Olympic swimmer Stephanie Au took part in the drumming and sharing session.
2024 Hong Kong Drum Festival "One Beat, One World: Connecting Through the Drum" Community Drumming Series Kick-Off
Stephanie Au, Co-founder of Mind the Waves (first from right); Dr Celina Chin, Executive Director of the Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra (second from left); Sylvia Chung, Chief Business Impact Officer of Chinachem Group(second from right), and Samantha Liu Ling-ling, Chair of the Advisory Committee of the Strive and Rise Programme (first from left), attended the launch ceremony for the "One Beat, One World: Connecting Through the Drum" drumming series.
Organised by Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra and presented by Chinachem Group, the second "One Beat, One World: Connecting Through the Drum" drumming series will collaborate with Mind The Waves, a charity founded by Olympic swimmers Stephanie Au, Camille Cheng, and Jamie Yeung, to shine a spotlight on youth mental health. Experiencing firsthand the uplifting effects of drumming on physical and mental well-being, Stephanie Au today took part in the "One Beat, One World: Connecting the Community" launch ceremony which aims to promote inclusivity and inject positive energy to the community through the power of music.
The launch ceremony was held on 8 September at the community hall of the Sai Ying Pun Community Complex. Participants from the Strive and Rise Programme, guided by mentors from the Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra, learned drumming techniques and showcased their skills in a live performance. Officiating guests included Samantha Liu Ling-ling, Chair of the Advisory Committee at Strive and Rise Programme; Dr. Celina Chin Man-wah, Executive Director of the Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra; and Sylvia Chung, Chief Business Impact Officer of Chinachem Group.
Dr. Celina Chin, Executive Director of the Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra, stated, “The Hong Kong Drum Festival was first held in 2003 to introduce the art of Chinese drum music to people from all sectors of society, including senior citizens, young people, socially disadvantaged individuals, young people in custody and ethnic minorities. The Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra firmly believes that music knows no boundaries. It transcends cultures and regions, allowing us to share its beauty. Through training by our professional instructors, we strive to offer more opportunities to citizens experience the charm of drumming, enriching their lives with cultural vibrancy and positive energy.”
Sylvia Chung, Chief Business Impact Officer of Chinachem Group, shared, “Chinachem believes that music has the power to unite individuals from all walks of life and enhance their quality of life. Through our community drumming series across all 18 districts, we aim to spread rhythm and lift spirits in every corner of Hong Kong, creating positive impact for society.”
"One Beat, One World: Connecting the Community” drumming series will run from September to November and feature participants of all ages, including children, teenagers, the elderly, ethnic minorities, young people in custody, and members of the Strive and Rise Programme. Supported by the Hong Kong Tourism Board, the drummers will also be featured in the videos filmed at various scenic locations to promote local cultural tourism. On 8 Dec 2024, the “One Beat, One World: Connecting Through the Drum" Carnival and 5G Live Concert will be held again at the Art Park, West Kowloon Cultural District.
Mind The Waves is a charity that connects the younger generation to address the various challenges affecting mental health. Its mission aligns with Chinachem, reflecting a shared commitment to positive values. Chinachem envisions collaborating with diverse sectors to promote mental well-being and foster positive energy throughout the community.