*********************************************************

The China Philharmonic Orchestra, led by Lim Kek-han, will perform with renowned local soprano Vivian Chan and guest conductor Vincent Liauw in a concert next month (March).

Under the baton of its Music Director and Principal Conductor, Lim Kek-han, the orchestra will perform Li Huanzhi's "Spring Festival Overture", Schubert's "Symphony No. 5 in B-flat, D. 485" and Tchaikovsky's "Capriccio Italien, Op. 45" and will collaborate with soprano Vivian Chan to feature J. Strauss II's "Laughing Song" (from Die Fledermaus), Offenbach's "Les oiseaux dans la charmille" (from The Tales of Hoffmann) and Rossini's "Una voce poco fa" (from The Barber of Seville). Another highlight will be Paganini's "Violin Concerto No. 1 in D, Op. 6" with Lim Kek-han as violin soloist and Vincent Liauw as guest conductor.

Founded by Lim Kek-han in 1977, the Lim Kek Han Philharmonic Orchestra was renamed the China Philharmonic Orchestra in 1997. It has held a number of concerts over the years and brought music of different kinds, including Western and Chinese works, to the audience. Famous soloists and guest conductors have been invited from China and overseas to perform with the orchestra.

Chan, one of the most active local sopranos in recent years, first received vocal lessons from Chen Leh and continued her studies under renowned vocalists Chiu Shaochiu and Lola Young. She has been frequently invited to perform as a soloist in concerts throughout Mainland China, Hong Kong and Macau. Chan is currently the director and conductor of the Boheme Children's Choir.

Presented by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department, the concert will be staged at 8pm on March 5 (Saturday) at the Auditorium, Shatin Town Hall. Tickets priced at $120, $90, $60 will be available from February 5at all URBTIX outlets. Half-price concessions will be granted to senior citizens, people with disabilities, full-time students and Comprehensive Social Security Assistance recipients (Limited tickets for students and CSSA recipients available on a first-come, first-served basis). A 10% discount applies to Friends of LCSD performing venues.

For programme enquiries, call 2268 7321; for ticketing enquiries and reservations, call 2734 9009; for credit card telephone booking, call 2111 5999; for internet bookings, visit www.urbtix.hk; for more information, visit www.lcsd.gov.hk/cp.

Box seats and lounge packages are available for the performance. Please call 2268 7232 for details.

Ends/Wednesday, February 2, 2005

NNNN