I Live in HK EP2 | One man, one violin, one city called home: A French performer's HK journey

I Live in HK

2025.09.08 17:53

On the streets of Hong Kong, there is a silver-haired, blue-eyed man with a quiet smile and a violin case in hand. His name is Chris. He's 65 years old, a street performer from France, and for the past 45 years, he has made a living from music, one note at a time.

Each day, he wheels out an old suitcase—inside, a speaker, a money box, and a hand-painted sign. He bought an instrument but hadn't put it in his violin case six years ago in Tokyo. That's all he needs. That's his world on wheels.

"I taught myself to play the violin," he says. "I started performing on the streets when I was 20. I've played in 41 countries, but love Hong Kong the most."

To Chris, Hong Kong is more than a city—it's a stage, a home, a place where freedom breathes. He performs in over 200 spots across the MTR line, from footbridges to ferry piers, playing over 80 melodies—many from movies, TV shows, and nostalgic ads. His schedule is unbound by time; it follows only his mood and the rhythm of the crowd. Some days, he plays for three or four hours: some days, more.

Chris travels to other countries every year to perform.

He says he loves Hong Kong because it's safe. Because it's free. Because it allows him to live life on his own terms. He travels to other countries every year to perform, but always returns. "Living in Hong Kong," he says, "means I can go anywhere in the world, in any direction."

On this day, he plays by the Tsim Sha Tsui harbourfront. He taps his bow gently on a lamppost, keeping time with his foot, smiling as children dance to his music. Passersby slow down, smile, and drop bills into his case—some stop. Most don't. But in that fleeting moment, something beautiful happens.