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Beijing Green Bamboo Orchestra is the first ever bamboo music ensemble in China and has been acclaimed as the only "green ensemble" in the country. Its performance at Expo 2010 Shanghai China won popular acclaim. In the coming concert "The Sound of Bamboo Music", the group will perform a series of international folk and children's songs with its innovatively conceived, unique-looking and eco-friendly bamboo instruments, bringing audiences a refreshing musical experience.
Focusing on environmental protection, "The Sound of Bamboo Music" is one of the highlights of the large-scale summer festival International Arts Carnival presented by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department. The concert will be staged on July 21 and 22.
Beijing Green Bamboo Orchestra uses different instruments that are all made of bamboo. They cover not only the usual flute, guan, xiao and sheng, but also some instruments developed and designed by the ensemble itself and patented in China. In addition to having exceptional historical and cultural value, these interesting instruments produce smooth and charming sounds. They include the bazooka-shaped Paitongqin; the K'longput, a kind of xylophone played by clapping hands quietly to its side; the dazzling bamboo charcoal xylophone made with high-temperature heating; the traditional Dan Bau, a single-stringed zither; and a drum set crafted from the world's largest bamboo. Even bamboo steamers and bowls straight from the Chinese kitchen are featured. Unique and fun to play, the instruments bring about an "ear-opening" experience.
Bamboo instruments have a natural timbre, and they can imitate the sounds of nature like birdsong, the cicada's song, thunder and rain. In this environment-themed concert, the musicians will perform various international folk and children's songs such as the traditional English folk song "Greensleeves"; "Do-Re-Mi", the melody from movie "The Sound of Music"; and "Pizzicato Polka" by Johann Strauss Jr, conjuring up a serene scene for the audience, as if the performance comes from within the depths of a bamboo forest.
An exhibition entitled "The Magic of Bamboo Music" will be held at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre foyer. Members of the public will see how skilful artists can transform ordinary pieces of bamboo into unique musical instruments, and hear the interesting sounds they make in this striking display. Instruments to be showcased range from the ethnic Angklung and bamboo ankle bell to the delightful "duck whistle" and "bamboo cicada". Admission is free. The opening hours are as follows:
July 6: 2pm to 11pm
July 7 to 17: 9am to 11pm
July 18: 9am to 6pm
"The Sound of Bamboo Music", performed by Beijing Green Bamboo Orchestra, will be staged on July 21 at 7.30pm at the Hong Kong City Hall Concert Hall, and also on July 22 at 7.30pm at the Tsuen Wan Town Hall Auditorium. Tickets priced at $120, $180 and $240 (for Hong Kong City Hall) and $110, $160 and $210 (for Tsuen Wan Town Hall) are now available at URBTIX.
Half-price tickets are available for full-time students, senior citizens, people with disabilities and their minders, and Comprehensive Social Security Assistance recipients. Booking discounts of up to 20 per cent are available for full-price performing arts/film programmes.
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 . Telephone credit card bookings can be made on 2111 5999.
Ends/Thursday, July 5, 2012
Issued at HKT 14:44
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