Hennessy Artistry is inspired by the concept of “The Global Art of Mixing,” a philosophy that seeks to blend the best in musical genres and artists, creating experiences that transcend borders and cross traditional music boundaries. This event provides a platform for the world music talents to collaborate and celebrate contemporary music live on stage. For three years now, Hennessy Artistry has promoted “The Global Art of Mixing” in Hong Kong, Taipei, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Beijing, Kuala Lumpur, Hanoi, New York, Los Angeles, Miami, Berlin, London and Moscow.
A small Philippine contingent, led by Moet-Hennessy Philippines business development manager Randy Uson, witnessed Hennessy Artistry in Shanghai with performances by Taiwanese singer-actor-director-producer-composer Jay Chou, five-time Grammy award winner Wyclef Jean, American Alternative Rock artist Krystal Meyers, Chinese singer Mavis Fan and Korean R&B diva Lena Park. Each of the artists had his or her performance followed by joint performances by some of the featured artists. Then dancing started as DJ Tom Price and top female Australian DJ Havana Brown heated up the dance floor at the Pudong Expo. Of course, the Hennessy mixed drinks were overflowing with the simple Hennessy Soda to the more innovative Hennessy Apple. Even the food passed around had something Hennessy in it!
After the concert with around 1,500 invited guests, a VIP party was held at the top floor of the Grand Hyatt Shanghai where our group was able to hobnob with some of the artists. More food and champagne were served as the party lasted until around 2:30 a.m., where some guests braved the biting winter cold to still go to another bar! (As for me, I had to sleep to catch my morning flight the next day...)
Superstar Jay Chou summed up the affair by saying, “I love the concept of ‘mixing’ at the heart of the Hennessy Artistry events because it fits well with my own style and way of creating music. Music is never confined by borders in the first place, and the courage to mix different styles and genres in order to express yourself is exactly how good music is made.”
The show was just that — east meeting west in a cultural experience that is innovative, unique, sophisticated and harmonious. Just like cognac blended from the finest eaux-de-vie to form the elegant and refined taste of Hennessy VSOP.