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Bassoon & Baton — French May Arts Festival 2026

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City Chamber Orchestra of Hong Kong

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 27 March 2026 – On 21 April 2026 at Hong Kong City Hall Concert Hall, 8:00pm, the City Chamber Orchestra of Hong Kong (CCOHK) presents Bassoon & Baton, a rare showcase of the bassoon’s lyrical voice and virtuosic brilliance. Held as part of the French May Arts Festival 2026, the programme features the Hong Kong debut of Sophie Dervaux, the internationally acclaimed French bassoonist and principal bassoonist of the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra. She performs bassoon concertos by Vivaldi, Mozart and Hummel and takes up the baton to conduct orchestral works by French composers Lully, Guy Ropartz and Gossec, thereby highlighting her dual artistry as both soloist and conductor.

City Chamber Orchestra of Hong Kong
Bassoon & Baton — French May Arts Festival 2026
Sophie Dervaux bassoon/guest conductor

21 APR 2026 (Tue)
Hong Kong City Hall Concert Hall, 8:00pm

PROGRAMME
Lully I Marche pour la Cérémonie des Turcs, LWV43
VivaldiI Concerto for Bassoon in G major, RV493
Guy Ropartz I Serenade for Strings
Mozart I Concerto for Bassoon in B-flat major, K.191
GossecI Symphony in C minor Op. 6 No. 3, RH24
Hummel I Grand Concerto in F major, S.63, WoO.23

Sophie Dervaux will also contribute to community activities in Hong Kong by holding two Bassoon masterclasses open to the public. On 18 April 2026, 10:30am–1:00pm, at Sing Music Academy, Room 901, On Lok Yuen Building 25-27A Des Voeux Road, Central, Hong Kong, and on 19 April 2026, 2:30pm–5:00pm, at CR2, 7/F Hong Kong Cultural Centre Concert Hall Backstage.

Sophie Dervaux’s outstanding career as a solo bassoonist, orchestral musician, conductor and recording artist includes her engagements with the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra (since 2015), the Vienna State Opera Orchestra and the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra. She is a prize-winner of the prestigious ARD International Music Competition Munich (2013) and the Beethoven Ring Bonn (2014). Born in France, Sophie Dervaux studied at the Music Conservatory of Versailles, the Conservatoire de Paris in Lyon, the Hanns Eisler Academy of Music in Berlin and at the Karajan Academy. She has performed at the Philharmonie de Paris, Berlin Philharmonie, Suntory Hall Tokyo, New York’s Carnegie Hall and the Royal Albert Hall in London. Her solo engagements include the Konzerthausorchester Berlin, the Bavarian Radio Orchestra and the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra. On CD she has collaborated with Daniel Barenboim and Emmanuel Pahud. In 2021 she received the German Record Critics’ Award for her debut solo album on the Berlin Classics label. She is currently working on a project to record all 39 of Vivaldi’s bassoon concertos with La Folia Barockorchester. In addition to performing, Sophie Dervaux works internationally as a guest conductor and has appeared with the Mozarteumorchester Salzburg, the Vienna Chamber Orchestra, the Ensemble Kanazawa, the Prague Philharmonic Orchestra and the KBS Symphony Orchestra in Seoul. She teaches bassoon at the Music and Arts University of The City of Vienna and plays on a Püchner bassoon.

Tickets priced at $450, $300 and $220 (with50% off for full-time students, senior citizens, Comprehensive Social Security Assistance (CSSA) recipients, people with disabilities and their accompanying minder), are available from all URBTIX outlets. For internet booking, visit www.urbtix.hk; for programme or other enquiries, call 2864 2156 or email in**@***hk.com.

