Band culture has always been an integral part of Hong Kong’s pop culture. This year, renowned and award-winning producer Carl Wong is re-invited as the curator and music director, to curate two concerts at Ko Shan Theatre featuring bands from various decades, showcasing popular band hits.While Ko Shan Theatre is often associated with Chinese Opera, it was a place of pilgrimage for bands between the 80s to 90s. The semi-open stage design holds the cherished memories of generations. Apart from local bands, numerous well-known overseas bands also performed here, including Rock, Electronic Music, Punk, etc., contributing to the vibrant pop music scene. For the upcoming concerts, Carl will collaborate with bands with diverse backgrounds and styles, hoping to celebrate traditions and to encourage innovation, letting music lovers to immerse into the igniting music. With Ko Shan Theatre as a symbol, the concerts will re-introduce audiences to the history and culture of Hong Kong band music.Performers : 20/6Jason KuiThe HertzMr.21/6NiLiuInstinct of Sight Carl Wong x Jun Kung and Friends

6 June 2025 (Friday)Lecture 1: John ColtraneAs one of the most influential and acclaimed figures in the history of jazz, Jazz saxophonist John Coltrane’s "Giant Steps" defies traditional harmonic patterns of jazz music, and demands exceptional technical mastery from its players. With demonstration performances, the speakers will guide audiences to appreciate Coltrane's works, and explore his influence on jazz music.13 June 2025 (Friday)Lecture 2: Ella FitzgeraldElla Fitzgerald is known as the "First Lady of Jazz". Her improvisational vocal technique of "Scat Singing" has inspired other singers to build up their unique styles by adding improvisational elements to their performances. The speakers will introduce Fitzgerald's interpretation style in different works, allowing audiences to experience her unique display of improvisational flair and "Swing" style.20 June 2025 (Friday)Lecture 3: Paul DesmondJazz saxophonist Paul Desmond, a core member of the famous Dave Brubeck Quartet, is regarded as one of the icons of "Cool Jazz". The speakers will highlight Desmond's contributions across different jazz music genres. With live demonstrations, audiences will be allowed to enjoy his warm and lyrical saxophone style.4 July 2025 (Friday)Lecture 4: Chet BakerChet Baker was an accomplished jazz trumpeter and vocalist, with a magnetic voice and superb brass technique, favouring heartfelt melodic expression over technical showmanship. Through demonstration performances, the speakers will give audiences a taste of the raw emotions of the jazz superstar that defines his timeless appeal.11 July 2025 (Friday)Lecture 5: Bill EvansBill Evans was a renowned jazz pianist of the 20th century. Trained in classical music from an early age, he was later influenced by impressionist composers, resulting in his distinctive musical style. The speakers will introduce Evans' compositions featuring waltz, impressionism and complex melodic lines through lecture and demonstrations, guiding audiences into the musical world of the jazz piano poet.18 July 2025 (Friday)Lecture 6: Kenny G Kenny G is one of the most widely recognised jazz saxophonists of the 1990s. His works blends elements of traditional jazz, R&B (rhythm and blues) and pop music, and his instrumental piece "Songbird" has been soared up the Billboard charts. The speakers will introduce how Kenny G's catchy melodies and expressive tones achieve commercial success, and his contribution to the contemporary jazz music.1 August 2025 (Friday)Lecture 7: Herbie Hancock Jazz musician Herbie Hancock's musical style is a fusion of traditional jazz, "Funk", "Fusion Jazz" and electronic music elements, inspiring the next generation of musicians to explore and experiment in cross-genre musical combinations. Through live demonstrations, the speakers will elaborate how Hancock seamlessly integrates electronic textures with classical jazz that expands the possibilities of "Fusion Jazz" while presenting his personal charisma to audiences.8 August 2025 (Friday)Lecture 8: Pat Metheny Inspired by The Beatles, Pat Metheny developed a deep passion for the guitar. His affiliated group, the Pat Metheny Group, has been active in the jazz scene for over three decades, striving to blend different music genres and foster the diversity and popularity of jazz music. The speakers will introduce Metheny, one of the most outstanding jazz guitarists in the world today, by demonstrating his compositions that integrate folk, rock, world music and other elements.15 August 2025 (Friday)Lecture 9: Miles DavisJazz trumpet legend Miles Davis emphasised improvisation in musical performance. His simple yet profound musical expression has inspired other musicians to explore the possibilities of improvisation. His music is a fusion of jazz, "Bebop", "Blues" and other avant-garde elements. The speakers will revisit the musical journey of the jazz superstar and explore how his music shaped the genres that followed.29 August 2025 (Friday)Lecture 10: Louis Armstrong Louis Armstrong, the trumpeter and vocalist known as the "Father of Jazz", was one of the first artists to display individual improvisation on recordings. His classic "What a Wonderful World" brought jazz music to a wide audience. In the final lecture, the speakers will elaborate on Armstrong's contribution of integrating jazz elements into the pop music of his time, as well as the development of jazz music.(Information provided by the speaker)

