AARON KWOK DELIVERS SUPERSTAR PERFORMANCE ON OLG STAGE IN NIAGARA FALLS

 

Introduction by the Fête Chinoise team, with reflection from Peter K.C. Ho. 
Images: Mango Productions. All rights reserved. Photograph: Peter K.C. Ho. 

Aaron Kwok in concert, Niagara Falls, Ontario, 2023. Use of images with permission from Mango Productions. All rights reserved. Photograph: Peter K.C. Ho. 

A fter several years of physical distance between Canada and Hong Kong, Toronto fans and followers of Hong Kong pop culture were elated that a household name would be coming to the GTA. Aaron Kwok, known as one of the four iconic “heavenly kings” of canto pop and the one with the best dance moves, was scheduled for a single evening of his trademark sizzling performances last week at the newly renovated OLG stage at Fallsview Casino. The brand new, state-of-the-art theatre was packed full to its 5000 seat capacity on a Monday night, as loyal fans descended to the concert hall to cheer on Kwok who also happens to be the ambassador for this year’s “Hello, Hong Kong” campaign to reconnect the world with the city after years of lockdown during the pandemic. 

Aaron Kwok in concert, Niagara Falls, Ontario, 2023. Use of images with permission from Mango Productions. All rights reserved. Photograph: Peter K.C. Ho. 

Aaron Kwok in concert, Niagara Falls, Ontario, 2023. Use of images with permission from Mango Productions. All rights reserved. Photograph: Peter K.C. Ho. 

Many concert goers commented that it was the best show they had seen in years, some claiming it to be one of his best performances in all the concerts he has done in the Greater Toronto Area. In addition to his multi-decade success on the musical stage, Aaron Kwok is also an acclaimed and well-awarded actor, who has starred in a number of successful Hong Kong films. He is known to be particular about the roles he accepts, having a high standard for his craft and also a commitment to never repeating his roles. His concert night in Niagara was coincidentally the night before the North American premiere of his newest film with co-star Tony Leung, Where the Wind Blows — director Philip Yung’s love letter to Hong Kong. In the span of just a few short days, Aaron brought with him a lot of Hong Kong culture, in both nostalgic memories and current energy… what a great way to connect many generations of the Chinese-Canadian diaspora. 

Aaron Kwok in concert, Niagara Falls, Ontario, 2023. Use of images with permission from Mango Productions. All rights reserved. Photograph: Peter K.C. Ho. 

Aaron Kwok in concert, Niagara Falls, Ontario, 2023. Use of images with permission from Mango Productions. All rights reserved. Photograph: Peter K.C. Ho. 

Photographing Aaron for the evening was renowned artist Peter K.C. Ho, who was representing Mango Productions Canada. He shares with Fête Chinoise some of his own reflections of what the concert symbolized for him: 

“Life is magic. My technically challenging photoshoot at the Aaron Kwok Amazing Kode World Tour 2023 - at the new OLG Stage, Fallsview Casino - was an unprecedented great experience in concert photography.

Known as the “God of Dance”, Aaron’s on stage performance is beautifully influenced by the late Michael Jackson. Throughout this 2 1/2 hours lightning-fast-faced cinematic- feel choreography, I was deeply touched by my admired superstar Aaron Kwok, his magic team and the innovative design of this world class concert.

As a professional photographer who was assigned as the official photographer from the Canadian side (Toronto-based Mango Productions), I treasured every moment to precisely capture the essence of Aaron Kwok’s electrifying performance and the excitement engaged by the audience of all age groups, including myself who has been in Canada for 46 years.

Aaron Kwok in concert, Niagara Falls, Ontario, 2023. Use of images with permission from Mango Productions. All rights reserved. Photograph: Peter K.C. Ho. 

Throughout the years and decades, I was lucky to keep travelling to Hong Kong every year, in fact a total of 3 Hong Kong trips last year, with business engagements as a former financial consultant/advisor in the investment banking industry and presently a professional photographer & visual director. Always love sharing with friends enlightening stories of the two cities: Toronto and Hong Kong where I enjoy the vibes, pulses and energy of cosmopolitan Hong Kong where I was born.

Superstar Aaron Kwok is an iconic man who is in constant pursuit of perfection in his artistic universe. Indeed an admirable role model for us all who reside in Canada, across the Pacific in Hong Kong and worldwide.”

 

Watch our interview with Aaron Kwok

SPonsored by FERRIS WHEEL PRESS


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