Police Band enthrals visitors to Shanghai Expo
The Police Band took part in the action-packed programme for Hong Kong Week held at Shanghai Expo from October 18 to 22, enthralling visitors with a delightful mix of music and singing.
The band's performance on October 16 as a curtain raiser for Hong Kong Week was equally impressive and well received by spectators. That day, the band marched down Nanjing Road to the beat of pipe, military, and even pop music. Later, it stopped briefly for a rendition of the popular Korean song "Nobody", which also provided ample photo opportunities with the pipers resplendent in their traditional tartan attire.
Stopping at Century Square, the band took to the stage for a 20-minute concert as part of the Style Hong Kong exhibition being held by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council.
The band was delighted with the large turnout of spectators and their enthusiastic reception, waving to the crowd in between musical duties and posing for photos at the start and end of their parade.
A hit at HK Week
At the start of Hong Kong Week on October 18, the "Hong Kong Police Band Spectacular for Expo" was staged at the Expo Park's Celebration Square, featuring a blend of traditional military music, Scottish folk and dance bagpipe music, a drum performance, singing and combined band and pipes potpourri.
The contingent of 48 musicians from the Silver Band and the Pipe Band opened the performance with a spectacular marching display, playing a variety of pieces, which ranged from pop songs to Mainland military music.
The highlight of the performance was an East-West crossover of the traditional Chinese musical work, "Dragons Rising and Tigers Leaping". Joined by drummers and the Silver Band, the band for the first time on the Mainland played this concerto using "paigu", a traditional Chinese drum in a set of five.
Following these strong rhythms was singing of familiar Italian and Putonghua songs.
The band ended its performance with the all-time favourite, "Time to Say Goodbye".
"The song selection exemplifies the diversity of Hong Kong, a melting pot where East meets West," said the Band's Director of Music, Superintendent (SP) James Leung.
"It's an honour for the Police Band to perform at the Shanghai Expo under international spotlight. I hope our performance would promote the image of the Force and make a small contribution to Hong Kong," SP Leung added.
For band member, Police Constable Yeung Man-king, it was a privilege for him to help showcase Hong Kong at the Shanghai Expo and to witness the success of the international event.
Since its formation in 1951, the Police Band has grown from 21 serving officers to a silver band of 60 musicians and a pipe band of 24.
 The Police Band acknowledges a warm
reception in busy Nanjing Road in Shanghai |
 Staging a concert at Expo Park's
Celebration Square |
 Performing at the Style Hong Kong Gala
Dinner |
 The Police Band thrills Shanghai crowds in
the Hong Kong Week Prelude |
 Police drummers and pipers enthral
visitors to Style Hong Kong exhibition |
 The Police Band is a big hit with large
crowds at Shanghai Expo |
 The "Hong Kong Police Band Spectacular for
Expo" is a highlight of Hong Kong Week |
 The Police Band marches down Nanjing Road,
waving to the crowd |