BASSOON MASTERCLASS by SOPHIE DERVAUX
18 Apr (Sat) 10:30am-1:00pm, Sing Music Academy, Room 901, On Lok Yuen Building, 25-27A Des Voeux Road, Central, Hong Kong
19 Apr (Sun) 2:30pm-5:00pm, CR2, 7/F Hong Kong Cultural Centre Concert Hall Backstage
The masterclasses are open to observers at $100 per person.
Register Now (in**@***hk.com/2864 2156)

PHOTOS Link to: Sophie Dervaux
MEDIA ENQUIRIES (including artist interviews/photos): in**@***hk.com/2864 2154
WEBSITE:www.ccohk.com

Hashtag: #CityChamberOrchestraofHongKong #Bassoon&Baton

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City Chamber Orchestra of Hong Kong

City Chamber Orchestra of Hong Kong (CCOHK) holds a unique position as one of Asia’s leading chamber orchestras. Founded by oboist Leanne Nicholls in 1999, CCOHK has performed with many of the world’s most celebrated artists and composers including Sir James Galway, Dame Evelyn Glennie, Dame Emma Kirkby, Sir Thomas Allen, Sir Neville Marriner, Michala Petri, Christian Lindberg, Sarah Chang, Julian Lloyd Webber, Barry Douglas, Edgar Meyer, Branford Marsalis, Sir Karl Jenkins, Ney Rosauro, Richard Galliano and Alma Deutscher. The orchestra has also collaborated with celebrities including Dame Edna Everage, Hayley Westenra, Richard Clayderman, Robin Gibb and Canto-pop stars Sandy Lam, Hacken Lee, Hins Cheung, Ivana Wong and Jacky Cheung. Additional highlights include concerts with the Vienna Boys’ Choir, the Warsaw Boys’ Choir, The American Boychoir, the Swedish Voices Chamber Choir, the King’s Singers and The Swingle Singers. CCOHK’s progressive programming has been internationally recognized with tour invitations to festivals in London, L’Aquila, Taipei, Beijing, Chengdu and Shanghai. At home CCOHK has performed for French May Arts Festival, Hong Kong Ballet, RTHK’s televised Christmas Concerts in the Park, the 2017 World Harp Congress, The Hong Kong Composers’ Guild and The Hong Kong International Piano Competition. Cinema and anime performances include Howard Blake’s The Snowman & The Bear, the Harry Potter series, Final Fantasy, Attack on Titan and One Piece Music Symphony. CCOHK is also a keen supporter of contemporary music and has commissioned works by Mao Yuan, Samson Young, Joyce Tang, Dobrinka Tabakova and Richard Harvey. The orchestra’s CDs include world premiere recordings on the NAXOS, Orchid Classics and OUR Recordings labels with Michala Petri, Dame Evelyn Glennie and bandoneón/piano duo Binelli-Ferman. CCOHK’s passion for building young audiences for music has inspired the creation of several award-winning productions and musicals. Credits include Magnificent Mozart, The Star Bach, The Bonn Man, Haydn & The Prince, Bug Symphony (winner of the Public Choice Award at the YAMawards in Portugal 2017), WILD (The Musical) (winner of the Public Choice Award at the YAMawards in Belgium 2022) and Shark Symphony. In 2023 CCOHK garnered five-star reviews for the London premiere of WILD (The Musical), and in the same year was voted into RTHK Radio 4’s Top Ten Music Headlines. Armenian French piano virtuoso Vahan Mardirossian serves as chief conductor (since 2019), succeeding French conductor Jean Thorel (2008 to 2016). CCOHK is currently a Venue Partner of Tsuen Wan Town Hall (since 2026) and the recipient of HKADC’s Eminent Arts Group Scheme (since 2024).

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Successful debut of International Symposium on Emergency Response and Aeromedical Services in Hong Kong

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HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 20 June 2026 – Hong Kong’s Government Flying Service (GFS) held its inaugural three-day International Symposium on Emergency Response and Aeromedical Services (ISERAS) (June 16-18), bringing together more than 230 policymakers, experts and academics, and industry representatives from over 70 institutions and accredited organisations.

With participants from places including Hong Kong, the Chinese Mainland, Australia, the United Kingdom, Austria, Indonesia, Singapore and Thailand, the event aimed to foster closer co-operation in emergency linkage, resource sharing, and professional training among different regions.

The inaugural International Symposium on Emergency Response and Aeromedical Services was held in Hong Kong from June 16 to 18. Photo shows the Under Secretary for Security of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government, Michael Cheuk (fifth left); the Director General of the Rescue and Salvage Bureau of the Ministry of Transport of the People’s Republic of China, Wang Lei (fifth right); the Controller of the Government Flying Services of the HKSAR Government, Captain Eddie Liu (fourth right), and other guests at the opening ceremony.

