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Presented by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department, two concerts by the Czech Philharmonic are to be staged in June. Due to overwhelming public demand, the first concert (June 3) has sold out. Don't miss the chance of seeing the second concert on June 4.
Under the baton of Chief conductor Jiří Bělohlávek and in collaboration with acclaimed English pianist Paul Lewis, the concert offers attractive programme. The programme of June 4's concert will include Weber's "Overture to Der Freischütz", Beethoven's "Piano Concerto No. 3 in C Minor, Op. 37" and Martinů's "Symphony No. 4, H.305". Chief conductor Jiří Bělohlávek described Martinů's Fourth Symphony as "impressionistic, cosmopolitan, colourful and joyful."
Conducted by Dvořák, the Czech Philharmonic first performed in 1896 and has since delighted audiences around the globe. In 1908 composer Gustav Mahler conducted the orchestra in the world premiere of his Symphony No.7. It has received numerous awards, including nominations for Grammy and Gramophone Awards, and was ranked in Gramophone's "Top 20 Best Orchestras in the World" in 2008.
Paul Lewis's complete cycles of core works by Beethoven and Schubert have earned him unanimous critical acclaim. His numerous accolades include three Gramophone awards, with a Record of the Year in 2008. Lewis has worked with many great orchestras including Amsterdam's Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra and the London Symphony Orchestra. According to The New York Times, "Lewis again proves himself a major Beethoven interpreter.กจ
Czech Philharmonic concerts will be staged at 8pm on June 3 and 4 (Tuesday and Wednesday) at the Concert Hall, Hong Kong Cultural Centre. Tickets priced at $850, $700, $550, $400 and $250 are now available at URBTIX outlets, on the Internet and by telephone credit card booking. Half-price tickets are available for senior citizens aged 60 or above, people with disabilities and their minders, full-time students and Comprehensive Social Security Assistance (CSSA) recipients (limited tickets for full-time students and CSSA recipients are available on a first-come, first-served basis). Group booking discounts are also available.
Two pre-concert talks will be held with free admission on a first-come, first-served basis. Details are as follows:
A dialogue with the concertmaster of the Czech Philharmonic
June 3 (Tuesday) 6.45pm
Foyer Reception Area, 4/F, Auditoria Building, Hong Kong Cultural Centre
Speaker: Lio Kuokman (Conductor)
Guest: Josef Špaček (Concertmaster of the Czech Philharmonic)
Conducted in Cantonese and English
"Battling with the Piano": Martinů's passion, Beethoven's courage
June 4 (Wednesday) 6.45pm
Foyer Reception Area, 4/F, Auditoria Building, Hong Kong Cultural Centre
Speaker: Dr. Sharon Choa (Chair of School of Music, The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts)
Conducted in English
For programme enquiries, please call 2268 7321, or visit www.lcsd.gov.hk/CE/CulturalService/Programme/en/music/program_513.html. For ticketing enquiries, please call 3761 6661. For telephone credit card bookings, please call 2111 5999. For Internet bookings, please visit www.urbtix.hk.
The concert on June 3 is sponsored by Mr Albert Hung, Mr Wilfred Ng and Mr Raymond Leung.
Ends/Wednesday, May 21, 2014
Issued at HKT 11:00
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