The Workshop, taught by Dr. Chan Kwun Nam, Phil, Associate Curator (Painting and Calligraphy), The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK), was held from late November 2023 to early February 2024 at the Activities Room of Art Museum. Sixteen applicants were selected to attend the ten-session Workshop. They learned to appreciate and write in different styles of Chinese calligraphy from the famous works introduced as well as the effective demonstrations from the instructor during the sessions.
The
Fai Chun Writing for the Chinese New Year 2024 was held during lunch hours on 1 February 2024 at the courtyard of the Institute of Chinese Studies (ICS). Dr. Chan Kwun Nam, Phil, instructor of the “Experiencing Chinese Culture Series – Chinese Calligraphy Workshop”, along with his students and two student helpers from the Department of Fine Arts, wrote auspicious greetings in Chinese calligraphy upon the guests’ requests. The event also featured a “Free Writing Area” where guests could create
Fai Chun by themselves. In addition, festive Chinese New Year delicacies and local snacks were served at the lively and bustling courtyard. The event has always been well-received by the CUHK community since its launch in 2016. This year, it attracted more than three hundred participants, including CUHK students and staff and off-campus visitors, in just over two hours.
The Inheritance of Naamyam
ICS was honoured to invite Prof. Franco Yuen Siu Fai, a maestro in Cantonese opera, to deliver a series of ten weekly lectures on “The Inheritance of
Naamyam” from 25 January to 28 March 2024 at Room 304 of Hui Yeung Shing Building, CUHK. 30 applicants were selected to attend the workshop. Throughout the lectures, participants have gained exposure to the fundamental knowledge of
Naamyam, enjoyed singing demonstrations, and learned various singing techniques.
Prof. Yuen started working in the field of performing arts at the age of seven and later became a disciple of renowned Cantonese opera performer Mr. Mak Bing Wing. He is one of the very few operatic artists who can perform in multiple fields. Prof. Yuen currently serves as Adjunct Associate Professor in the Department of Music at CUHK, Artistic Director of the One Table Two Chairs Charitable Foundation, and Museum Expert Advisor (Cantonese Opera) for the Leisure and Cultural Services Department.
The Lantern Festival Concert – Music for CM Li and You
The Lantern Festival Concert – Music for CM Li and You was held on 22 February 2024, featuring local Chinese musicians. The performances attracted over 50 audience members, including a few international students who showed great interest in the musical instruments, to celebrate the Lantern Festival in the ICS courtyard.
Eight performers from different generations were invited to play traditional Cantonese music with various Chinese and Western musical instruments. The ensembles, solos, and singing were brilliant and provided an enjoyable musical experience for the audience.
The Music for CM Li Concert has been held for several years, to commemorate the con-tribution of Dr. Li Choh-ming, ICS founder and CUHK’s first Vice-Chancellor. Dr. Li believed that CUHK is responsible for “combining traditions with modernity and bringing together China and the West”. It is hoped that the Concert, held near the statue of Dr. Li, can remind us of his influential philosophy.
