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There have been many screen versions of Bram Stoker's classic tale of "Dracula", but none more famous or enduring as the 1931 original. Starring Bela Lugosi as the world's most popular vampire and directed by horror specialist Tod Browning, "Dracula" creates an eerie, chilling mood that has rarely been realized since.

Philip Glass composed a new score for this Universal Pictures' 1931 film classic. Performing together live with the Kronos Quartet in accompaniment to the original film shown in its entirely, "Dracula: The Music and Film" will be an incomparable evening of new music and a unique reinvention of an American cinematic classic.

Described by the Daily Telegraph as "the most powerful composer changing the face of music for our time and all time", Philip Glass, born in Maryland in 1937, has composed from opera to film scores, symphonic works, string quartets, music for dance and theatre pieces. His recent works include a film score for Martin Scorsese's "Kundun", LA Critics Award, Academy Award Nomination, Golden Globe Nomination & Grammy Nomination for best score. His original music for "The Truman Show" directed by Peter Weir, also won the Golden Globe Award for best score.

In 1999, he also produced a large-scale work for chorus, voice and orchestra, "Symphony No. 5 (Choral)", commissioned by the Salzburg Festival.

Hailed as "Classical music's own Fab Four" by Rolling Stone, the pioneering America ensemble, the Kronos Quartet has emerged as a leading voice for new work since its establishment in 1973. Combining a unique musical vision with a fearless dedication to experimentation, Kronos has assembled a body of work unparalleled in its range and scope of expression, and in the process, has captured the attention of audiences worldwide.

More than 400 works have been written or arranged from Kronos, and its extensive repertoire ranges from Shostakovich, Webern, Bartok and Ives to Astor Piazzolla, John Cage, Raymond Scott and Howlin' Wolf.

The performance is presented by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department as one of the programmes of 2001 Hong Kong Arts Festival. It will be held at 8 pm on March 1 to 3, 2001 (Thursday to Saturday) at the Auditorium of Kwai Tsing Theatre. Audiences are welcomed to join the meet-the-artist session after each performance.

Tickets priced at $220 and $140 are now available at all URBTIX outlets with half-price tickets for senior citizens, people with disabilities and full-time students.

Please call 2734 2937 for programme enquiries and 2734 9009 for ticketing enquiries and reservations.

End/Wednesday, December 13, 2000

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