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The Pan Asia Symphony Orchestra will perform two concerts accompanied by animation in January. The concerts are presented by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department.
A strong production team for the concerts comprises Dr Yip Wai-hong as music director, Fan Tao as guest conductor and Owen Ho as harmonica soloist. The animation has been created by artist Kenneth Tsang and motion graphic designer Chih Leung.
The programme includes Michael Spivakovsky's "Harmonica Concerto", Robert Farnon's "Prelude and Dance for Harmonica and Orchestra", and Grieg's "Peer Gynt Suites Nos. 1 and 2", with animation.
Founded by Dr Yip, the Pan Asia Symphony Orchestra is a highly organised ensemble which aims to promote music among the general public, especially Hong Kong's young generation. The Orchestra frequently performs at Hong Kong City Hall, as well as in regional town halls and civic centres. Various internationally famous conductors and soloists have been invited to perform with the Orchestra. Through popular music and concert talks the Orchestra has successfully introduced classical music and Chinese orchestral music to the public, and at the same time brought about a greater awareness of the city's indigenous culture.
Guest conductor Fan Tao holds the rank of National Class One Conductor in China. He graduated from the Shanghai Conservatory of Music and studied composition and conducting under the famous conductor and teacher Huang Xiaotong, as well as under renowned conductor and educator Philip Spurgeon in the United States. Fan has been praised for performances characterised by insight, conviction, powerful sound and expansive phrasing. At the International Sibelius Conductors' Competition held in Finland in May 2000, Fan was awarded a special prize, donated by the Sibelius Estate, which enabled him to receive a masterclass with Esa-Pekka Salonen.
Harmonica soloist Owen Ho was born in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, and has been playing chromatic harmonica since the age of 14. By the age of 20 he had already collected an impressive list of musical prizes and given many concert appearances. Ho has long been in demand internationally, appearing regularly as a concerto soloist, recitalist, and chamber musician at many of the world's major musical venues and festivals.
Concerts by the Pan Asia Symphony Orchestra will be staged at 7.30pm on January 29 (Friday) at the Auditorium, Sha Tin Town Hall; and at 7.30pm on January 30 (Saturday) at the Auditorium, Yuen Long Theatre. Tickets priced from $100 to $180 are now available at URBTIX (www.urbtix.hk). For telephone credit card bookings, please call 2111 5999.
For programme enquiries and concessionary schemes, please call 2268 7321 or visit www.lcsd.gov.hk/CE/CulturalService/Programme/en/music/program_1039.html.
Ends/Wednesday, December 23, 2015
Issued at HKT 11:45
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