ELEMENTS is set to become the epicenter of a historic musical celebration during this year’s French May Arts Festival. On May 5th, the renowned mall will host an ambitious Guinness World Record™ attempt for the “Most Musicians to Play The Same Piano in Relay.” More than 100 professional and amateur pianists will take turns performing Erik Satie’s mysterious masterpiece Vexations — played 840 consecutive times — in a captivating piano marathon.
Beginning at 7 a.m., the event will see ELEMENTS transformed into a vibrant cultural stage for over 14 hours. A dynamic lineup of local pianists will interpret Satie’s minimalist composition, delivering an uninterrupted musical relay that honors the legacy of the avant-garde French composer while striving for a place in world record history.
The record-breaking attempt is being organized in partnership with the French May Arts Festival and the International Association of Collaborative Musicians (IACM). Over 160 pianists will participate in the marathon, including prominent figures such as veteran pianist Raymond Young, esteemed educator Julie Kuok, and Amelia Chan, concertmaster of the City Chamber Orchestra of Hong Kong. They will be joined by Schubert International Piano Competition winner Shum Kinwai, young talents from the Metropolitan Youth Orchestra of Hong Kong, and music students and teachers from across the city.
Composed in 1893, Vexations is widely regarded as one of Erik Satie’s most thought-provoking pieces. The composition consists of a single page of music with a puzzling instruction: “It is necessary to repeat this theme 840 times to grasp its true meaning.” This peculiar direction has made the piece a symbol of endurance and introspection, offering a powerful meditation on repetition and time.
To elevate the atmosphere of the event, ELEMENTS will also provide an array of French-inspired culinary delights in collaboration with its premium dining partners. Visitors can enjoy complimentary pastries and exclusive offerings from Le Salon de Thé de Joël Robuchon, including their famous macarons and dining coupons. La Maison du Chocolat will treat attendees to their signature cookies and financiers, while ANJU Modern Korean and CAFE DECO PIZZERIA will offer special buy-one-get-one-free deals on select French wines. Guests who follow @elementshk on Instagram will be treated to additional sweet surprises, enhancing the sensory experience.
This unprecedented piano relay promises a harmonious fusion of music, art, community, and cuisine — a celebration worthy of the French May Arts Festival’s rich cultural tradition.
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