Youth musicians to perform at Music Office 40th Anniversary Gala
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     Youth musicians from the orchestras, bands, choirs and alumni of the Music Office of the Leisure and Cultural Services Department will perform at the Music Office 40th Anniversary Gala at 3pm on April 17 (Monday) at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre Concert Hall, launching this year's round of celebration programmes.

     The programme includes a wide variety of Chinese and Western music, which will be played by members and alumni of the Hong Kong Youth Chinese Orchestra, the Music Office Youth and Children's Choirs, the Hong Kong Youth Symphonic Band, the Hong Kong Youth Strings and the Hong Kong Youth Symphony Orchestra under the batons of Tsui Ying-fai, Dr Angelina Au, Pak Wing-heng, Dr Joseph Kam and Ng Ka-ming respectively.

     Highlights include "The Sun" from the percussion concerto "The Age of the Dragon"; the sedate choral classic "Even When He is Silent"; "Quintessence II", which interweaves a brass quintet, percussion and wind ensemble; Elgar's classic "Introduction and Allegro", and Rosauro's masterpiece "Rhapsody for Solo Percussion and Orchestra".

     Other pieces include "Sparkling Fireworks Grace the Fragrant City" featuring a hundred pipa players; all-time ABBA favourite "Dancing Queen"; the playful "Paper Cut", in which pieces of paper literally "sing with the winds"; and the official theme for the 100th anniversary of the Olympics "Summon the Heroes".

     Awards will also be presented to outstanding trainees and members of the Music Office's bands, choirs and orchestras at the concert.

     The Music Office 40th Anniversary Gala is one of the events celebrating the 20th anniversary of the establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. Tickets priced at $70, $90 and $110 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 2796 7523 or 2582 5311 or visit www.lcsd.gov.hk/en/mo/activities/upcoming/music-office-40th.html.

     Other upcoming celebration programmes for the Music Office 40th anniversary include the "Sky in the Water" Joint Concerts of Music Office Bands and Orchestras; "Music Spectacular" featuring orchestras from Guangzhou, Hong Kong and Macau; the "Passing on the Torch" concert series, and more. Stay tuned for programme details, which you can follow at www.lcsd.gov.hk/musicoffice.

Ends/Friday, March 17, 2017
Issued at HKT 11:00

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