Press Releases
"Beat the Drum for Inclusion" rehearsal (with photos)
The following is issued on behalf of the International Festival of Inclusive
Arts:
The rehearsal for "Beat the Drum for Inclusion", the most extensive outdoor
event of the International Festival of Inclusive Arts (IFIA), was held today
(November 11) at Queen Elizabeth Stadium.
The artistic director of the Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra (HKCO), Mr Yan Huichang,
and over 6,000 participants with various abilities coming from 18 districts, the
commercial and education sectors, professional and charitable organisations
attended the rehearsal with their DIY musical instruments.
The opening ceremony of the first IFIA will be held on December 2. In the
highlight of the opening event, "Beat the Drum for Inclusion", more than 11,000
participants with various abilities will gather on both sides of Victoria
Harbour and each of them will play a percussion instrument made of daily
utensils. The Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra, under the baton of Yan Huichang, the
Artistic Director, will lead the musicians in playing a Chinese percussion
piece, "The Earth Shall Move" -- and attempt to make a Guinness World Record.
Mr Yan stated that it was always the mission of HKCO to participate in community
service. He was delighted to see that percussion instruments could be enjoyed by
all people with or without disabilities in the IFIA. One could truly experience
the spirit of cooperation between people with and without disabilities, as well
as harmony and inclusiveness through the arts.
TV artist Miss Jacqueline Law Wai-kuen also attended the rehearsal to help boost
the participants' morale. She said that although she was a hearing impaired
person, she could feel the magnificent atmosphere and overwhelming drumbeats.
She was especially impressed by so many artistic do-it-yourself percussion
instruments.
Organised by the Health, Welfare and Food Bureau and the Arts with the Disabled
Association Hong Kong, the IFIA will be held from December 2 to 10. The festival
aims to provide opportunities for people with different challenges and abilities
to collaborate in the arts, fostering a harmonious and inclusive society.
For press enquiries, please contact Ms Carina Wong (9268 0326) or Ms Winnie Chan
(9471 0010).
Ends/Saturday, November 11, 2006
Issued at HKT 16:30
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