FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Date: 9/8/2011

Grand Chinese Cultural Performance and Rare Photo Exhibit Commemorate 100th Anniversary of Xin Hai Revolution and Chinese Chamber of Commerce 100th Anniversary in Hawaii

The 100th Anniversary of the Revolution of 1911: Great Changes in the Capital – Beijing debuts September 23-30, at Hawaii State Capitol.

China Central National Performing Art Troupe performs September 24 th at Neal S. Blaisdell Concert Hall.

Honolulu, Hawaii — Hawaii will host the first-ever viewing in the United States of photographs of historical and cultural significance from China depicting the Xin Hai Revolution and the development of New China at a photo exhibition entitled “The 100th Anniversary of the Revolution of 1911: Great Changes in the Capital – Beijing.” The exhibition is free to the public and will run from September 23-30, (Monday – Friday 9:00am to 5:00pm) at the Hawaii State Capitol Chamber Level.

Click images to enlarge

 

Also in recognition of the Xin Hai Centennial and it’s own 100th anniversary in Hawaii, the Chinese Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii is coordinating a special performance by the internationally renowned China Central National Performing Art Troupe. On Saturday, September 24, 7 p.m. at the Neal S. Blaisdell Concert Hall, 35 of China’s top singers, dancers, musicians and Beijing Opera stars, will perform an action packed 2-hour concert. Tickets are $35, $25, and $20 with $5 discounts for Seniors, Active Military and Children under 12. Tickets are on sale now through the Chinese Chamber of Commerce: 808-533-3181 or www.ChineseChamber.com, Blaisdell Box Office or through Ticketmaster www.ticketmaster.com or 1-800-745-3000

The photo exhibit is co-sponsored by the Dr. Sun Yat-sen Hawaii Foundation, in cooperation with the Chinese Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii. Other prominent sponsors include the People’s Government of Beijing Municipality and Consulate-General of the People’s Republic of China in Los Angeles. The organizers are Information Office of Beijing Municipality, Beijing Municipal Archives and Beijing Zhongshan Hall.

The performance is sponsored by the Overseas Chinese Affairs Office of State Council of PRC and China Overseas Exchanges Association and coordinated by 100th Anniversary Chinese Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii Committee.

2011 marks the 100th anniversary of Dr. Sun Yat-sen’s revolution leading to the birth of modern China. In recognition of the influence that Hawaii and its people had on Dr. Sun and his contributions to Hawaii, the Honolulu City Council has declared 2011 the Year of Dr. Sun Yat-sen in Hawaii.

According to Warren K.K. Luke, chairman of the board of Dr. Sun Yat-sen Hawaii Foundation, the exhibition will feature never-before seen photographs in the United States sent by the People’s Republic of China especially for this exhibition. Following its debut at the State Capitol, the exhibit will be transferred to the Hawaii Heritage Center for permanent display.

“This gift to the State of Hawaii will provide a visual history of the Xin Hai Revolution led by Dr. Sun Yat-sen as well as the subsequent evolution of New China and a new capitol in Beijing” Luke said. “Dr. Sun was the father of modern China, and the Dr. Sun Yat-sen Hawaii Foundation is pleased to host this exhibit for the people of Hawaii to learn about China’s past as well as future.”

Luke noted that Dr. Sun spent his formative years in Hawaii, attending both Iolani School and Punahou School. Dr. Sun’s experiences in Hawaii had a major impact on his understanding and appreciation for Western ideas and social action.

“The people of Hawaii played a major role in contributing to Dr. Sun's revolution and the overthrow of the Manchu Dynasty,” Luke said. “Dr. Sun formed his first revolutionary organization in Hawaii and he had many supporters from Hawaii who gave him major financial and moral support. Some of them sacrificed their lives for his cause.”

The mission of The Foundation is to raise the public's awareness of the important historical role Hawaii and its people played not only in the life of Dr. Sun Yat sen, the acknowledged Father of Modern China, but also in the founding of modern China. The Foundation formed as a non-profit in 1997 in Hawaii and researches, chronicles, documents and exhibits the important historical links between Dr. Sun and Hawaii's people and institutions who made many contributions supporting him in his efforts to modernize China.

Much of the Foundation's work can be found on its web site:  http://www.sunyatsenhawaii.org/

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