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Join us for an evening of French flair and 'joie de vivre', as we indulge in a soirée filled with French sophistication and a touch of 'je ne sais quoi'. You can immerse yourself in the 'French May ambiance' by following along with this playlist available only on this exclusive streaming platform.
With a steadfast dedication to showcasing the elegance and sophistication of French culture on a global scale, Crédit Agricole CIB has long been a major Patron of the iconic Hong Kong festival French May, celebrating its 31st edition this year.
The festival effortlessly blends chic 'French touch' with the vibrant spirit and grace of Hong Kong. This long standing partnership highlights Crédit Agricole CIB's commitment to artistic innovation and heritage, while also fostering a deep cultural dialogue between the two nations. In 2023, during the festival's 30th anniversary celebration, the Verona Quartet made their Hong Kong debut with an enchanting performance with their series: Ravishing Ravel. They delighted audiences with Maurice Ravel's String Quartet in F Major (tracks 8 and 9) and Ludwig van Beethoven's String Quartet No. 7 in F major (tracks 10). This performance not only demonstrated the festival's dedication to cultural exchange but also emphasized Crédit Agricole CIB's role in transmitting exceptional art worldwide.
This year, Crédit Agricole CIB invites you to a soirée, which features the collection from French May's 2024 inaugural event: Hong Kong Jockey Club Series: Noir & Blanc—A Story of Photography. This exhibition showcases compelling black-and-white photographs from the Bibliothèque nationale de France (BnF) and is hosted at the innovative venue M+, Asia’s pioneering museum of contemporary visual culture.
Noir & Blanc presents 250 significant photographs from BnF’s prestigious collection, alongside over 30 works from the M+ Collections, exploring the enduring art of black-and-white photography. Divided into three thematic sections, the exhibition offers diverse insights into black-and-white image creation over the span of a century. These themes include 'Aiming for Contrast', which explores the stark oppositions in daily life; 'Light and Shadow', which delves into the manipulation of light to evoke texture, mood, and structure; and lastly 'Colour Chart', which captures the subtle tonal gradations of grey. May this exhibition inspire and delight you!
French May, established in 1993, stands as one of the largest cultural events in Asia, attracting over 200 000 visitors annually. Spanning two months, the festival offers over 100 programmes, showcasing diverse art forms ranging from heritage and contemporary arts to music, dance, cinema, and more. The festival's ethos revolves around inclusivity, aiming to touch every aspect of the community. In the institution's own words, its objective is to "touch everything" by showcasing a larger spectrum of art forms from heritage to contemporary arts; "to be everywhere" by hosting performances in diverse venues from cultural centres to the most unexpected and memorable places; and be "for everyone" by engaging with the entire community of all ages and socioeconomic statuses.
This evening, we invite you to retrace the narrative of this meaningful collaboration and join us in continuing its legacy and lasting influence. Through innovative programming, collaborative initiatives, and ongoing partnership, our aim is to enhance the festival's impact and cultivate strong ties between France and the world through artistic excellence.
As a major Partner, Crédit Agricole CIB is honoured to support the French May festival in Hong Kong for another riveting edition. This year's French May classical music programme features renowned works by Camille Saint-Saens, to be directed by the iconic Zahia Ziouani and the Orchestre Symphonique Divertimento (track 1), Antonín Dvořák interpreted by Gabriel Pidoux (track 11), Claude Debussy performed by Arnaud Sussmann (track 3), and many more in this remarkable festival edition. As George Gerswhin once wrote, Our Love is Here to Stay (track 41).
Here's to an enchanting evening filled with beauty, elegance, and moments of magic.
