Renowned composer Joseph Koo recognised for contribution to arts

Composer Joseph Koo Ka-fai, best known for the television drama theme tunes he penned in the 1970s and 80s, received the top honour at the Hong Kong Arts Development Awards last night.

The shy 78-year-old was given a huge ovation as he was presented with the Life Achievement Award by Chief Executive Donald Tsang Yam-kuen at the City Hall ceremony.

'You know, I'm not good at talking but I have to say something tonight. I remember in 1984 Donald presented me with an award... If I didn't have you liking my music, I wouldn't have this chance.'

Tsang praised Koo's achievements and contributions to Hong Kong culture and Cantonese music, adding that The Bund of Shanghai was his personal favourite. Koo (left), whose career spans 30 years, told fellow artists in the hall: 'Do what you love the most, not what brings the most cash, then you will succeed.'

The composer's partnership with late lyricist James Wong Jim dominated the local music scene for more than two decades from the 70s. However, Wong's death from cancer in 2004 had a profound effect on Koo.

He had always kept a low profile compared with the flamboyant Wong. In concert, he preferred to leave the talking to his partner. Yet, in his quiet way, Koo was a trailblazer. He was the first local composer to merge Western music theory with Chinese melodies. And by encouraging TVB to use Cantonese in a series theme song for the first time in 1973, he started the Canto-pop craze.