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The Hong Kong Sinfonietta, a renowned orchestra from Hong Kong will debut in New York on October 7 (Sunday) with an exquisite programme, featuring among others Hong Kong composer Dr Chan Hing-yan's newly commissioned work for orchestra and "Sheng", a 3,000-year-old Chinese mouth-organ, titled "'Twas the Thawing Wind". This will be the debut performance of a Hong Kong symphonic orchestra in New York.
Welcoming the debut performance at a press conference today (September 24, New York time), the Director of Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in New York (HKETONY), Miss Anita Chan, said that HKETONY is proud to be a sponsor of the Hong Kong Sinfonietta's performance celebrating the 15th anniversary of the establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR).
"The showcasing of musicians and talents of the young Hong Kong orchestra, with music director Yip Wing-sie and composer Chan Hing-yan and all the musicians bears testimony to the thriving cultural scene in Hong Kong," she said.
"'Twas the Thawing Wind" would be performed by Loo Sze-wang, the foremost "Sheng" performer. Tianwa Yang, "an unquestioned master of the violin" (American Record Guide), will perform Prokofiev's Violin Concerto No. 2.
"Hong Kong has long been known for its interesting cultural mix of the East and the West, and it is a city that prides itself in its freedom of expression and creativity," she said.
The HKSAR Government is committed to the promotion of arts and culture. Every year it provides substantial financial support to local artists and various performing groups. For example, the nine major performing arts groups in Hong Kong, including the Hong Kong Sinfonietta, received a total allocation of US$34 million in the financial year 2012-13. An additional annual provision of about US$5 million is also provided for these groups to organise outreach activities that would help broaden their audience base.
"Both Hong Kong and New York are dynamic world cities that embrace cultural diversity. The performance by the Hong Kong Sinfonietta will be something new that we are sure the New York audience will enjoy," she added.
The Music Director of the Hong Kong Sinfonietta, Ms Yip Wing-sze, is a well-respected figure in Asia's orchestral music scene. She spoke in a video message screened at the press conference that the orchestra looks forward to the debut, which also celebrates the 15th anniversary of the HKSAR. She noted that Hong Kong Sinfonietta toured frequently over the past decade and was proud to represent Hong Kong and showcase the orchestra and Chinese music talents to overseas audiences.
Founded in 1990, the Hong Kong Sinfonietta has brought quality orchestral music closer to the community through innovative programming. The orchestra has collaborated with an illustrious array of international musicians and groups, including Vladimir Ashkenazy, Plˆhcido Domingo, Fou Ts'ong, Luciano Pavarotti, Tan Dun, The Royal Ballet, Bolshoi Ballet, English National Ballet and New York City Ballet, etc.
The HKETONY will also be sponsoring other cultural programmes to celebrate the 15th anniversary in the coming months. They include the first Manhattan Hong Kong Music Festival from October 30 to November 2 and a Hong Kong film series in Chicago in November.
Tickets for the Hong Kong Sinfonietta's concert from US$29 are available at the Jazz at Lincoln Center Box Office (Broadway at 60th Street, Ground Floor), online (jalc.org/events/event/t-812) or Call CenterCharge at 212-721-6500 (Monday to Sunday, 10am-9pm).
Ends/Tuesday, September 25, 2012
Issued at HKT 10:22
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