|
The 2007 Pearl Awards
Dedicated to our "Unsung Heroes"
Thursday 1 November 2007
Royal Festival Hall, South Bank, London
by Wah-Yin Rixon
2 Nov 2007
The Prince of Wales gives a speech while David Tang and William Ong look on
When Jackie Chan was electronically beamed across the wonderfully cavernous
auditorium that is the Royal Festival Hall, a wave of palpable excitement rippled
through the air. “I am sorry I am not in London as I am filming in China,
but I am so happy to be associated with the Pearl Awards,” the internationally
popular actor began. His eyes twinkled at the end of his message as he addressed
HRH The Prince of Wales, “If you ever want to learn kung fu, give me
a call, and I’ll come straightaway!” We cheered and clapped our
approval, and so did the Prince.
That reflected the delirious mood of the evening. This was the Pearl Awards’ most
high profile outing since its inception four years ago by its charismatic founder,
William Ong.
Never has the Pearl Awards ceremony been held in such an ostentatiously public
space as the Royal Festival Hall. A staff member of the Hall estimated a
1000-strong audience, the majority of who were Chinese.
The ever-gracious Celia Li from Phoenix television channel was the MC for
the evening.
David Tang OBE, the Awards’ patron, reminded us that “the Pearl
Awards celebrate the outstanding achievements of unsung heroes,” and
said to The Prince of Wales, “Your presence here is like a turbo charge
to the Chinese community.” He paid tribute to “the extraordinary
William Ong” and thanked “the many who have made this event possible,” including “each
and every one of you (us, the audience)” as well as “our surprise
guest, who is a ‘she’, who has come specially to present the awards;
as well as the Chinese Ambassador.” Referring to the night’s entertainment,
he insisted, “as a testament to Chinese talent, you will be moved by
Xuefei Yang, and Niu Niu will dazzle you. They will be supported by conductor,
Leslie Howard – Niu Niu’s patron – and the English Chamber
Orchestra, whose patron happens to be The Prince of Wales!” As to the
Prince’s presence, he wondered, “How are we going to top His Royal
Highness at next year’s Pearl Awards? We shall have to get the Pope!”
The Prince of Wales, William Ong and David Tang
“I couldn’t be more delighted to be here,” responded The
Prince of Wales, before launching into the Chinese version, its end lost in
the convivial laughter that greeted his brave attempt. He reeled off some surprising
statistics: “There are 250,000 Chinese in the UK and 3,500 restaurants
in London and the south east alone; there are increasing numbers of traditional
Chinese medicine practitioners and thousands of students in universities; and
a significant number of precocious Chinese musicians, as we will see.” He
mentioned the work of The Prince’s Charities’ Foundation, which
included the restoration of hutongs in Beijing; and collaboration with London’s
Chinatown and Westminster Council to encourage authentic Chinese architecture
and high quality craftsmanship.
The Prince of Wales
The opening musical piece was an exquisite melody performed by Xuefei Yang,
the award-laden guitarist from Beijing. Most of the audience may have heard
Chinese music but it is a sure bet that they have never heard it played on
a guitar and with such graceful virtuosity. She followed this up with the beautiful
slow movement from Rodrigo’s Concierto de Aranjuez.
Dwarfed by the piano he sat at, 10 year old Niu Niu delivered a vivid performance
of Shostakovich’s Concerto No. 1, Opus 35 for Piano, Trumpet and Strings,
which was in turns playful and sombre. He was accompanied by Alison Balsom
on trumpet, triumphant whenever she took centre stage. But it was Niu Niu who
was the undisputed star of the night: his tender age, astounding talent and
spirited rendition of Shostakovich ensured that.
The surprise guest turned out to be Vanessa-Mae, violinist extraordinaire,
who presented the Pearl Awards to three Unsung Heroes.
In Mr. Lee's absence, his award was collected by his 13 year old son,
Simon, seen here with Vanessa Mae
Stanley Tse is the founder-proprietor of the See Woo supermarket
chain. His charitable work over thirty years has made a real and positive difference
to the lives of the elderly and to students. He has helped to ensure that the
celebration of two events of utmost importance to the community – Chinese
New Year and Autumn Festival – would flourish wherever they have been
staged.
Florence Ji Dong Qiu founded the Sino-Anglo Cultural Exchange
Association which promotes Chinese arts and culture in the community. Over
twenty years, her selfless commitment has enabled closer links between the
UK and China. In 2002, the Arts Council of England said, “Without her
dedication, we are sure most of us would be a lot less knowledgeable about
Chinese culture and arts.”
Dominic Lee is a prominent lawyer who is as energetic as
he is generous. Taking an active interest in community matters, he manages
to find time to give legal advice and support – without charge - to individuals
or organisations that need them. In his absence, his 13 year old son, Simon,
dashed up the steps to the stage to receive the Award on his father’s
behalf.
All the recipients were stunned by the honour, having had no previous knowledge
of it.
At the Ballroom Reception later where canapés and a hot buffet
were served, the guests were unstinting with their praise:
- “It’s so nice to see so many Chinese people together
in this great London space.”
- “What a brilliant idea to
celebrate the achievements of people who give time and energy to the community.”
- “I
was expecting to make some jokes about the whole thing, but it was surprisingly
not bad.”
- “The performances were a surprise. I felt proud
to be part of the community.”
- “Celebrating Chinese achievements
in this great public hall is wonderful. We are also celebrating Chinese presence
in this country because sometimes we are overlooked as a silent community
and this is a wonderful way of doing it.”
- “I am exploding
with pride at the whole evening.”
Earlier, David Tang had said, “I think it’s a marvellous day today
because The Prince of Wales visited Chinatown for two hours, gave a lunch for
some businessmen at Clarence House, and now, tonight coming to the Pearl presentation
(to enjoy) some wonderful musical performances. So, it’s formed an entire
Chinese Day for The Prince of Wales. And so many people turning up tonight!
I am delighted!”
As we all were.
The Prince of Wales shakes hands with William Ong as David Tang meets the Chinese Ambassador Madame Fu Ying
Celia Li's dress sponsor was Julia Clancey who has her own clothing line and sells in Harrods and a number of boutiques.
THE SUCCESS OF THE INAUGURAL 2004
PEARL AWARDS HAS CREATED A LASTING AND POSITIVE LEGACY
FOR THE CHINESE COMMUNITY AND THE BRITISH PUBLIC.
If you would like to help or contribute in any way, please get
in touch with us.
|
