A Beautiful Encounter of Music and Literature
“What shadows outline the image of a perfect family? Could the reason you decided to repress yourself be me? Could the person for whom I decided to inconvenience myself be him?”
The Happy Family is a contemporary music composition by young composer Daniel Lo and novelist Eva Wong, scored for a seven-player instrumental ensemble and a narrator, and tells a story of a modern Hong Kong family. From the outside, the family seems like the picture of happiness — bright and peaceful as the full moon. But behind this shiny veneer are the cracks and hollows of their repressed desires.
Daniel Lo has devoted his recent compositions to integrate music with Hong Kong literature, with his past creations including musical and theatrical works based on renowned Hong Kong authors Ye Si and Xixi's short stories. This time, he joins hands with emerging writer Eva Wong to create an original story that is close to everyone’s heart — “Family”. While the work is still in the making, audiences will now have the opportunity to experience the various stages of this creative process through different forms of presentation.
The Happy Family Work-in-Progress Showcase includes the following events:
I. Audio Novel
The creative team will produce 3 short videos, with the narrator reciting the selected excerpts of the novel. The videos will premiere on Tai Kwun’s YouTube channel. Do not miss the chance to enjoy a glimpse of the newly written story.
Premiere Date and Time:
Part I: 15 January 2021 (Friday) 8pm
Part II: 5 March 2021 (Friday) 8pm
Part III: 23 April 2021 (Friday) 8pm
II. Open Rehearsal
At the Open Rehearsal, audiences will get a taste of the newly composed music as the 7-piece ensemble rehearses the selected movements of the work. This is a chance to peek into the development stage as the composer and conductor work together to prepare the ensemble.
Date: 19 May 2021 (Wednesday)
Time: 3:30pm – 5pm
Location: JC Cube
Online registration for this event will be available on Tai Kwun website from 23 April 2021. No admission fee is required.
- The events will be conducted in Cantonese
- Activities are subject to change without prior notice. Tai Kwun reserves the right to make the final decision regarding the arrangements.