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To salute local composers and vocalists for their contribution, the Leisure and Cultural Services Department will present two concerts, namely "Vocal Delights Made in Hong Kong - A Tribute to Our Composers and Songsters," at 8pm on April 20 (Friday) at the Hong Kong City Hall Concert Hall and 8pm on April 28 (Saturday) at the Yuen Long Theatre Auditorium.
Under the batons of Barbara Fei, Richard Tsang, Daniel Law and Victor Chan, three local renowned vocalists, namely Ella Kiang (Soprano), Lee Bing (Mezzo-Soprano) and Rosaline Pi (Soprano) respectively, together with the Hong Kong Chamber Choir will perform a number of great works by local composers. The programmes include "Psalm 100", "Yu-Mei-Ren", "Song of Midu Mountain - Rondo", "Songs from Shi-jing" (Chorus); "Huan-Xi-Sha", "The Heart's Calling", "To Forget" (Soprano Solo); "Magpie Fairies", "Whispering Orioles and Swallows" (Mezzo-Soprano Solo), etc.
Ella Kiang was born and educated in Shanghai. After a period of study under Jan Hu in Hong Kong, she went to the Academia di Santa Cecilia in Rome for further training. Her operatic repertoire covers a wide range of lyric and dramatic roles including "Madam Butterfly", "Tosca", "La Boheme", "La Traviata", "L'Elisir d'Amore", "I Pagliacci", "Cavalleria Rusticana", "Faust", etc. She has given performing tours in Europe, the United States, Australia and Asia. Kiang was named Vocalist of the Year by the Hong Kong Artists' Guild in 1988. She is at present teaching at the Chinese University of Hong Kong and the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts.
Lee Bing first received voice training from Jan Hu and Chao Mei-pa, then went to London to further her studies at the Royal Academy of Music, where she graduated with top honours, including the Emma Albani Prize in singing. She was a prized pupil of Ruth Packer. An outstanding mezzo-soprano, she has given many solo recitals. She has taught voice at the Chinese University of Hong Kong since 1965. She has made three CD recordings, including Lee Bing Sings Ancient and Modern Chinese Poems, VolumeĦ@I & II, and Expressions of Love.
The Hong Kong Chamber Choir was established in February 1999, with small scale and "a cappella" choral works as their specialism. The Choir has given successful concerts including "Liederabend", "Melodies of the World", Handel's "Alexander's Feast", Schutz's "Christmas Story", Bach's "St. John's Passion", "Baroque Vocal Delights", "Voice of the Renaissance", "A Parade of Hong Kong Fine Music - Chamber Music Showcase" and Handel's masque "Acis and Galatea".
Tickets priced at $160, $130 and $100 for the Hong Kong City Hall performance and $150, $120 and $90 for the Yuen Long Theatre performance are now available at all URBTIX outlets. Half price concessions will be granted to senior citizens, people with disabilities, full-time students and Comprehensive Social Security Assistant Recipients (Limited student and CSSA tickets are available on a first-come, first-served basis). A 10% discount is also available for Friends of LCSD performing venues.
Programme enquiries can be made on 2734 2935 while ticketing enquiries and reservation on 2734 9009.
End/Friday, March 23, 2001
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