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The Windpipe Chinese Ensemble will next month (September) give two concerts themed "Romancing the Moon", to celebrate the mid-autumn festival.
To the Chinese, the festival is a time for reunion, as represented by the moon in its full glory. It is the most important traditional Chinese festival next to the Lunar New Year. With its many romantic associations, the moon has a special place in the hearts of Chinese. Writers and poets have penned paeans to it and many lyrical tunes have been inspired by the moon.
Featuring traditional tunes with the theme of "moon", the concert will be held at 8pm on September 6 (Saturday) at the Theatre, Ngau Chi Wan Civic Centre (NCWCC), and at 3pm on September 7 (Sunday) at the Auditorium, North District Town Hall (NDTH).
Under the baton of conductor Ho Man-chuen, the ensemble will perform classic works, including "Blooming Flowers and Full Moon", "Colourful Clouds Chasing the Moon", "Halfmoon Serenade", "Reflection of the Moon on Erquan Spring", as well as the Hong Kong premiere of "Romancing the Moon" (commission work by Hui Cheung-wai) and "Moonlight on the Spring River".
Founded in 2003, the Windpipe Chinese Ensemble promotes Chinese music culture to local audience. Apart from researching and studying traditional Chinese folk music, it also dedicates to the development of modern Chinese ensemble music. The ensemble is made up of music graduates from various institutes and former participants of courses organised by the Music Office, and has a wealth of performing experience in Hong Kong and overseas.
The ensemble holds regular music activities such as talks, master classes and concert series featuring different types of instruments performed by Chinese virtuosi and young musicians from Hong Kong. It introduces traditional and modern works in the Chinese music repertoire, and original compositions by local composers, to the public.
"Romancing the Moon" is presented by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department.
Tickets priced at $70 and $100 (for NCWCC) and $60 and $90 (for NDTH) are now available at URBTIX outlets. Senior citizens aged 60 or above, people with disabilities, full-time students and Comprehensive Social Security Assistance recipients may have 50% off (limited quotas for students and CSSA recipients on a first-come, first-served basis). A maximum discount of 20% is offered for various booking schemes. Please refer to the programme leaflets for details.
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/Thursday, August 7, 2008
Issued at HKT 11:33
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