Simpson Marine Extends Support to Hong Kong Ballet in The 2024/25 Season

Simpson Marine is proud to announce its continued support of the Hong Kong Ballet for the upcoming 2024/25 season, marking the third consecutive year of the partnership. This collaboration highlights our appreciation for Hong Kong Ballet’s dedication to making ballet and art accessible to all, as well as their efforts in community outreach and education initiatives.

About Hong Kong Ballet

Hong Kong Ballet has long been synonymous with world-class performances and cultural sophistication. Since its inception in 1979, the company has captivated audiences with its dynamic repertoire, seamlessly blending classical ballet with contemporary pieces. They are internationally recognised as Asia’s premier classical ballet company, lauded for their creativity, talent, and artistry.

Under the visionary leadership of Septime Webre, appointed Artistic Director in 2017, Hong Kong Ballet has undergone a remarkable transformation. Webre’s illustrious career, spanning over two decades in leadership roles at prestigious ballet companies, has imbued Hong Kong Ballet with fresh creative vigour. He has introduced innovative productions like Romeo+Juliet, set in 1960s Hong Kong, and a reimagined The Nutcracker incorporating traditional Hong Kong cultural elements, both of which have received critical acclaim and awards for outstanding choreography. These productions not only showcase his creative prowess but also reflect his commitment to infusing local culture into the ballet’s narrative, thereby enhancing its relevance and appeal to a broader audience.

The upcoming season promises breathtaking performances, including the well-loved classic, The Nutcracker, and four premieres of full-length productions, including The Wizard of Oz, The Butterly Lovers, Frida, and Giselle.

Season Preview

The Wizard of Oz – Premiere

The Wizard of Oz brings L. Frank Baum’s beloved tale to life with a blend of heartwarming storytelling and cutting-edge technology. Choreographed by Septime Webre, with music by Matthew Pierce, this production features a dream team of celebrated costume designers and innovative art technology, including immersive special effects and puppetry by Nicholas Mahon. The Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra will perform the exhilarating original score live, adding to the magic of the performances.

The Butterfly Lovers – Premiere

For those interested in a creative interpretation of a classic Chinese legend, this beautifully choreographed ballet is not to be missed. With an original score by Tian Mi, The Butterfly Lovers tells the story of Liang Shanbo and Zhu Yingtai, whose love defies societal expectations and familial obligations. Visually stunning sets and costumes by Academy Award winner Tim Yip, combined with contemporary Chinese aesthetics, make this a transcendent and uplifting performance.

The Nutcracker 

The Nutcracker, a perennial holiday favourite, returns with Septime Webre’s unique touch, celebrating early 20th-century Hong Kong’s history and characters. This production begins with a Christmas Eve party and takes the audience on a magical journey with Clara and her Nutcracker Prince. The ballet features a kaleidoscope of Hong Kong’s colourful peacocks, dancing Dim Sums, and blossoming bauhinias, all set to live accompaniment of Tchaikovsky’s world-famous score.

Frida – Premiere

Frida, choreographed by Annabelle Lopez Ochoa, is a visually stunning portrayal of the life of the iconic artist Frida Kahlo. The ballet weaves a tale of Kahlo’s triumphs and tragedies, reflecting the rich imagery of her bold paintings and deeply personal self-portraits. The original score by Peter Salem, with touches of mariachi, flamenco, and jazz, complements the vibrant characters in Kahlo’s life, including her husband Diego Rivera.

Giselle – Premiere

One of the most romantic ballets of all time, Giselle is a riveting tale of love, deceit, and forgiveness. This ballet tells the story of Giselle, a carefree peasant who falls in love with Albrecht, a nobleman in disguise. The production is choreographed by Charla Genn and Septime Webre, with new sets and costumes by Jerome Kaplan, and features an ethereal score that will keep audiences spellbound.

Simpson Marine, as a long-standing patron, will continue to bring unique experiences to our customers, allowing them to engage more intimately with these productions. Activities such as private studio visits, exclusive interaction with artistic teams and dancers, and access to show premieres, offer a behind-the-scenes look at the creative process. Stay tuned for more information on these special experiences curated by Simpson Marine and Hong Kong Ballet in the upcoming season.