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A pioneer of jazzed up classical music, legendary jazz pianist Jacques Loussier will perform in Hong Kong in December.
The concert will start at 8pm, December 6 (Thursday) at the Concert Hall, Hong Kong City Hall. Joining Loussier on stage will be Andre Arpino on drums and Benoit Dunoyer de Segonzac on bass.
Loussier formed "Play Bach Trio" in 1959 with Christian Garros and Pierre Michelot. They fused classical music with jazz to bring about a new style of interpretation of established works. In doing so they incorporated a most important element of jazz music - improvisation. Though it resulted in controversies about Bach interpretations, more than six million albums were sold and 200 sell-out concerts were held around the globe annually.
Famous world-wide for his jazz adaptations of Bach's works, he also played with the greatest variety acts and composed more than 100 scores for television and cinema. In 1978, at the age of 45, he went into early retirement and devoted himself to music research. He was asked to return and perform in 1985, the tercentenary of the birth of Bach. In July, 2000, his session with Bobby McFerrin in the live TV broadcast shown worldwide to commemorate Bach's death was considered one of the Musical highlights of the Bach year.
Loussier's openness to music is also reflected in his studio work. Famous artists from all kinds of musical styles have recorded in his studio in Southern France such as AC/DC, Steve Winwood, Elton John and Pink Floyd. His own compositions have also inspired many contemporary musicians.
"Jazz Up: Jacques Loussier Trio" is presented by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD).
Tickets priced at $150, $300 and $400 are now available at URBTIX outlets, while senior citizens, people with disabilities, full-time students and Comprehensive Social Security Assistance (CSSA) recipients may have 50% off (limited quotas for students and CSSA recipients on a first-come, first-served basis). 10% discount applies to Friends of LCSD performing venues, or a single purchase of the concert with another Jazz Up programme "Carol Kidd" on December 3 (Monday).
For enquiries about the programme, 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 online at www.urbtix.hk.
Ends/Wednesday, October 24, 2007
Issued at HKT 12:57
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