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Stage icon donates award cash to beloved orchestra to help spread Chinese culture

Stage and screen veteran Liza Wang Ming-chuen received the Montblanc de la Culture Arts Patronage Award on Monday night from Wolff Heinrichsdorff, Montblanc International managing director (above). Bestowed annually in 10 countries, the prize is a gold fountain pen and Euro15,000 (HK$158,700) to be donate to a cultural organisation. With Wang's long affiliation with Cantonese opera and traditional performing arts, it was seen as fitting that she chose the Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra. 'The orchestra, made up of 85 professionals, was established in 1977. Knowing them well and having co-operated with them in a number of concerts, I admire their professionalism and passion for Chinese music,' she said in her acceptance speech. 'Our chief executive said he had to get the job done. When I first entered show business 40 years ago, I also set the target of getting the job done. I kept to my motto of seeking improvements every day.'

The seasoned performer then belted out a few nostalgic songs accompanied by the recipient orchestra, to rousing applause at the Hong Kong InterContinental ballroom.

'This award is a great encouragement to me in my work,' Wang said afterwards. 'I know I'm not young anymore but I still have hopes of fostering Chinese culture in other countries.'

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