Cover Pansy Ho and Charles Yang at the HKAPA's annual gala on December 7 (Photo: courtesy of the HKAPA)
Pansy Ho and Charles Yang at the HKAPA's annual gala on December 7 (Photo: courtesy of the HKAPA)
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Members of the Tatler community came out in full swing for The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts’ fundraiser ball that took place inside Lyric Theatre on December 7
The Academy Ball 2024 was a resounding success—held on December 7 at the Lyric Theatre at The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts (HKAPA), the event was organised by The Society of the Academy for Performing Arts (SAPA) and marked two significant milestones: the 40th anniversary of the HKAPA and the 35th Anniversary of SAPA. Sponsored by the Phoenix Yuen Foundation and jewellery brand Boghossian, the ball raised funds for student scholarships and the HKAPA’s continued development.
Themed Voyage, the evening celebrated the remarkable journeys of HKAPA’s students past and present . The event also highlighted its status as a leading institution in Hong Kong and its partnership with SAPA. The latter contributes to the development of the HKAPA through the generosity of individuals and companies; it has raised over HK$100 million in scholarship donations since its inception in 1989, benefiting more than 1,500 students.
Vivian Sum, Charles Yang, Charmaine Ho and Jonathan Cheung
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Co-chaired by Michelle Cheng-Chan and Candy Chuang, the ball was attended by 250 guests. Notable names included Regina Leung, honorary patron emeritus of SAPA and Gillian Choa, HKAPA’s director. Other guests included Winnie Chiu, Moses Tsang and Melissa Fok.
The evening commenced with an electrifying performance by Ronald Kwok and students from the HKAPA’s School of Drama, who performed excerpts from iconic musicals including Grease and West Side Story. The stage was adorned with silhouettes of global landmarks, creating a stunning backdrop. Later, Boghossian dazzled the crowd with a glamorous catwalk show, with exquisite high jewellery pieces showcased by key Tatler community members like Alison Chan El Azar, Feiping Chang, Eleanor Lam, Fiona McLeish and Melinda Zeman. A highlight of the event was a charity auction led by auctioneer Jin Ling, which featured five exclusive lots—think Boghossian high jewellery and a unique experience with Hong Kong’s giant pandas at Ocean Park.
As the evening drew to a close, it was clear that Voyage was not just a celebration, but also a testament to the enduring legacy of HKAPA and its work nurturing future generations of performing arts enthusiasts all over Hong Kong.
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Credits
Photography: Courtesy of HKAPA
As Content Director at Tatler Hong Kong, Tara shapes the brand's editorial vision across social, digital and print. She also drives the planning and execution of Tatler's flagship IPs. In her dual role as Head of VIP, she reports on Asia's most influential figures — from CEOs and leaders across business, style and the arts — curates star-studded events, and builds the relationships and communities that define the brand. Born and raised in the Middle East, she honed her craft in Dubai, crafting communication strategies for luxury brands across the Gulf. Follow her on Instagram @tarasobti.