The symposium featured a series of plenary sessions, panel discussions, technical visits, and live demonstrations jointly conducted by the GFS and various government emergency units. A number of memoranda of understanding were signed during the event, to deepen collaboration between the GFS and the Chinese Mainland as well as domestic and international emergency, aviation, and medical institutions.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, the Under Secretary for Security, Michael Cheuk, said that the challenges of emergency response as a result of the realities of climate change are evolving at an unprecedented pace.

“A shift to proactive prevention, continuous enhancement of international and cross-regional collaboration, and enhanced experience and insight sharing among stakeholders are key to rising to new and complex challenges,” Mr Cheuk said, adding that the collaborative spirit of ISERAS will forge stronger partnerships, further strengthen emergency response capabilities, and secure a safer future for communities.

The Director General of the Rescue and Salvage Bureau of the Ministry of Transport of the People’s Republic of China (CRS), Wang Lei, also attended the symposium and delivered a keynote presentation on air rescue capabilities and strategic development in the South China Sea.

The symposium concluded with an interdepartmental counter-terrorism drill and exchange session, with the participation of the GFS, the Hong Kong Police Force and the Hong Kong Fire Services Department, showcasing Hong Kong’s professional capabilities in responding to terrorist attacks.

The symposium concluded with an interdepartmental counter-terrorism drill.
The symposium concluded with an interdepartmental counter-terrorism drill.

The Controller of the GFS, Captain Eddie Liu, said that the GFS has always played an important role in emergency response and rescue. “In addition to assisting in search and rescue, providing air ambulance and other emergency aeromedical services, the GFS also shoulders the responsibility of maintaining internal security of the HKSAR,” he said.

“In emergencies such as terrorist attacks, the GFS would make rapid deployment to assist the disciplined services in conducting air assault, offering all-round support to the HKSAR Government’s overall counter-terrorism efforts.”

Since its establishment in 1993, the GFS has served at the forefront of round-the-clock search-and-rescue and emergency aeromedical operations, while the ISERAS aims to collectively build a truly transnational pool of professional expertise, thereby underscoring Hong Kong’s status as an aviation hub for emergency response in Asia.



Hashtag: #HongKong #BrandHongKong #GFS #Emergency #Response #Aeromedical #Symposium





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Swire Coca-Cola HK Refreshes the 2026 Sun Life Hong Kong International Dragon Boat Festival with Giant Festive Installation at the Avenue of Stars

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HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 20 June 2026 – Bringing a refreshing wave to a beloved cultural tradition, Swire Coca-Cola HK has become the Official Beverage Sponsor for the “2026 Sun Life Hong Kong International Dragon Boat Races”, organised by the Hong Kong Tourism Board. Running from 19 June to 1 July, the brand is set to energise athletes, locals, and tourists alike with thirst-quenching beverages and an eye-catching festive photo spot.

Giant Festive Installation at the Avenue of Stars.

Deeply rooted in the city for over six decades, Swire Coca-Cola HK is driven by its brand purpose “to deliver refreshment to the communities we call home” and has proudly been part of many of Hong Kong’s defining moments. From local festivities and cultural events to large-scale sports and tourism experiences, the brand has long connected with the community, dedicated to supporting Hong Kong’s vibrant mega-event economy. Serving as the Official Beverage Sponsor of the event this year represents another milestone in its mission to share joy and create unforgettable summer memories.

Festive Photo Spot: Two-Metre Giant Coca-Cola® Bottle on the Avenue of Stars

To amplify the festive spirit, a giant, two-metre-tall Coca-Cola® bottle, accompanied by a dragon boat-themed installation, will land on the Avenue of Stars. Set against the dazzling backdrop of Victoria Harbour, this striking display will be available from 19 June to 1 July, offering the compelling photo spot for the public to capture memorable moments while enjoying the thrilling races.

Festive-Themed Combo Meals: Redeem Limited-Edition Mystery Gifts

Echoing the culinary excitement of the event’s special “Dragon Boat Food Lane”, Swire Coca-Cola HK is partnering with designated kiosks and stalls along the Avenue of Stars to launch festive-themed combo meals. During the race days on 27 and 28 June, consumers who purchase a designated meal set featuring Swire Coca-Cola HK products, or buy two or more selected Swire Coca-Cola HK products, will receive a redemption voucher. This voucher can be used to redeem the brand’s mystery gift at the redemption counter at specified timeslots, available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Boosting Energy and Keeping Paddlers Hydrated

Given the intense physical demands of dragon boat racing, the brand is also throwing its full support behind the local and international paddlers. Multiple bonaqua® water stations will be set up across the event venue to ensure over 4,500 athletes stay hydrated. Additionally, electrolytes replenishment drink Aquarius® will be provided to offer a vital energy boost, helping paddlers power through to the finish line.

