As one of Hong Kong’s most successful entertainment industries, Cantopop’s impact around the globe was profound, especially during its height from the 1980s to the early 2000s, when legendary performers such as Anita Mui, Alan Tam, Sam Hui, and Leslie Cheung moved the needle in pop culture. Who could forget the excitement and adoration that the Four Heavenly Kings – Andy Lau, Aaron Kwok, Leon Lai, and Jacky Cheung – drummed up during this period of time? And is a late-night karaoke session even a fulfilling one if you’re not queueing up some Eason Chan and Faye Wong tunes?
If you’re in the mood for a walk down memory lane, there’s a new Cantopop-dedicated exhibition happening at the Hong Kong Design Institute (HKDI) that’s designed to scratch that itch. Presented in collaboration with Bang & Olufsen and the Hong Kong Institute of Professional Photographers, ‘Recreated Classics: The Music Golden Age in Sound and Frame’ is a nostalgic celebration of Cantopop through visual and audio experiences.
Running until November 12, this unique exhibition features the works of five distinguished photographers – Jonny Koo, Sam Wong, Cheung Man Wah, Cambo Wong, and Franklin Lau – who captured this vibrant music industry during its heyday, so it’s sure to dredge up some sentimental feelings. Visitors can embark on a multi-sensory journey through the golden age of Cantopop through visual showcases of rare album cover drafts and copies of original film images depicting some of the biggest stars and most popular singers in Cantopop, juxtaposed against the modern works of HKDI students as they present creative reinterpretations of classic album art.
After you’ve feasted your eyes, it’s time to treat the ears at the ‘Sound & Frame’ zone of the exhibition, where Bang & Olufsen has set up listening stations to allow guests to bop along to chart-topping hits while viewing the music’s corresponding album covers. Bang & Olufsen is also celebrating its centennial, so expect to see a curated showcase of the brand’s iconic audio equipment from decades past, from analogue to digital.
Whether you’re looking to reconnect with the melodies that shaped your youth or simply learn more about the rich history of Cantopop when the genre ruled the airwaves, here’s an opportunity to experience some music magic. Best of all, the exhibition is free!
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