In a performance appealing to multiple senses, the six-member Chinese Music Virtuosi ensemble from Hong Kong made its Chicago debut at the “Hong Kong at the Fulcrum Point” concert on May 19.

Performing before a full house at the Northwestern University’s Thorne Auditorium, the ensemble appeared alongside the Windy City’s Fulcrum Point New Music Project. The concert, presented under the auspices of the monthlong Hong Kong Comes to Chicago 2009 Festival, offered area music lovers a mélange of inspiring music in the context of exquisite imagery, dynamic dance and the spiritual richness of traditional ritual.

Hong Kong Commissioner for Economic and Trade Affairs, USA Donald Tong said the concert vividly demonstrated how “East meets West,” a phrase popularly used to describe the diversity of Hong Kong.

“Hong Kong, Asia’s world city in its own right, is an open and pluralistic society where people of all nationalities celebrate their own culture, beliefs and pastimes,” he said.

Noting that Hong Kong is at the forefront of development in the Asia-Pacific region, Mr. Tong said the Hong Kong government has earmarked US$2.8 billion to turn a prime, 100-acre harborfront site in West Kowloon into a world-class integrated arts, cultural, entertainment and tourism district.

“When fully commissioned, the West Kowloon Cultural District, as it will be called, will house 15 new performing arts venues of different types, including a Chinese opera venue, two concert halls, two grand theaters and a museum for 20th- and 21st-century art,” Mr. Tong said.

“With the booming economy on the Mainland and in the region, it will trigger a rising demand for cultural, creative and artistic qualities. Hong Kong eyes this as an opportunity to add to our pursuit for excellence.”

The commissioner called on Chicagoans to pay a visit to the territory, where East meets West with a fusion of creativity and dynamism.

Three music pieces had their world premieres at the concert, including two by Hong Kong-based composers that were specially commissioned for this performance: “Semblance of Invisible” by Ng King-pan, which was accompanied by Chicago tai chi master Dong Xiao-fei, and the grand finale, “a bliss: day in, day out” by Aenon Jia-en Loo.

Thodos Dance Chicago soloist Mollie Mock, directed by one of Chicago’s most renowned choreographers, Melissa Thodos, performed to a score by Yi Zhi Shan and a pipa solo by Law Wing-fai.

The festival was hosted by the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, New York and supported in part by the Hong Kong Tourism Board and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council.

The events were held in partnership with the Chicago Commission on Human Relations Advisory Council on Asian Affairs, the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs, the Gene Siskel Film Center and Northwestern University Medill School of Journalism.