Paddling Towards a Greener Future

Beyond the excitement of the races, Swire Coca-Cola HK also brings sustainable practices to the celebration. In collaboration with local social enterprise V Cycle, the brand will set up multiple plastic bottle recycling stations during the race days on 27 and 28 June. Collected bottles will be transported to New Life Plastics, Hong Kong’s largest food-grade-ready plastic bottle recycling facility. The recyclables will be processed into recycled PET (rPET) materials and reintroduced into the supply chain to create new bottles. This “bottle-to-bottle” initiative highlights a successful circular economy model by giving recycled plastic a second life, making environmental stewardship a core part of the event experience.

As the “2026 Sun Life Hong Kong International Dragon Boat Festival” unfolds, Swire Coca-Cola HK is excited to celebrate this summer spectacular with the locals and tourists. Through refreshing drinks, interactive fun, and recycling actions, the brand hopes to create lasting memories for all.

Hashtag: #SwireCoca-ColaHK #Dragonboat


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iQOO 15R Named Official Gaming Phone for 2026 Asian Games Esports Qualifiers: Honor of Kings

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The performance-focused smartphone will support tournament-level mobile gameplay with stable performance, responsive controls and sustained power.

DONGGUAN, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 19 June 2026 – iQOO, a smartphone brand built for high-performance mobile gaming experiences, today announced that the iQOO 15R has been named the Official Gaming Phone for the 2026 Asian Games Esports Qualifiers: Honor of Kings.

iQOO

As an official esports title of the Asian Games, Honor of Kings brings together competitive mobile esports players from across the region. Through this partnership, iQOO will support the Qualifiers with a device designed for competitive mobile gaming, reinforcing the brand’s commitment to supporting powerful, stable and immersive experiences for players and fans.

Supporting Tournament-Level Mobile Esports

Competitive mobile esports requires more than peak performance. Players often rely on consistent frame rates, responsive touch control and reliable power throughout extended matches. With the iQOO 15R serving as the Official Gaming Phone for the Qualifiers, iQOO aims to bring its performance-driven technology into a professional tournament setting and support players with a device built for speed, control and sustained gameplay.

Built for Stable, High-Intensity Gameplay

Designed as a performance-focused smartphone, the iQOO 15R is equipped to support the high demands of mobile gaming. Powered by the Snapdragon® 8 Gen 5 Mobile Platform and Monster HyperCore Engine, the device is engineered to help deliver stable frame rates and responsive gameplay during extended sessions.

The Supercomputing Chip Q2 is designed to enhance visual clarity for a more immersive gaming experience, while the Super Touch Control Chip is designed to improve input accuracy and control response. In addition, the advanced cooling system and large-capacity Silicon Anode Battery with fast charging help provide the sustained performance and power required for tournament-level play.
Hashtag: #iQOO

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About iQOO

iQOO, a sub-brand of vivo, differentiates itself in performance and Esports experience. iQOO leverages the research, quality assurance and after-sales service expertise of vivo, and follows the brand ethos of i Quest On and On to push boundaries, innovate boldly and share the excitement of exploring future technology. With products offering Esports-standard capabilities, iQOO aims to become the top choice of consumers who are passionate about performance and gaming.

For more information, please visit .

About Honor of Kings

Developed by TiMi Studio Group, Honor of Kings has become the world’s most-played MOBA. In 2025, the combined MAU of Honor of Kings titles surpassed 260 million. Featuring highly detailed and diverse character and battlefield design plus music created by world renowned composers including Hans Zimmer, Joe Hisaishi, and Howard Shore, Honor of Kings immerses players in a unique and colorful universe. Honor of Kings prides itself on being free to play and fair to win, with success determined by players’ skills and tactics. Honor of Kings is also home to a thriving esports ecosystem supporting competitive play from grassroots amateurs to elite professionals. To learn more about Honor of Kings, follow on , , , , or visit the official of Honor of Kings.

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