Vienna Philharmonic joins China propaganda festival
NewsThe orchestra will next week pay its first visit in a decade to Hong Kong, where the Chinese authorities are cracking down on disssents while celebrating 25 years of Chinese rule in the HKSAR, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China.
From the official statements:
‘It is one of the many initiatives supported by the HKJC’s approved donation of HK$630 million to the Government of the HKSAR to mark the 25th anniversary of the establishment of the HKSAR, demonstrating that the HKJC is resolute in pursuing its purpose of acting continuously for the betterment of our society, all in support of creating stronger communities together…
‘Fanny Au, Chief Manager (Cultural Presentations), LCSD (Leisure and Cultural Services Department), said: ‘We endeavour to present spectacular events in Hong Kong to celebrate the significant occasion of the 25th anniversary of HKSAR.’
It seems some orchestras will do anything if the price is right. Shameful.
1. “The Leisure and Cultural Services Department”
Something must’ve been lost in the translation, or maybe that’s exactly how the Communist Party views western classical music: a leisure, a past time, a decadence, like gambling, as exemplified by the fact that:
2. “The Hong Kong Jockey Club donated $630M HKD”
The club was founded in the 1800s and barred ethnic Chinese members until the 1900s, was given a royal charter in the 1950s, then briefly known as the HK “Royal” Jockey Club
Talking about cognitive dissonance, historical amnesia, and self-hate.
3. Wonder why the HK(R)JC didn’t invite the London Symphony Orchestra and King Charles III to the 25th anniversary of the return of Hong Kong.
4. Welser-Most conducting. Right up his alley.
What’s the problem? Hong Kong was always China’s. The Brits fought a war back then to steal it off them. Which makes us a tad hypocritical for condemning Russia right now.
Rubbish!
Hong Kong residents never lost their basic human rights including the right to self determination, and they were a lot better off when the Brits were in charge.
Really. So thank goodness the Brits slaughtered hundreds and thousands of Chinese people and sold them opium.
Presuming you’re also a Putin supporter, Patrick.
As a former HK resident of many many years, all I can say is that your knowledge of history is sorely lacking.
Your name sounds English. That’s like a Russian citizen saying it’s right for this war to happen right now. Shame on you!
I’ve noticed over the last few decades, that where ever the English-speaking world steps away from diplomatic and business connections, the German-speaking world sees it as an opportunity to step in.
This cold war mentality affecting the arts is BS. Good for the VPO.
China has put thousands of children into isolation for zero Covid. I sincerely hope they get their butt probed by a Q-tip upon arrival. China is going Mao.
They should not accept an invitation that gives them exemptions to restrictions imposed on local musicians.
The wind players would need to have arrived 7 days before the first performance to be allowed access to the venues and perform without masks.