architect Frank Gehry. This exhibit began yesterday and will run through the first week of August. Another fashion oriented exhibition is the history of the ‘golden age’ of fashion in London and Paris, historical accounts from 1947 through 1957. Collections will be on display from the Victoria and Albert Museum in London. This is a visual feast as the history of haute couture will dress more than one hundred mannequins, as well as the designs of Balenciaga and Dior. More than three hundred different exhibits feature not only clothing, but the accessories and furniture from the time period as well. This runs from May 30 through the first week of September.
The music of the festival is eclectic. The Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra is collaborating with the Hong Kong Opera to present eight different pieces. The Philharmonic is also presenting works by Hector Berlioz, one of the well known composers of France. For Contemporary music, The East West Quartet performed. This is a four piece band that infuses traditional Chinese music with western techniques of improvisation. Also, Folk N’ Blues Moriarty will play May 27th. This is a band that blends many styles including country, folk, cabaret and blues. This is an incredible time to take a trip to Hong Kong, throughout the entire summer this will be one happening city.
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