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The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in New York (HKETO) took Chinese music to two Chicago public schools with the Windpipe Chinese Ensemble (Windpipe) from Hong Kong. The educational programmes are part of the Windpipe's United States debut tour, which was organised by the HKETO.
Through initiatives of the HKETO, the nine members of the Windpipe arrived in Chicago on February 22 where two educational programmes were arranged. The first was at the Alexander Graham Bell School on February 23 and the second at the Alexandre Dumas Elementary School on February 24.
At both schools, about 500 students, teachers and school staff attended the demonstrations and performances. Members of the Windpipe played traditional Chinese instruments such as the Sheng, Yangqin, Zhonghu, Yehu and Dizi. They explained the acoustic theory of each instrument and demonstrated how it sounded like by playing a few measures of music. The ensemble then performed some traditional Chinese music.
Both demonstrations met with an enthusiastic response from the students who asked a lot of questions and expressed interest in hearing more Chinese music in the future.
"The Windpipe performances in Chicago is an amalgamation of East meets West that is truly a reflection of Hong Kong as a city rich in mixed culture and traditions, a legacy inherited from our colourful past," Director of the HKETO, Ms Monica Chen, said yesterday (February 24, Chicago time).
"Not content with its world-renowned status as an international financial centre, Hong Kong is now experiencing an exciting time, as we push ahead with the development of a cultural district, named West Kowloon Cultural District (WKCD).
"Located on a 40-hectare prime site on Victoria Harbour front - larger than the Millennium Park in Chicago - the WKCD will be developed into an integrated art and cultural district with world-class facilities, distinguished talent from all over the world, iconic architecture, and quality programmes."
Windpipe will perform in a free concert on February 25 at the Thorne Auditorium of the Northwestern University as part of the annual Spring Reception of the HKETO.
Ends/Thursday, February 25, 2010
Issued at HKT 14:39
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