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The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Sydney (HKETO, Sydney) is revelling in the success of the Hong Kong Children's Symphony Orchestra (HKCSO)'s Australasian tour, starting in Sydney, Australia, last night (July 19, Sydney time) with a packed house.
The wonderfully talented children of the HKCSO bought the house down with their stunning musical arrangements and sheer professionalism, and with the audience enjoying repeated encores.
The Orchestra will continue its travels by performing in a series of concerts across Australia and New Zealand to celebrate the 15th anniversary of Hong Kong's return to Chinese sovereignty and the establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.
The Director of the HKETO, Sydney, Mr Steve Barclay, said, "We are delighted that Australia and New Zealand have been added to the now long list of touring venues by the Orchestra and that it is playing in prominent performance venues in both countries.
"We were delighted with the children's performance last night in Sydney and the Aussie audience clearly loved every minute.
"The HKETO is pleased to be able to showcase the Orchestra to Australian and New Zealand audiences and their popularity is highlighted by the fact that all five venues in both countries were fully booked within days of going online.
"We have a very active Facebook site, 'Hong Kong in Australia and New Zealand', www.facebook.com/HK.AU.NZ, where photos have already been posted from the start of the Australasian tour, and we'd encourage all friends of the Orchestra to comment and post as well."
Appearing in capital cities across the two countries, the HKCSO's first performance was in Angel Place City Recital Hall last night and it is now moving on to Elder Conservatorium of Music in Adelaide on July 22, Melbourne BMW Edge Federation Square (July 24), Auckland Town Hall (July 30) and an additional performance in Wellington with students from Scots College (August 2).
The Hong Kong Children's Symphony Orchestra was founded by Dr Yip Wai-hong in 1996 and has established itself as one of Hong Kong's cultural ambassadors, having touring internationally almost every year since its establishment.
On its Australasian tour, the Orchestra is being led by Dr Yip and joined by Assistant Conductor Ms Law Po-kwan and Honorary Guest Conductor Professor Gabriel Leung.
The Orchestra is made up of 56 children aged 10 to 18. Most are handpicked from highly competitive open auditions and have attained their fellowships, diplomas and licentiate diplomas from the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music and Trinity College (London).
Ends/Friday, July 20, 2012
Issued at HKT 17:12
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