Credit Suisse partners Hong Kong music and heritage festival

The Musicus Fest, an annual event featuring a combined theme of classical music and heritage since 2013, has engaged Credit Suisse as its "lead partner" to extend its heritage community concert series, which allows local talents to shine alongside international artists.

"The key is the long-term vision we share and I think that's the most important thing because whether it's in their business or in our work, nurturing musicians is all about the long term and not the short term," said Trey Lee, well-known cellist and the event's artistic director.

Tee Fong-seng, market area head in Greater China for private banking at Credit Suisse, said its decision to support arts and culture would help to make "a mark" in Hong Kong.

"As our business grows, we want to get a little more involved in the arts, especially nurturing young talents, and I think it helps our branding because events like this will bring our clients. But we also want to make sure the event will extend to the community," he said.

This year's event, which takes place from November 25 to 29, will benefit from springboard grants under the Arts Capacity Development Funding Scheme operated by the Home Affairs Bureau. The two-year programme offers grants worth HK$3 million for the festival.

"We are very pleased with last year's festival, especially in the way they secured a diversified funding source, which is very important to the sustainable growth and healthy development of small and mid-sized art groups," said the scheme's chief manager, Linus Fung.