Yat Po Singers' musical production Rock Hard was staged at the Shanghai Grand Theatre tonight as the curtain raiser of a spectacular performing and visual arts programme for Expo 2010 Shanghai China.

Director of Leisure & Cultural Services Betty Fung said Hong Kong's participation signifies a big step forward in the co-operation between Hong Kong and Shanghai in culture and arts.

"I hope this fruitful co-operation and cultural exchange will continue, not only in Shanghai, but also in other provinces and cities," she said.

Rock Hard, an a cappella theatre production, premiered in 2008 at the Hong Kong New Vision Arts Festival and won the 2009 Golden Sail Music Award for Best Serious Music Composition.

Stage director and designer Yuri Ng describes it as a crossover of songs and story telling by a group of boy scouts and a solo dancer, played by renowned choreographer Mui Cheuk-yin.

Next on the agenda will be the Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra's concert at the Shanghai Concert Hall on May 15, under the baton of Yan Huichang.