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

Few violinists can touch Midori's technical virtuosity, dramatic flair and artistic intelligence, so writes the San Francisco Chronicle.

Such high praise should make the violin recital to be given by Midori on December 23 (Wednesday) in the Hong Kong Cultural Centre Concert Hall a must for any music lovers. The celebrated concert is part of the "Encore Series" organized annually by the Provisional Urban Council and a "Spotlight Hong Kong" event supported by the Hong Kong Tourist Association.

Midori will perform Schnittke's "Suite in the Old Style" and sonatas by Bartok, Debussy and Franck. She will be accompanied by her long-time collaborator, pianist Robert McDonald, who has distinguished himself as a recitalist, chamber musician and soloist with orchestras throughout the U.S.

Born in Osaka, Japan, in 1971, Midori began studying the violin with her mother at a very early age. In 1982, when Zubin Mehta first heard her play, he was so impressed that he invited her to be a surprise guest soloist on the New York Philharmonic's traditional New Year's eve concert, in which she received a standing ovation and the impetus to a major career.

Since her London debut with the London Symphony Orchestra ten years ago, Midori has appeared with such world class orchestras as the Boston Symphony, the Cleveland Orchestra, the Los Angeles Philharmonic, the Berlin Philharmonic, the Orchestre de Paris, the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra and the Vienna Philharmonic.

She has also worked with eminent artists including Claudio Abbado, Vladimir Ashkenazy, Daniel Barenboim, Leonard Bernstein, Yo-Yo Ma, Andre Previn, Isaac Stern and Mstislav Rostropovich.

The Japanese Government lauded her the Best Artist of the Year in 1988, and she has been given Japan's Crystal Award for her contribution to the arts. Other honours she has received include also the prestigious Suntory Hall Award in 1994.

Midori currently lives in New York City and plays two notable instruments, the 1722 "Jupiter" Stradivarius and the 1735 Guarnerius del Gesu "ex-David."

Tickets for the single performance at $400, $300, $220 and $160 are now available at all URBTIX outlets. Senior citizens, people with disabilities and full-time students are entitled to half-price concession. There is a 10 per cent discount for each purchase of four or more tickets.

Reservation can be made at 2734 9009. Pogramme enquiries can be directed to 2734 2925.

End/Monday, December 14, 1998

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