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Three up-and-coming local youth ensembles, namely the Varsity Saxophone Quartet, the Hong Kong Harmonica Association and the Sregnis Singers, will perform at a series of outdoor concerts during Hong Kong Week at the International Horticultural Exposition 2011 Xi'an, China (Expo 2011 Xi'an). The groups will present signature pieces ranging from Western classics to adaptations of Hong Kong and Chinese songs.
The three music programmes, organised by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department, are a highlight of the HKSAR's participation in Expo 2011 Xi'an, which is being held from April to October. The concerts will be held from June 27 to July 1 at the Butterfly Stage in the Expo Park.
The programmes have been selected to complement the main theme of Expo 2011 Xi'an, described by the organiser as "Eternal peace and harmony between nature and mankind, nurturing the future earth - a city for nature, co-existing in peace". The music shows will also connect with the Hong Kong Garden's design theme, entitled "Hong Kong Style and Flavour", and will depict Hong Kong as a metropolitan city with different cultures and connections with Mainland China and a place that provides a platform for local artists to participate in cultural exchanges.
The Varsity Saxophone Quartet will perform the show "Varsity in the Garden" in four concerts to be held from June 27 to 29. The performing group consists of young and talented classical saxophonists professionally trained at the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts. The saxophone quartet will showcase a programme of original compositions and arrangements, including the premiere of "Shaanbei folksong suite", a work commissioned for Expo 2011 Xi'an. The commissioned piece, by local composer Sierra Tse, takes its inspiration from the folk songs of Shaanxi Province and promises a novel experience for the audience.
Members of the acclaimed Hong Kong Harmonica Association have performed in touring concerts in Japan, Germany, Taipei, Hangzhou, Singapore and Shanghai. Fifteen young members from the Association will perform eight concerts entitled "The Unique Charming Harmonica Music from Hong Kong" that will be staged on June 27, 29 and 30 and July 1. The programme will showcase a unique style that features a wide selection of music from the West and the East, ranging from folk tunes to light classics.
Appraised as "the Hong Kong equivalent of the Swingle Singers", the Sregnis Singers is the first a cappella ensemble in Hong Kong. Dedicated to promoting a high standard of ensemble singing in Hong Kong, the group has enriched its repertoire with both Western and Asian flavours. This leading local ensemble will showcase a wide range of songs and perform various forms of contemporary a cappella singing in "Contemporary A Cappella in Xi'an" in five concerts from June 29 to July 1. A repertoire ranging from popular classical music and world pop songs to works composed by local composers will be presented with new arrangements.
For programme enquiries, please call 2601 8246.
Ends/Thursday, June 16, 2011
Issued at HKT 11:01
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