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The cowboys are coming to town! Spurning rugged appearances and tough-guy manners, the gang turns out to be lovable boys in business suits performing magnificent soundtracks from spaghetti westerns familiar to all. Playing more than 100 off-the-wall instruments, the hilarious musicians will bring to local audiences an innovative concert filled with laughter.
"Classic Ennio Morricone music" performed by the Spaghetti Western Orchestra from Australia is one of the highlights of the large-scale summer festival International Arts Carnival (IAC) presented by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department. The concert will be staged on August 3 and 4.
The Spaghetti Western Orchestra comprises five multi-talented musicians. They perform using over 100 instruments including traditional ones such as the bassoon, the double bass, the saxophone, castanets and the harmonica, as well as ingenious self-made devices created from everyday household objects such as coat hangers, rubber gloves, nail clippers, nail files, knives and plastic bags. Bicycle pumps, asthma inhalers, horseshoes, cornflakes and many other surprising items are skilfully employed to create a full orchestral sound.
In this extraordinary concert, the Spaghetti Western Orchestra interprets works by maestro Ennio Morricone in fun and innovative ways. A prolific film composer, Italian-born Morricone has written scores for more than 300 movies, including epics such as "Once Upon a Time in the West", "Gangland Odyssey" and "Cinema Paradiso". With entertaining antics on stage, the musicians recreate famous western theme tunes in a hilarious way, taking audience members on a memorable musical journey into the cinematic Wild West.
Directed and designed by Denis Blais, a designer and painter from Ottawa, the concert fully demonstrates his visual flair. The French Press Agency said it is "so much more than a concert, this is a hilarious and inventive show". The Scotsman called it "stirring music expertly played, with a frosting of quirky humour", adding that it is "an inspired show". The Guardian said it is "an endearing, impressive show".
The Spaghetti Western Orchestra, a quintet of classically trained multi-instrumentalists and impeccable comedians, premiered at the 2007 Montreal Jazz Festival. It was the sell-out hit of the Festival and extra shows were added to meet demand. Over the years, the Orchestra has toured internationally, including various countries in Europe as well as the US and Australia, receiving critical acclaim all over the world.
"Classic Ennio Morricone music" performed by the Spaghetti Western Orchestra will be staged on August 3 at 7.30pm at the Kwai Tsing Theatre Auditorium and on August 4 at 7.30pm at the Sha Tin Town Hall Auditorium. Tickets priced at $240, $180 and $100 are now available at URBTIX.
Half-price tickets are available for full-time students, senior citizens aged 60 and above, people with disabilities and Comprehensive Social Security Assistance recipients. Booking discounts of up to 20 per cent are available for full-price performing arts and film programmes.
IAC programme brochures are available at URBTIX outlets or at the Carnival website, www.hkiac.gov.hk.
For programme enquiries, please call 2370 1044. Internet bookings can be made at www.urbtix.hk. Credit card telephone bookings can be made on 2111 5999.
Ends/Tuesday, July 19, 2011
Issued at HKT 12:21
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