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The Wu Tunes Folk Orchestra of Suzhou will make its Hong Kong debut in May to perform a series of "Sunan (southern part of Suzhou) chuida (blow and hit)" repertoire.
The concert, "Wu Tunes - The Exquisite Sounds of Suzhou", to be held at 8pm on May 26 and 27 (Wednesday and Thursday) at the Studio Theatre, Hong Kong Cultural Centre, will feature some of the most rarely heard pieces representative of "Jiangnan Sizhu", "Shifan Luogu", "Shifangu" and "Taoist music".
Since its foundation in 1984 on the basis of the ensemble of the Suzhou Kunqu Theatre of Jiangsu Province, the Wu Tunes Folk Orchestra of Suzhou has been dedicated to the collation and compilation of folk music in the area. It follows the tradition of Sunan music in performance, making the group a fine exponent of the musical characteristics and features of the region. The troupe has performed in the United States, Italy, Singapore, Japan, Korea and Taiwan.
Suzhou has been the most affluent city of China's southern region since the Ming and Qing dynasties. The musical legacy is as rich as ever, forming a central part of Chinese traditional music.
"Wu Tunes - The Exquisite Sounds of Suzhou" is one of the programmes in "Ancient Vernacular Music - Traditional Regional Music of China" series presented by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department.
Tickets at $150 are available at URBTIX outlets. Half-price tickets are available for senior citizens, people with disabilities, full-time students and Comprehensive Social Security Assistance recipients. A 10% discount applies to Friends of LCSD performing venues and a single purchase of standard tickets for "Wu Tunes - The Exquisite Sounds of Suzhou" and "The Jade Emperor Holds Court and Ancient Operatic Tunes in the Cantonese Vernacular".
For programme enquiries and details of the associated events call 2268 7321 or visit www.lcsd.gov.hk/cp. Ticketing enquiries and reservations can be made on 2734 9009 and credit card telephone bookings on 2111 5999. Tickets can also be booked through www.urbtix.gov.hk.
Ends/Wednesday, May 5, 2004
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