Events & Programs

WORLD BEFORE TIME

FIF traveled to the land before time, bringing to Hong Kong an event to celebrate our natural history.

“World Before Time” was held to celebrate FIF’s momentous achievement in bringing to the Hong Kong public for the very first time a complete T-rex fossil. Coinciding with the gala was the premiere of Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom, the highly anticipated sequel to one of the world’s most beloved natural history franchises.

In keeping with FIF’s educational initiative, a set of bilingual children’s book-set “Smile with Fifi!” was published, along with a specially curated educational trail where the public could learn more about the “World Before Time”.

QUATUOR ZAÏDE RECITAL

Quatuor Zaïde and Le French May present “The Magic Flute”.

First Initiative Foundation (FIF) sponsored this classical concert performed by Quatuor Zaïde, which consists of four well-established musicians, first violinist Charlotte Maclet, second violinist Leslie Boulin Raulet, Sarah Chenafon the viola, and finally Juliette Salmona on the cello.

They beautifully performed a couple pieces from Mozart’s opera “The Magic Flute”, creating their own rendition also known as “Re-inventing the Magic Flute”. This highlights the importance of freedom of expression within the confines of Classical music.

FIF also partnered with Le French May and the Education Bureau to present a masterclass with Quatour Zaïde. 

QUATUOR ZAÏDE MASTERCLASS (LE FRENCH MAY)

Quatuor Zaïde, a well-established and distinguished all female string quartet is inspiring students with their very first Masterclass.

Quatuor Zaïde offered a first-class experience instructing two student string quartets to learn directly under their expertise. This unique Masterclass was held at Concert Hall, Hong Kong City Hall in partnership with Le French May and the Hong Kong Education Bureau. They offered a deep insight into the world of classical music while offering their world-class mentorship on their approach to every musical piece. 

After Quatuor Zaïde’s outstanding performance of Haydn String Quartet in F minor, Op 20 No.5, 1st movement, both string quartets, from Diocesan Girls School (DGS) and Bishop Hall Jubilee School (BHJS) played their individual pieces under the guidance of

Quatuor Zaïde gaining immense knowledge on how to play at a

world-class level.

MEET THE T.REX

In the summer of 2018, First Initiative Foundation (FIF) and IFC mall presented “Meet the T-Rex”, Hong Kong’s first encounter with a real T.rex skeleton.

The exhibition features a full-size T.rex skeleton, a T.rex thigh bone that can be touched, a section of an Edmontosaurus spine with a bite mark and a T.rex tooth free to the public from June 7 to 27.

To further the educational outreach of the exhibition, an Adventure Trail consisting of checkpoints filled with dinosaur facts was featured throughout the mall. Videos and AR (Augmented Reality) technology enhanced the experience and encouraged all to get up, get out and explore!

Visitors were able to pick up a complimentary Adventure Passport and collect stamps at each of the six checkpoints. Once all six stamps have been collected, visitors could redeem a small gift at the end point where there was a pop-up store.

Our pop-up merchandise included a bilingual children’s book-set "Smile with Fifi!” illustrated by Hong Kong illustrator Jeanie Leung containing a meaningful and positive message to our young readers, in addition to “Fifi and Friends”, an educational activity book.

Through simple text and illustrations, children can learn about these ancient creatures and use the range of activities as a chance to grow their love for science and discovery. FIF’s specially created soft toy Fifi the T. rex and dinosaur t-shirts for explorers were sold at our pop-up store. All proceeds from the pop-up store were donated to FIF, and raised support for uplifting the communities of Hong Kong.

The Art of Music

Chairman Michelle Ong creates a memorable evening of art and music at Tai Kwun, featuring Milan's Brera Picture Gallery and renowned pianist Clive Britton. 

On December 1st the First Initiative Foundation (FIF) will celebrate their charitable initiative "The Art of Music". In keeping with FIF's focus on community outreach, heritage and cultural enhancement, the special event will be presented at and hosted in conjunction with Tai Kwun‎ on Hollywood Road.

This charitable evening will be highlighted by a memorable recital by the internationally renowned pianist Clive Britton as he plays Hungarian composer Franz Liszt’s 2nd Year of Pilgrimage - Italy in front of Raphael’s 1504 Sposalizio della Vergine (The Marriage of the Virgin), the Renaissance era masterpiece painting that inspired the composer on his first visit to Brera in 1837. Projected images of the inspirational artwork will enhance and accompany the music, making this an unforgettable experience for all who attend.

The performance itself will also be livestreamed to the public area outside the venue for all to enjoy.

A celebration dinner at Aqua Group’s exciting new Tai Kwun restaurant The Chinese Library for FIF patrons and friends will precede the recital, which will be kicked off with a Lighting Ceremony on the Parade Ground. Honoured guests will join Michelle Ong for the ceremony, including Mr. Henry Tang, Mr. Peter Lam, Mr. Timothy Fok, Mr. Leon Ko, Mr. Stephen Ip and First Initiative Foundation's new Artist in Support Mr. Juno Mak.

The Foundation has prepared a special light art installation in collaboration with local curator Karen Chan to sparkle on the evening at the Tai Kwun Parade Ground for public viewing, furthering FIF's already substantial art outreach. 

SHAPING THE HUMAN BODY:

FLORENTINE SCULPTURE OF THE ITALIAN RENAISSANCE

A journey from the renaissance to the gothic periods, "Shaping the Human Body: Florentine Sculpture of the Italian Renaissance" highlights intricate pieces ranging from the 14th to the 16th century.

First Initiative Foundation (FIF) sponsored this 3-month exhibition at the University Museum and Art Gallery at Hong Kong University. The Giovanni Bellini exhibition offered free admission to the general public, which showcased eight traditional sculptures and two Gothic sculptures from the Bellini collection in Florence, featuring artists such as Pacio Bertini and Donatello.