City University of Hong Kong’s Cultural Exchange Oasis recently hosted a series of engaging events in November, bringing together two rich cultural worlds—Belgian chocolate craftsmanship and the ancient art of Kunqu opera—in a celebration of diversity, artistry, and community spirit on the CityUHK campus.
Belgian Chocolate Festival: A Celebration of Craftsmanship and Cultural Heritage
The festival’s opening ceremony was graced by distinguished officiants, including Ms Lilian Chiang Sui-fook, MH, Deputy Chairman of the CityUHK Council; Mr David Lomastro, Consul General of Belgium in Hong Kong and Macao; Mr Harvey Rouse, Head of the European Union Office to Hong Kong and Macao; and Ms Manda Chan, JP, Director of Leisure and Cultural Services, HKSAR. Senior representatives from CityUHK, including Professor Chan Chi Hou, Vice-President (Community Engagement), and Professor Kevin Downing, Secretary to the Council, also officiated. CityUHK Council Members Mr Charles CHIN Ying-on, Mr Joseph TSE Lap-bun, and distinguished members of the consular corps from the Americas, Europe, Africa, and Asia were also in attendance in support of the event.
Ms CHIANG emphasized the festival’s alignment with CityUHK’s core values: “This celebration goes far beyond the joy of tasting exquisite Belgian chocolate. It represents the essence of what we strive for at CityUHK — innovation, global engagement and sustainability,” she remarked.
Mr David LOMASTRO, Consul General of Belgium, thanked the collaborative efforts behind the festival. “Belgian chocolate is unique in its richness, smoothness and balance of flavors. It is the pride of our artisans, and it is the love and care that goes into every single piece, because in Belgium, chocolate is not just made, it is crafted with heart,” he remarked.
Professor CHAN Chi Hou, Vice-President (Community Engagement) of CityUHK, delivered a vote of thanks, highlighting the festival’s role in celebrating culture, craftsmanship, and community. He drew attention to the diverse array of activities curated for the event, including a thematic showcase, interactive booths, expert-led talks, hands-on workshops, and a captivating live chocolate sculpture demonstration.
Officiating guests, members of the diplomatic community and senior management of CityUHK take photo at the opening ceremony.
The opening ceremony featured a symbolic backdrop design illustrating chocolate's journey "from bean to bar," emphasizing Belgium's dedication to sustainable and ethical chocolate production. Guests explored interactive booths, delving into the science and history of chocolate and enjoying authentic Belgian creations. The festival highlighted collaboration, sustainability, and artistic innovation, mirroring both Belgium's chocolate tradition and CityUHK's academic principles.
Kunqu Opera: An Elegant Surprise Bridging Cultures
The Belgian Chocolate Festival offered an unexpected artistic twist with a "Kunqu flash performance." Artists Wang Jieyu and Yu Xingyue from the Contemporary Kunqu Opera Theatre of Kunshan, dressed in traditional attire, transported the audience to the world of Kunqu opera, a 600-year-old Chinese art form known for its elegance and lyricism.
The audience was captivated by this blend of artistic worlds, capturing the moment with their smartphones. This spontaneous performance created a harmonious fusion of Belgian craftsmanship and Chinese opera, demonstrating the ability of cultural encounters to transcend time, geography, and artistic boundaries.
Kunqu Opera Showcase: Deepening Cultural Understanding
The event continued with a Kunqu showcase, featuring vibrant performances that captivated the audience. In "Fifteen Strings of Cash" 《十五貫‧訪測》Fang Peng portrayed the clever Lou Ashu with dramatic flair, while Chen Chao’s wise official Kuang Zhong provided a striking contrast, engaging the audience with his delicate integrity. This battle between good and evil kept the spectators breathless and smiling.
In "Peony Pavilion" 《牡丹亭·游园惊梦》 Wang Jieyu’s striking arrival as Du Liniang was marked by her hauntingly beautiful song, silencing the crowd. Hong Zhuyun, as Liu Mengmei, joined in a dreamlike duet, while Yu Xingyue’s lively Chunxiang added depth, prompting soft sing-alongs from the captivated audience.
The highlight of the evening was " The Brave Wife and the Drunken Lu zhishen Wreaking Havoc at the Monastrery《虎囊彈‧山門》where Mr. Cao Zhiwei as Lu Zhishen, his powerful voice and impressive presence drew gasps, culminating in thunderous applause.
This diverse programme showcased the elegance and depth of Kunqu opera, bridging cultural gaps and enriching the audience's experience through storytelling and expressive performance.
A Celebration of Cross-Cultural Connections
The Cultural Exchange Oasis events successfully built bridges between cultures and people. The pairing of Belgian chocolate and Kunqu opera, though unexpected, beautifully complemented each other, enriching the experience through shared artistry and community spirit. These initiatives celebrated heritage and the power of cultural exchange, reinforcing CityUHK's position as a dynamic hub where diverse traditions interact, inspire, and flourish.
Performers and organizers gathered for rounding success of the series of events.