When do you rest wellWhen a city never sleeps?Unboxing EKCC, Lullabies takes refuge in a space not yet filled with eventful schedules. Here, nobody has to perform and there is no craving for applause. Take your time, slow down and sleep on restful thoughts. Have a sip of calming tea and cradle yourself in twinkling songs.24/05/2025 (Sat) - 31/07/2025 (Thu)Tue: 19:00, 20:00 & 21:00 (Jul only, except 1 Jul)Wed-Fri: 12:30, 13:30, 19:00, 20:00 & 21:00Sat-Sun: 11:30, 12:30, 13:30, 19:00*, 20:00^ & 21:00^*with guided tour on Sats & Suns^with guided tour on SatsLullabies is one of the “Unbox EKCC” trial programmes of the East Kowloon Cultural CentreThe content of this programme does not reflect the views of the Leisure and Cultural Services DepartmentThe presenter reserves the right to change the programme and its opening hours should unavoidable circumstances make it necessary

Please refer to Chinese synopsis.

Principal artists Yu Kuizhi and Li Shengsu will lead an ensemble of outstanding Peking Opera performers in presenting three Peking Opera masterpieces. A new historical Peking Opera Cession for Consolidation of the Song Regime portrays how the King of Wuyue submits his territory to the Song dynasty for the greater welfare of his people. The impressive cast will also perform the classic tales from Romance of the Three Kingdoms, showcasing the enduring beauty of the vocal style. The widely beloved classic The Legend of the White Snake masterfully balances singing and acting as well as civil and martial elements, making for a captivating experience for the audience.20/6 (FRI) 7:30pmA New Historical Peking Opera – Cession for Consolidation of the Song Regime21/6 (SAT) 7:30pmA Meeting of Heroes, Invoking the East Wind and The Huarong Pass22/6 (SUN) 7:30pmThe Legend of the White SnakeMain Cast : Yu Kuizhi, Li Shengsu, Wang Yue, Du Zhe, Ma Xiangfei, Hu Bin, Wang Jue, Guo Zhufeng, Zhu Hong, Dai Zhongyu, et al.Programme of HKICH Month19/6 (THU) 7:30pmMeet-the-Artists: The Legacy and Development of Peking OperaSpeakers: Yu Kuizhi, Li ShengsuModerator: Hu GuangmingAC2, Level 4, Administration Building, Hong Kong Cultural CentreIn Putonghua and CantoneseFree admission. Limited seats available on a first-come, first-served basis. Online registration is required, please refer to Cultural Presentations Section website.21/6 (SAT) 3:30pmBackstage TourBackstage, Grand Theatre, Hong Kong Cultural CentreIn Putonghua with Cantonese interpretationFree admission. Limited seats available on a first-come, first-served basis. Online registration is required, please refer to Cultural Presentations Section website.22/6 (SUN) 3:30pmDemonstration Performance of Peking OperaExtracts ofChasing the Boat on the Autumn RiverPerformers: Zhang Xinxin, Wang XuesongFoyer, Hong Kong Cultural CentreFree Admission

