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The following is issued on behalf of the Provisional Regional Council:

Widely honoured the "A-Go-Go Queen of Hong Kong" after a talent contest in 1966, Irene Ryder has attracted lots of fans from all over the world in the 1960's and 70's with her charming voice.

The public may get nostalgic with this talented vocalist in a Provisional Regional Council programme -- Irene Ryder in Concert to be held at 8 pm on May 23 at the North District Town Hall; at the Lut Sau Hall in Yuen Long on May 30; and at the Tai Po Civic Centre on May 31.

Golden oldies are a highlight of the programme. They include "Frankie", "You Don't Have to Say You Love Me", "To Sir with Love", "The End of the World", "Kiss Me Honey Honey", "Stupid Cupid", "Seven Lonely Days", "Kowloon Hong Kong" and so on.

The latest great hit "My Heart Will Go On" will also be included. To enhance the romantic mood, there will be live band accompaniment. Meanwhile, Peter Chan has been invited as the guest performer.

Irene Ryder is a Eurasian born in Hong Kong. After the contest in 1966, Irene and her partner were invited to perform in Singapore and Malaysia and promote the dance craze there, doing seven to eight shows a day.

Back in Hong Kong, Irene's singing career thrived. Her first single record with E.M.I. "To Sir With Love" was an instant hit. She became the top singer in the territory after three months' time.

In 1969, she was the only female vocalist chosen to represent Hong Kong at the World Expo '70 in Osaka, Japan.

Her song "Cry Me a River" had won her the honour "The Best Female Vocalist". And with the release of her first and second album, "Irene" and "Solitaire", she again gained the same honour. This went on for five years.

She however had to stop her career as a pop star as a result of a near fatal accident in 1979.

Last year, with the rebuilding of self-confidence and hard work, Irene performed in five concerts in Hong Kong with her good friend, Joe Junior.

Tickets of the concert each priced at $60, 80 or 100 may now be purchased at all URBTIX outlets. Half-price tickets are available for full-time students, senior citizens aged 60 or above and the disabled holding a concessionary card on a-first-come- first-served basis.

For telephone reservation, please call 2734 9009. For enquiries, please call 2671 4400 (North District), 2475 5311 (Yuen Long) and 2665 4477 (Tai Po).

End/Wednesday, May 13, 1998

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