Marking its 30th anniversary, French May Arts Festival 2023 is launching this year’s programmes under the theme “Pulsarte”, supported by The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust alongside other patrons and partners.
Representing “Pulse, Connection, and Growth”, Pulsarte positions Hong Kong as a cultural destination that pulsates, engages, and nurtures local and international communities, fostering creation, collaboration, and artistic exchange across genres, borders, and beyond. A meeting of Hong Kong and France, Pulsarte forges cultural connections across the realms of dance, theatre, music, art, and more, with over 100 programmes created for the festival.
French May Arts Festival 2023: Programme highlights
1. Virtually Versailles
An interactive exhibition that combines the past and present, reimagines heritage and future, and reconnects old and new, taking visitors on a virtual journey and delving into the majestic world of the Estate of Versailles.
2. Dance Reflections by Van Cleef & Arpels
Launched in 2020 by Van Cleef & Arpels, this dynamic contemporary dance programme supports and presents cutting-edge original pieces and leading repertory productions from a selection of international choreographers and dancers. The 2023 version consists of nine programmes across public spaces and leading performance venues, as well as workshops and a film screening.
3. Harmony of Two Pianos: Niu Niu & Théo Fouchenneret
On 12 May, internationally acclaimed pianists Niu Niu and Théo Fouchenneret will perform their inaugural long-awaited piano duet recital at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre Concert Hall.
4. Philip Glass Quatuor à cordes No.9 King Lear
One of the world’s most influential composers, Philip Glass’ exceptional collaboration with Tana String Quartet, hailed as “impeccable players” by The Guardian, created String Quartet No.9 based on the original score King Lear. On 5 and 6 May, audiences at Hong Kong City Hall can enjoy a concert of the play’s score in Glass’ ninth work for the string quartet, a medium he employs to great effect to depict the turbulence, violence, and despair at the heart of Shakespeare’s classic tragedy.
5. His Temple
On 10 June at the Hong Kong City Hall Concert Hall, musician Olivier Cong will collaborate with Karena Lam, ambassador of the French May Arts Festival, choreographer Ong Wing Lock and Zelia Tam to create a dialogue of contemporary music and dance inspired by Guy de Maupassant’s short story Clair de Lune.
6. Keren Ann & The Debussy Quartet
On 23 June at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre Grand Theatre, cosmopolitan singer-songwriter-composer Keren Ann together with the Debussy String Quartet will perform the closing concert of Pulsarte with their alchemy of sensual electric guitar and elegant strings. Together, they will perform all-new original versions of Keren Ann’s classics such as Not Going Anywhere, Strange Weather and Jardin d’Hiver.
7. Let the Mirror Speak
This two-year Hong Kong-France theatre exchange project features two playwrights and directors, Nicolas Kerszenbaum from France and Wu Hoi Fai from Hong Kong, in parallel. It showcases their existing theatre works, multi-phase artist residencies, educational activities, and new theatre creations in both Hong Kong and Paris.
Over 40 associated projects in French May 2023
Besides the highlighted programmes, this year’s French May Arts Festival also includes over 40 associated projects spanning genres including modern and contemporary art, photography, culture and lifestyle, music, dance, theatre and cinema. A selection include:
- Swire Maestro Series: Stéphane Denève Conducts The Organ Symphony by the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra
- Great Piano Concertos: Jean-Efflam Bavouzet Plays Beethoven with Hong Kong Sinfonietta
- Gao Xingjian: Inner Vision 2023 – the ninth solo exhibition of the Nobel laureate and renowned French-Chinese artist, playwright, and author
- Windows of the Soul – featuring works by French artists Marion Flament, Jean Marie Haessle, Béchir Boussandel, and Baptiste Tavernier
- From France to China by Marc Riboud – featuring works by one of the most celebrated French photographers that foster an exciting cultural exchange between the two countries
- Laws Knitters x agnès b. – celebrating French fashion and street photography
- Waterlight Graffiti by Antonin Fourneau – raising awareness about sustainability using live artworks created on an innovative water-activated canvas
- French GourMay: French Traditional Gourmet Market at Central Market and Nina Mall – transporting visitors to France through French culture and delicacies, presenting an array of unique products by local and international artisans
About French May Arts Festival
Established in 1993, French May is one of the largest cultural events in Asia. With about 100 programmes presented across two months, the most diversified art forms are showcased: from heritage and contemporary arts, paintings and design, to classical music and hip-hop dance, cinema and circus. It has become an iconic part of Hong Kong’s cultural scene, reaching over 200,000 visitors each year. French May brings the arts to everyone, not only in cultural venues, but also in public spaces, shopping malls and more, inviting everyone across Hong Kong to enjoy art in their daily lives.
In the aim of promoting accessible arts for all, French May places a strong emphasis on education through outreach programmes, guided tours, workshops, masterclasses and free performances. The festival strives to reach the widest possible audience and contribute to the education of the young and less-privileged, working closely with over 50 local institutions and organisations to establish barrier-free arts access.