Performers: Warren Mok, Wang Bingbing, Cally Kwong Mei-yun, Felix Lam Chi-lok, Chantel Yiu Cheuk-faye, Tang Yuen-ha, Cheung Ming-man, Leung Ka-lok, Ricky Yeung Wai-kit, Cheng Wai, Alex Tam, Mak Ka-lok, Chan Wing-wah, Mui Kwong-chiu, Cheung Ka-shing, Law Kar-ying, Global Symphony Orchestra, Opera Hong Kong Chorus, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University Students’ Union Choir, Harmonic Singers

The concert combines a diverse range of music genres including classical music, tango music, jazz, spirituals, French chanson and film scores. Programme includes works by Fauré (Arr. Wilhelm Kaiser-Lindemann), Piazzolla (Arr. José Carli) and Gershwin (Arr. Michael Zigutkin), etc.

Yoga Wisdom for All IATC(HK) Critics Award 2023 – Award of Scenography of the Year, Nomination of Director of the Year After a breathtaking premiere with a full house in 2023, this apotheosis of theatre will be re-staged in 2025! Hailed as “one of the most thought-provoking stage performances of the summer of 2023”, Bhagavad Gitacomes back in June this year! Bhagavad Gita, which originated from Indian epic Mahabharata, is a story of how two camps of cousins went to war over the kingdom. At the eve of war, Lord Krishna revealed the wisdom of the three paths of Indian Yoga to warrior Arjuna: Karma Yoga, Jnana Yoga, and Bhakti Yoga; by fulfilling their “Dharma” without selfish motives, everyone can be liberated from the wheel of samsara and granted the state of moksha. Their dialogue is the Bhagavad Gita. “Bhagavad” refers to “The Venerable”; “Gita” refers to “Chant”. Today, the scourge of war continues to ravage humanity, and we also face the relentless onslaught of artificial intelligence. In these turbulent times, the Bhagavad Gita may hold the answers to humanity's most pressing questions: What is existence? How can we find our roles and values in life?Bhagavad Gita is a spiritual journey filled with visual and auditory imagery. Director Tang Shu-wing presents the ultimate theatrical aesthetics in the Bhagavad Gita - storytelling, acting, singing, physical movement, dance, music, and visuals, along with the iconic open-close pool and inverted tree, leading the audience into the vast world of the Indian epic while also reflecting on the current situation of today’s era. In this re-performance, the renowned actress Mandy Wong reprises the lead role, joined by the acclaimed singer-songwriter and actor Endy Chow as narrators, working with a dynamic ensemble of performers to bring this epic masterpiece back to the stage. “It was like joining a guided meditation.” ——Theatre Critic, Bernice Chan “The cast otherwise excel in interpreting abstract ideas through dance and physical movement.” ——South China Morning Post “The stage design is an astonishing symbol…it reveals the core spirit of storytelling under the tree.” ——Hong Kong Economic Journal “If the goal was to spur the audience into “raising questions about the spiritual paths” available to us, Tang seems to have made it.” ——China Daily Director/Adaptation: Tang Shu-wingAdaptation/Script Editor: Jim HuiCast: Mandy Wong, Endy Chow, Lau Ting-kwan, Kingsan Lo, Peggy Chow, Jasmine Lam, Carmen Yu, Elvin CheungAssistant Director: Rocky WongStage Designer: Vanessa SuenLighting Designer: Yeung Tsz-yanMusic Composer: Lam Kwan-fai Sound Designer: Anthony YeungCostume Designer: Jade LeungVideo Designer: Henky ChanBharatanatyam Choreographer: Sandhya GopalProduction Manager: Lawrence LeeProducer: Effie Wong

Please refer to Chinese version.