***********************************************************
Recognised as one of the world's top orchestras, the internationally renowned Russian National Orchestra (RNO) will give Hong Kong audiences two not-to-be-missed concerts in June under the leadership of Mikhail Pletnev.
The first concert will be held at 8pm on June 24 (Wednesday) at the Concert Hall of the Hong Kong Cultural Centre. The programme will include Mozart's "Piano Concerto No. 24 in C Minor, K. 491", with Pletnev as piano soloist, and Tchaikovsky's "Symphony No. 5 in E Minor, Op. 64" conducted by Pletnev.
The second concert will feature trumpet soloist Sergei Nakariakov performing Arutiunian's "Trumpet Concerto". Under the baton of Pletnev, the orchestra will perform Glinka's "Overture to Ruslan and Lyudmila" and Rachmaninov's "Symphony No. 2 in E Minor, Op. 27". It will be staged at 8pm on June 25 (Thursday) at the Concert Hall of the Hong Kong Cultural Centre.
The RNO was founded in 1990 by pianist and conductor Pletnev. It is unique among the principal Russian ensembles as a private institution initially funded with the support of individuals, corporations and foundations in Russia and throughout the world. In recognition of its artistry and path-breaking structure, the RNO was the first non-governmental orchestra to receive grant support from the Russian Federation Government.
The RNO is a frequent guest in the music capitals of Europe, Asia and the Americas. The RNO is the Resident Orchestra of the Napa Valley Festival del Sole in the United States and also performs at prominent events such as the Chopin Festivals and the BBC Proms.
Pletnev is an artist whose genius as a pianist, conductor and composer enchants and amazes audiences around the globe. His musicianship encompasses a dazzling technical power and provocative emotional range, and displays a searching interpretation that fuses instinct with intellect. At the keyboard and podium alike, Pletnev is recognised as one of the finest artists of our time.
Under Pletnev's leadership, the RNO has achieved in a few years a towering stature among the world's orchestras. Pletnev describes the RNO as his greatest joy and today serves as its artistic director and conductor.
Nakariakov has developed a unique musical voice, which is much more than a vehicle for astonishing virtuosity, since the age of 13. He has appeared in the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles, the Lincoln Centre in New York and the Royal Festival Hall and the Royal Albert Hall in London and has given concerts in numerous music festivals. He has also collaborated with the world's most feted musicians, orchestras and conductors, including Vladimir Ashkenazy, Martha Argerich, the BBC Symphony Orchestra, the Philharmonia Orchestra and the Academy of St Martin in the Fields.
The concerts by the RNO are part of the programmes in the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) "Great Music 2015" series. Tickets priced at $200, $320, $450, $550 and $650 are now available at URBTIX. 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). A maximum discount of 20 per cent is offered for the "Great Music 2015" package and group booking discount schemes. Please refer to the programme leaflet, the series brochure or the LCSD website for details.
Highlights of the "Great Music 2015" series include "The Beethoven Journey" by the Mahler Chamber Orchestra (May 3), "Concert by the Borodin Quartet" (May 29), "Piano Recital by Imogen Cooper" (June 18), "Piano Recital by Nelson Freire" (September 8) and "Concert by the Hagen Quartet" (October 6). The series also includes other attractive music events. Details will be announced later on the LCSD website.
For enquiries on programmes, please call 2268 7321 or visit www.lcsd.gov.hk/CE/CulturalService/Programme/en/music/program_785.html. For telephone credit card bookings, please call 2111 5999. Tickets can also be booked online at www.urbtix.hk.
Ends/Monday, April 20, 2015
Issued at HKT 12:40
NNNN
