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The Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra (HKPO) will team up with four internationally renowned soloists and the Shanghai Opera House Choir in a concert featuring Beethoven's famous Symphony No. 9 for Expo 2010 Shanghai China (Shanghai Expo).
The concert, titled "Bank of Communications brings to you: Hong Kong Phil in Beethoven 9", will be staged on September 4 at the Oriental Concert Hall of the Shanghai Oriental Art Centre. It is a highlight of the HKSAR cultural programme for Shanghai Expo.
Under the baton of its Artistic Director and Chief Conductor Edo de Waart, the HKPO will join soprano Liping Zhang, mezzo-soprano Ning Liang, tenor Warren Mok, bass-baritone Shen Yang and the Shanghai Opera House Choir in a performance of Beethoven's Symphony No. 9. The performance will include the universally celebrated final movement "An die Freude (Ode to Joy)".
Maestro de Waart said Beethoven's Symphony No. 9 is among the most frequently performed symphonies on special occasions around the world and considered one of the best compositions of the Western classical repertoire.
"It is nice that we can visit Shanghai and perform the choral finale in Beethoven 9 that echoes the Expo theme - 'Better City, Better Life'," he said.
"Working with four outstanding soloists and the chorus of the Shanghai Opera for a universal symphony is regarded as a landmark for friendship and excellence."
The concert will also feature a newly commissioned work "Rong" by Hong Kong composer Fung Lam, the youngest Chinese composer to be commissioned by the British Broadcasting Corporation. The 30-year-old Mr Lam has already built an impressive portfolio of wide-ranging works that have been performed around the world.
Gabrieli's two famous works for brass choir - "Canzon: Primi Toni" and "Sonata: Pian'e Forte" - will also be performed as part of the rich programme.
For full programme details and ticketing information, please visit the Event Calendar section on Hong Kong's Expo website, www.hkexpo2010.gov.hk .
"Bank of Communications brings to you: Hong Kong Phil in Beethoven 9"
Date: September 4, 2010
Time: 7.30pm
Venue: Oriental Concert Hall, Shanghai Oriental Art Centre
Length: Approximately 2 hours
Ticket prices: RMB 580, 380, 280, 180, 120, 60, 30 (student)
Ticketing enquiries:
Shanghai Oriental Art Centre (86 21) 6854 1234
Programme enquiries:
Shanghai Oriental Art Centre (86 21) 6854 1234
Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra (852) 2721 2030
Ends/Wednesday, August 4, 2010
Issued at HKT 16:37
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