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Over 80 members of the Hong Kong Youth Symphony Orchestra (HKYSO) today (October 18) performed a rich orchestral repertoire for Hong Kong Week at Expo 2010 Shanghai China (Shanghai Expo).
Today's concert at the Expo Park's Baosteel Stage was a major programme of the orchestra's nine-day Ambassador Visit to Shanghai Expo, which began on October 13.
The free concert was well received by visitors from different parts of the world.
Popular compositions included the "Candide Overture" by Bernstein (USA), "Polonaise de Concert" by Wieniawski (Poland), "Clarinet Concerto No. 1 in F minor, 3rd movement", by Weber (Germany) and "Three Dances" from "The Bartered Bride" by Smetana (Czech Republic).
A local Hong Kong favourite, "Beneath the Lion Rock" was also performed by Hong Kong pop-song maestro Joseph Koo. The orchestra performed under the baton of conductors Mr Ng Ka-ming, Mr Pak Wing-heng and Dr Joseph Kam.
Another highlight of the tour will be a special performance at the opening ceremony of Hong Kong Week on October 20.
During the opening ceremony, the young musicians will share the stage with other leading Hong Kong talents including conductor Joseph Koo, singer Frances Yip, erhu soloist Wong On-yuen and violin soloist Yao Jue.
Conductor Mr Ng Ka-ming noted that the 81-member orchestra comprised young musicians aged between 11 and 25.
He said: "HKYSO has played the role of Hong Kong's music ambassador and completed successful concert tours to different countries such as France, Israel, the UK, the USA and the Mainland.
"Taking on the role of cultural envoy playing for Shanghai Expo audiences this time, we hope to encourage more cultural exchanges between different places.
"To display the distinct and rich style of Hong Kong music, the wide-ranging repertoire performed today was carefully selected."
Hong Kong audiences will be able to enjoy the same repertoire with additional items when the HKYSO performs at its Annual Concert on November 12 (Friday) at Tsuen Wan Town Hall as a conclusion to the Shanghai tour.
During Hong Kong Week for Shanghai Expo from October 18 to 22, there will be a kaleidoscope performances including "Spectacular for Expo" by the Hong Kong Police Band; "Cantonese Opera Performances" by the Hong Kong Children and Juvenile Chinese Opera Troupe; "Swing for All" and "Contemporary Jazz featuring Ted Lo and Eugene Pao" by the Hong Kong Fringe Club; "My China Heart" by Opera Hong Kong; "Generation Singer-Songwriters Concert" by Hong Kong singer-songwriters and "A Soldierˇ¦s Story" by the Hong Kong Sinfonietta.
For full details and ticketing information, please visit the Event Calendar section on Hong Kong's Expo website, www.hkexpo2010.gov.hk .
Ends/Monday, October 18, 2010
Issued at HKT 20:26
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