Search
Explore
The French Connection
Every spring, Hong Kong gets a welcome injection of Gallic arts and culture courtesy of Le French May. Steven Hsieh picks out the not-to-missed highlights of this year’s programme
Laurent Korcia and the Hong Kong Sinfonietta
April 15 & 16, City Hall Concert Hall
Paris-born Korcia is one of the most highly regarded young violinists of his generation. After studying under Michéle Auclair at the Conservatoire National Supérieur de Musique, he garnered a reputation for charisma and versatility, refining his repertoire from Bach to jazz, tango to film favourites. Backed by one of Hong Kong’s flagship orchestras, the Frenchman’s performance includes the themes from Schindler’s List and In the Mood for Love.
“Boxe Boxe” by Compagnie Käfig
May 12-14, Cultural Centre Grand Theatre
Founded in 1996 by choreographer Mourad Merzouki, Compagnie Käfig specializes in hip-hop dance blended with elements of traditional African, jazz, ballet, martial arts and more – essentially an all-encompassing palette of rhythm and movement. Add a drum-heavy, worldly soundtrack to the colourful costumes and sets, and you get a dance fusion experience for both the eyes and ears.
IAM
May 21, KITEC
There are few French hip-hop groups as influential as IAM. Exploring African, Egyptian and Islamic identity, with stripped down, old school beats reminiscent of the Wu-Tang Clan, the now five-man crew from Marseille helped push hip-hop into the French mainstream, particularly with their huge 1997 breakout album, L’École Du Micro D’Argent, which sold more than a million copies worldwide.
“Rose, c’est Paris” by Bettina Rheims and Serge Bramly
May 27-June 21, City Hall
Exhibition Hall
World-renowned photographer Bettina Rheims and writer Serge Bramly collaborate on this mixed-media exhibition featuring portraits of Naomi Campbell, Monica Bellucci and Michelle Yeoh. “Rose, c’est Paris” combines photographs by Rheims and film by Bramly to construct an erotically charged narrative about twin sisters in Paris, one of whom is abducted. Explore this surreal, sexy interpretation of the city, which Rheims calls a significantly personal work for both artists involved.
NOIR
June 3-26, IFC Palace, Broadway Cinematheque & HKCEC
Both Hong Kong and France possess a rich history in film noir and this retrospective looks to bridge the gap between the two through nearly 30 films. The programme highlights classic French cinema from 1960-1990, contemporary cinema of the last decade, and a selection of 1980s Hong Kong New Wave films hand selected by influential director Johnnie To.
Le French May 5 April-23 June Various venues, www.frenchmay.com
Add your comment