Culture
Sónar so good
The Catalan city’s famed music festival goes east.
Barcelona’s pioneering electronic music export Sónar makes its debut in Hong Kong today as the festival kicks off with a headlining performance by DJ Shadow, along with sets by local electronic acts Ocean Lam and Choi Sai Ho. This is not Sónar’s first foray into Asia – it’s previously pitched up in Tokyo and Seoul. Both Barcelona and Hong Kong move to a similar beat, according to Barcelona’s deputy mayor for culture Jaume Collboni: “Barcelona is a gateway city as is Hong Kong,” he said, touting a shared spirit of innovation, technology and creativity. Curiously, the event is happening in the Hong Kong Science Park, a buttoned-down campus for business and innovation that’s a far cry from the more obvious harbour-front location in the centre of town. But, hey, this is a festival that prides itself on experimentation.