STORY: Hong Kong ensemble decodes resonance of ageless Mogao Grottoes
SHOOTING TIME: Dec. 16 and Dec. 18, 2023
DATELINE: Jan. 2, 2024
LENGTH: 0:03:09
LOCATION: HONG KONG, China
CATEGORY: CULTURE

SHOTLIST:
1. various of performances of the "Hong Kong Palace Performing Showtime Carnival"
2. file footage of Leonie Ki in Dunhuang
3. SOUNDBITE 1 (Chinese): LEONIE KI, Ensemble's honorary director and founder
4. various of the scenery of Dunhuang and Mogao Grottoes
5. SOUNDBITE 2 (Chinese): LEONIE KI, Ensemble's honorary director and founder
6. various of ensemble
7. various of the exhibition of musical scores (copies) from the Tang Dynasty
8. file footage of Dunhuang
9. various of ensemble
10. SOUNDBITE 3 (Chinese): KAM SHING-HEI, Artistic coordinator and composer-in-residence of the ensemble
11. file footage of Dunhuang

STORYLINE:

As the orchestra filled the air with enchanting melodies that seemed to echo from centuries past, the vibrant fusion of cosmopolitan Hong Kong and Gobi Desert oasis Dunhuang in remote northwest China breathed life into ancient murals, creating a mesmerizing spectacle.
   
At the recent opening of the "Hong Kong Palace Performing Showtime Carnival," young musicians played ancient instruments while giant murals from the Mogao Grottoes flickered on the big screen.
   
Like a vivid tapestry unfolding before the audience's eyes, the music intertwined with the rich hues and intricate brushstrokes, awakening the dormant figures and transporting listeners through time.
   
The performance was a testament to the enduring power of art and culture to bridge time and space, connecting the present with the past and creating a sense of wonder and awe.
   
Driven by a profound commitment to reviving and preserving Dunhuang's rich cultural legacy, the Hong Kong Gaudeamus Dunhuang Ensemble is infusing renewed vitality into the ancient melodies enshrined within the murals.
   
Leonie Ki, the ensemble's honorary director and founder, fell in love with Dunhuang during her first visit in 2010, and since then, she has been there 15 times in the past 13 years.
   
SOUNDBITE 1 (Chinese): LEONIE KI, Ensemble's honorary director and founder
"I went to Dunhuang and was obsessed with the Mogao Grottoes as it involved abundant subjects such as history, culture, architecture, music, design, jewelry design, wars, etc. Many historical sources can be traced from here."

The Mogao Grottoes, located in Dunhuang in northwest China's Gansu Province, is a United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) World Heritage Site and home to a vast collection of Buddhist artworks. More than 2,000 colored sculptures and 45,000 square meters of murals are housed in 735 caves, carved into the cliffs by ancient worshippers.

SOUNDBITE 2 (Chinese): LEONIE KI, Ensemble's honorary director and founder
"I sincerely hope that Hong Kong people will learn from Dunhuang because Dunhuang and Hong Kong are so similar. Hong Kong is a modern center for cultural exchange between the East and the West, like a melting pot. Dunhuang is more powerful as in my opinion, it involves a lot of different ethnicities and dialects from the Western regions, Central Asia, South Asia, and Europe."

In May 2018, the Hong Kong Gaudeamus Dunhuang Ensemble was born. Merely four months later, they took the stage as representatives of Hong Kong at the esteemed 3rd Silk Road (Dunhuang) International Cultural Expo, delivering a mesmerizing performance at the illustrious Dunhuang Grand Theater.

SOUNDBITE 3 (Chinese): KAM SHING-HEI, Artistic coordinator and composer-in-residence of the ensemble 
"We have applied the melody and elements in the old musical scores to compose some contemporary music. We have kept on absorbing ancient elements for new music works in the process of music creation."

Kam has begun inviting more composers to create a diverse array of works. They continuously innovate their performances, collaborating with multimedia elements on stage and presenting interactive art installations in public spaces, thus engaging with a wider audience.
   
"In Dunhuang culture, I discovered my true identity and the stories I can narrate through these instruments," Kam reflected. "I am grateful to have grown alongside the entire ensemble." 

Xinhua News Agency correspondents reporting from Hong Kong, China.
(XHTV)