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The following is issued on behalf of the Provisional Urban Council :

The Hong Kong Children's Symphony Orchestra, together with talented young pianist Shen Wenyu and violinist Yang Tianwa, will stage two concerts at the City Hall Concert Hall in late April.

Originally only one concert was scheduled for April 26 but due to favourable response, an additional concert with the same programme has been arranged for April 25 to be orchestrated on both days at the same venue at 3 pm.

Under the batons of its founder and music director/conductor, Dr Yip wai-hong and his daughter guest conductor Yip Wing-sie, the programme will include Weber's "Overture:Euryanthe", Williams' "Suite:English Folk Songs", Chopin's "Piano Concerto No. 1 in E minor, Op. 11", Glinka's "Overture:Russian and Ludmilla", Sarasate's "Gypsy Airs, Op 20", Zhang Changcheng's "Fen Shen Qing", Grieg's "Selections from Holberg Suite, Op. 40", Brahms' "Hungarian Dance No. 1" and Dvorak's "Slavonic Dance, Op. 46, No. 1".

Born in 1986 in Wanxian, China, Shen Wenyu already held his first piano recital at the Sichuan Academy of Music at the age of nine. In 1997, he was invited to visit South Africa where he gave over 10 solo recitals, including the well-received solo performance at the opening ceremony of the South Africa Music Festival. He also shared the stage with the Capetown Symphony Orchestra in a memorable performance of the "Piano Concerto in C, K488" by Mozart. In the same year, Shen was awarded in Shanghai the first prize and the best performance prize in Chinese music at the Kong Xiangdong Xinhe Trophy Piano Competition for Youth and Children.

Violinist Yang Tianwa, who is only 11 years old, began learning the violin at four. She won the first prize at the Eighth Huanzi Trophy Violin Competition in Beijing at five, and came first again in the Second National Young Violinists Competition and in the Chinese Music Performance Section of the Competition two years later. Last year, she received the Class One Award at the violin section of the Beijing Arts Festival Competition.

Established in 1996 by Dr Yip, the Hong Kong Children's Symphony Orchestra, which is a non-profit making organisation, aims to train youngsters with high quality music education. Members, all below 16 and recruited through highly competitive open auditions, receive orchestral training from Yip Wing-sie. Last year, the Orchestra successfully held its inaugural concert with critical acclaim.

Tickets at $120, $80, and $50 are now available at all URBTIX outlets with half-price concession for senior citizens, the disabled and full-time students. A 20 per cent discount will be offered for every purchase of 50 tickets or more.

For reservations, please call 2734 9009 and programme enquiries at 2734 2007.

End/Wednesday, April 8, 1998

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