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Praised as "one of China's most famous women" and the only female violinist included in "China's Famous Females" published as part of the 1995 International Women's Congress in Beijing, Jue Yao becomes a well-known Chinese female virtuoso all over the world. The renowned Yao will be staging a violin recital at the Hong Kong City Hall Concert Hall at 8pm on October 6 (Saturday). Yao will feature, with piano accompanist Carol Yu, works by Vitali, Dvorak, Saint-Saens, Bartok, Chen Gang and Sarasate.
Born in Shanghai, Yao first came to prominence at 16 when she won first prize at the Chinese National Violin Competition. After hearing Yao perform in Shanghai in 1982, the director of the San Francisco Conservatory awarded her a full scholarship to study with the conservatory's master teacher, Zaven Melikian. She then continued her studies at New York Juilliard School of Music with Dorothy DeLay. In 1993, she made her New York recital debut before a standing-room only audience at Carnegie's Weill Recital Hall. Since then she started her career and performed with many distinguished orchestras, among them the Central Philharmonic of China, China National Symphony Orchestra, Shanghai Symphony Orchestra, Russian Philharmonic Orchestra, Prague Chamber Orchestra, Suk Chamber Orchestra, Brooklyn Philharmonic and the Honolulu Symphony, etc. Yao also made numerous appearances on radio and television in China, Taiwan and the United States, including live nationally telecast concerts.
Yao's ever-expanding discography includes many classic works of the Chinese repertoire. Among these is her best-selling CD of the "Butterfly Lovers Violin Concerto" with the Shanghai Symphony Orchestra. Other recordings of western music, including the violin works of Hector Villa-Lobos, have won her widespread critical acclaim.
Born in Hong Kong, Carol Yu received scholarships from various parties to study at the Royal Academy of Music in London. Following her debut recital at the Purcell Room (London) in 1990, Yu now leads an active performing career throughout Europe and Asia.
Presented by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department, tickets priced at $120, $80 and $50 are now available at all URBTIX outlets. Half price concessions will be granted to senior citizens, people with disabilities, full-time students and Comprehensive Social Security Assistant Recipients (Limited student and CSSA tickets are available on a first-come first-served basis). A 10% discount is also available for Friends of LCSD performing venues.
Programme enquiries can be made on 2734 2935 while ticketing enquiries and reservation on 2734 9009.
End/Thursday, September 6, 2001
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