Orchestrating the 'Pearl of the Orient': The Establishment of the Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra

Abstract

Being the only full-sized professional modern Chinese Orchestra in Hong Kong, the Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra (HKCO) has greatly influenced the development of other Chinese orchestras in Hong Kong since its professionalization in 1977. As a part of the cultural and social reform carried out in the 1970s, not only did the HKCO successfully promote Chinese music in the territory, but it also played an important role in modernizing the city into the “Pearl of the Orient,” well known for its wealth, prosperity and cultural glamour in the 1980s and 1990s. It appears that the establishment of the HKCO was merely a means of fostering cultural activities and boosting economy of Hong Kong. However, in light of recent studies and declassified records from The National Archives of the United Kingdom revealing political considerations and intentions behind the 1970s reforms, I suggest that the founding of the HKCO was closely related to the 1967 riots, a massive social movement which swept Hong Kong. Originating as a minor labour dispute, the 1967 riots grew into large-scale riots challenging the British colonial rule. Essentially a spill-over from the Cultural Revolution which had erupted in mainland China in 1966, it caused dozens of casualties, with thousands arrested and convicted. Although the British managed to retain control of Hong Kong, they agonized over the social and political situation of the city, leading to the implementation of social and cultural reforms in the 1970s. The HKCO, bearing strong Chinese and patriotic associations, served certain political and cultural functions even before its professionalization. As the only arts group featuring Chinese arts and culture taken up by the government in the 1970s, I argue that the establishment of HKCO was a remedial action by the Hong Kong British Colonial Government to regain and maintain social stability.