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Following is the speech by the Chief Secretary for Administration, Mrs Carrie Lam, at a toasting ceremony for the 41st Hong Kong Arts Festival Finale Ceremony at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre this evening (March 22):
David (Professor David Gwilt, Executive Committee member of the Hong Kong Arts Festival), distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,
It gives me great pleasure to spend an enjoyable evening with you and celebrate together the successful conclusion of another Hong Kong Arts Festival. May I congratulate each of you who have contributed to this signature cultural event.
Over the last few weeks, we have been treated to an impressive line-up of 147 outstanding performances by international and local artistic talents, opened with a selection of most memorable dance pieces by the American Ballet Theatre, and concluded tonight with a magnificent and uplifting concert of the San Carlo Orchestra and Chorus of the San Carlo Theatre.
The Hong Kong Arts Festival has long been a cultural highlight for locals and visitors alike. In the advent of the West Kowloon Cultural District, the Festival has an even more important role to play in Hong Kong's arts sector, as it continues to enhance both our quality of life and strengthen our cultural software.
I would like to thank the sponsors and patrons of the Festival, including the Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust, for their generous support to the Festival over the years, and the ICBC (Asia) for sponsoring tonight's concert.
Ladies and gentlemen, please join me in raising a glass in a toast to a successful 41st Hong Kong Arts Festival.
Ends/Friday, March 22, 2013
Issued at HKT 21:09
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