July 2016
Oscar-winning director Ms Ruby Yang, HKU Hung Leung Hau Ling Distinguished Fellow in Humanities孔梁巧玲傑出人文學者, debuted her new documentary film “In Search of Perfect Consonance 尋找完美第5度” at a Gala Premiere held on July 17, which was attended by over 300 guests including members of the HKU Foundation.
(from left) Professor Ying Chan, Director of HKU Journalism and Media Studies Centre (JMSC); Mrs Cecilia Ho, President of the Lee Hysan Foundation; Mr Jim Thompson, Asian Youth Orchestra (AYO) Board Chairman; Ms Ruby Yang, Film Director; Mrs Carrie Lam, Chief Secretary of Administration of the HKSAR Government; Mr Richard Pontzious, AYO Founder, Artistic Director and Conductor; and Ms Belinda Hung, benefactor of the Hung Leung Hau Ling Distinguished Fellow in Humanities Scheme
The documentary profiles the Asian Youth Orchestra (AYO), which was set up with the aim of connecting the region’s young people through music. It started during the difficult time twenty-five years ago, when China was at war with Vietnam and relations across the Taiwan Strait were frosty. The film touches on the AYO’s history and mission, the founders’ ideals and the human elements of those involved in the orchestra. Since its inception, AYO has given more than 350 performances around the world reaching over a million concertgoers.
Professor Keith Richburg (back row, second left) with the JMSC students who helped on the Film’s post-production and publicity. Professor Richburg will succeed Professor Ying Chan as Director of JMSC starting September 2016.
“I was able to witness first hand the power that music has to not only bring people together, but also promote peace. Mr Pontzious and the dedicated artist faculty of AYO have created a community of budding musicians over the past 25 years, the orchestra has made a significant contribution to world peace. I am also most grateful to all members of the AYO who shared their passion for music with me and allowed me to film them nine hours a day for three weeks.” Ruby Yang, Director
“I hope that Hong Kong audiences will take pride in knowing that what the AYO is could only have been realised in Hong Kong.” Richard Pontzious, AYO Founder, Artistic Director and Conductor
Hung Leung Hau Ling Distinguished Fellow in Humanities Scheme The Scheme was launched in 2008 through the support of the Hung Hing Ying and Leung Hau Ling Charitable Foundation. It hosts visiting scholars renowned in their fields with the objective of enhancing and enriching humanities studies at the University, which in turn contributes to the art and humanities culture of Hong Kong. Appointed Fellows include Professor Lung Ying-tai, Professor David Wang and Ms Ruby Yang.
