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"...the musical spirit at the Cathedral...virtuosity...an extreme musicality, right tempo balance as well as a brilliant and enchanting rhythmic solidity." - Nice Matin.

The Italian organist Roberto Bertero will meet music lovers in his recital to be held at 8pm January 19, 2002 (Saturday) at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre Concert Hall. During the recital, Bertero will feature some everlasting works from various composers, like Bartok's "Sonatina", gems of the seventeenth century "Hongroise - Italienne Saltrelle - La Courante du Roy", Langlais' "Salve Regina" and "Notre Dieu est une puissante forteresse", Mozart's "Requiem and Fugue" (from Requiem, K. 626), Bach's "Kyrie, Gott heiliger Geist, BWV 671", Cochereau's "Fugue" (from Triptique Symphonique) and "Gigue" (from Suite de danses), Spohr's "Fantasia for the Harp, Op. 35", Dupre's "Variation sur un Noel, Op. 20", "In Quiet Joy", "O Gracious God" and "Unto Thee I Cry, O Lord Jesus", Scarlatti's "Sonata in E", Bourgeois' "Serenade for Organ, Op. 22" and Vierne's "Finale" (from Symphony No. 4, Op. 32).

A winner of the "Marco d'Arola" Prize at the International Organ Competition at the Pontifical Institute of Sacred Music in Rome, Roberto Bertero was graduated with honours in Organ and Compositions from the Giuseppe Verdi Conservatory of Turin. He has also studied with Jean Guillou at the International Academy of Organ Interpretation & Improvisation, Zurich. Since 1994, Bertero is a soloist and organ professor with the National Symphonic Orchestra R.A.I., giving concerts under the baton of Lorin Maazel, Neeme Jarvi, Jeffrey Tate, Mikhail Pletnev and Gennedi Rozhdestvensij. He has been giving concerts worldwide, appearing in such venues as the Konzerthaus in Berlin, St. Paul's Cathedral in London and La Madeleine in Paris. He has made several recordings, including Gershwin's "Rhapsody in Blue".

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.

In addition, a VIP Box and Lounge is also available for private gathering while enjoying the performance. The patrons who have bought the package of VIP Box and Lounge can enjoy their own receptions and entertainment at the Lounge in private. Interested parties of the above packages are advised to check the details at 2734 2929.

Programme enquiries can be made on 2770 2786 or website http://www.lcsd.gov.hk/cp while ticketing enquiries and reservation on 2734 9009.

End/Wednesday, December 19, 2001

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