Blind musicians, binned library books and other Hong Kong stories you may have missed this week
What you should know that may have flown under the radar
Blind Orchestra players hit right notes in launch ceremony
What’s the story: Hong Kong Blind Orchestra founder Timothy To says the visually impaired have a natural affinity for music, and after just 10 months of preparation, the orchestra – the fifth of its kind in the world – will perform with stars such as Sammi Cheng and Eason Chan.
Why it matters: In an inspirational display of the indomitable human spirit, the blind members of the orchestra, who had no background in music, memorised songs by listening to recordings and learning by ear.
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Library books binned by localist in act of resistance, court told
What’s the story: A Hong Kong localist staged an act of resistance to send a message to others by throwing nine children’s library books into a rubbish bin because they were printed with the simplified characters used in mainland China, a court heard.
Why it matters: National education is a contentious issue amid simmering political and social tensions in the city, especially with claims of the central government’s growing influence, not least in the school curriculum.
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University not only route to high-flying career, school leavers told
What’s the story: Secondary school pupils are urged to consider a career in Hong Kong’s expanding aviation industry as it faces a chronic manpower shortage. Airport officials want to convince school leavers that a new academy offers a compelling alternative to university.
Why it matters: The call comes as thousands of pupils learn how they fared in the Diploma of Secondary Education, a key step to obtaining university entry. With a third runway being constructed, the number of aviation jobs is set to soar.
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How a joint student orchestra project is avoiding Chinese censorship of religious music
What’s the story: Hong Kong will play host to a joint orchestra project with students from across the region aiming to showcase an inclusive culture that is unifying and free of censorship. Seven orchestras from mainland China, Taiwan, Hong Kong and Macau will play at Tsuen Wan Town Hall.
Why it matters: “We have the same roots but our cultures have become different after all these years of separation, and I hope music, being neutral, will be a vehicle to bring our young ones together for a common cause,” an event organiser says.
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Two more police officers jailed over Occupy assault released on bail
What’s the story: Two more Hong Kong police officers who were found guilty of assaulting activist Ken Tsang Kin-chiu during the 2014 Occupy protests have been released on bail as they prepare to appeal against their convictions.
Why it matters: Detective Sergeant Pak Wing-bun, 43, and Constable Chan Siu-tan, 33, are among seven officers jailed for seven years over the beating, prompting an outcry by members of the force and their supporters. Six have been granted bail; a seventh is yet to apply.
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