*******************************************************

The local renowned clarinet soloist Andrew Simon will bring a wonderful recital in the Hong Kong City Hall Theatre at 8pm on August 26 (Sunday).

Simon will jointly perform with pianist Mary Wu six works in the recital, namely "Sonata in E-flat, Op. 167" by Saint-Saens, "Sonata No. 1 in F Minor, Op. 120 No.1" by Brahms, "Solo de Concours" by Messager, "Premiere Rhapsodie" by Debussy, "Three Pieces for Clarinet Solo" by Stanvinsky, "Ballistix" by Resanovic and a new piece composed by local composer, Richard Tsang.

Currently the Principal Clarinet of the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra, Simon has won the First Prize in the International Clarinet Society Competition and the National Arts Club Competition in New York. He made his debut in the Carnegie Hall Recital Hall in 1988 after winning the Artists International Young Musicians Auditions Clarinet Award. "New York Times" hailed his brilliant playing "fleetness and an ear for coloristic detail", and compared him to Benny Goodman.

A graduate of the Juilliard School, Simon has appeared as soloist and taught masterclasses in the United States, China, Japan, Canada, Taiwan, Australia, etc. In 1992, he became the first American-born artist ever to perform in the North Korea. He has been the Guest Principal with Mainly Mozart, the Scottish Chamber Orchestra and the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra. He is the National Chairperson of the International Clarinet Association and a regular contributor to international music journals. He also appeared at clarinet conventions on four continents.

Mary Wu was born in Hong Kong into a music family. She graduated from the Yehudi Menuhin School, the Royal College of Music, and later the State University of New York at Stony Brook where she completed her Doctoral degree. Wu has won many prizes including the Chappell Gold Medal at the Royal College of Music, the First Prize at the Royal Overseas-League Competition and the International Mozart Bicentenary Competition of Asia, etc.

Presented by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department, tickets priced at HK$110 and $60 are now available at all URBTIX outlets, with half price concessions for senior citizens, people with disabilities and full time students. A 10% discount is available for "Friends of Hong Kong Cultural Centre".

Programme enquiries can be made on 2734 2935 while ticketing enquiries and reservations on 2734 9009.

End/ Wednesday, July 26, 2000

NNNN