Mandarin Oriental celebrates 50 fantastic years in Hong Kong

HONG KONG – Mandarin Oriental celebrated the 50th anniversary of its flagship Hong Kong property with a glamorous gala party yesterday.

To celebrate 50 fantastic years, Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong welcomed over 800 celebrities, dignitaries and society guests from Hong Kong and around the world. Celebrities and VIPs included Mandarin Oriental fans Dame Helen Mirren, Maggie Cheung, Bryan Ferry, Vivienne Tam, Karen Mok, Mary McCartney, Frederick Forsyth, Caterina Murino, Darcey Bussell, and Sir David Tang. Notable guests from Hong Kong included Moses Chan, Aimee Chan, Hins Cheung, Michelle Wai, Kathy Chou, Ankie Beilke, Pansy Ho, Simon and Daisy Ho, Maisy Ho, Yvette Yuen, Ming Ho and Louisa Cheng, to name a few. Overseas guests included George Osborne, Boris Johnson, Olivier Krug and Pierre Gagnaire.

The magnificent evening began with a star-studded red carpet arrival in front of the hotel, which drew a stellar crowd. Guests were welcomed by Edouard Ettedgui, the Group’s Chief Executive, Jonas Schuermann, General Manager/Area Vice President, Operations and hotel colleagues. An extraordinary outdoor spectacle, fusing history, design and technology – three elements for which the Group is renowned – then took place. A three-dimensional projection over the facade of the property traced the hotel’s history and beginnings in 1963 and the subsequent development of the Group into the global luxury brand that it is today.

“From our great beginning in 1963, our brand has grown to 45 luxury hotels in major global destinations,” said Edouard Ettedgui, Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group’s Chief Executive. “It is fitting that tonight we pay tribute to our original flagship, our wonderful staff and our loyal guests. The excellent service and attention to detail given by our 850 colleagues each and every day is why this hotel is held in such high regard by so many people around the world.”

Later in the evening, guests were treated to live performances by two of the Group’s celebrity fans, Hong Kong’s very own actress, singer and songwriter Karen Mok and the enigmatic Bryan Ferry. Menus were prepared by talented Executive Chef Uwe Opocensky and his team, and The City Contemporary Dance Company showcased a “Dance of Golden Fans” choreographed by Willy Tsao.

Francois Curiel, President of Christie’s Asia, auctioned off three outstanding prizes raising funds for local charities including Mindset, The Hong Kong Red Cross and Hong Kong Cancer Fund.

“This iconic hotel has long been in the heart and hearts of the Hong Kong people, and we are delighted that so many guests could join us to celebrate this momentous occasion,” said Jonas Schuermann, Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong’s General Manager/Area Vice President, Operations.