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Pipa Master Liu Dehai will be here in Hong Kong next month to perform in a concert that marks the 50th anniversary of his music career. Pipa music lovers must grasp this golden chance to enjoy Liu's superb skill and charming performance.

Presented by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department, the concert will bring to audience special selections of Liu's famous works. Liu will play his own works "Guanyin Holding a Holy Bottle with Dripping Water" and "Terra-cotta Warriors", as well as ancient melody "Ambush on All Sides". The three students of Liu, Yang Jing, Dong Nan and Li Jia will also solo on numerous Liu's renowned works including "Childhood", "The Swan", "Tianchi", "Xi Qing Arhat" and many more.

Liu is undoubtedly a great master of music, noted for his versatility as a performing artist, music educator, composer, theorist and conductor. For many years, he tries to broaden artistic horizons and promote the development of pipa by incorporating the elements of chamber music and orchestral music.

Born in Shanghai in 1937, Liu began to study pipa at a young age. His early interest in Chinese folk music certainly helped to accelerate his artistic development. He was admitted to the Central Conservatory of Music and received a systematic training in Chinese and Western music. He is currently a professor of the Chinese Conservatory of Music.

He had appeared as soloist with the former Central Philharmonic Orchestra and performed extensively in overseas concerts in more than 30 countries in Europe, Asia, Africa and America. Since 1979, he has collaborated with the Boston Symphony Orchestra under Seiji Ozawa and appeared as soloist with the Berlin Symphony Orchestra, the Deutsche Broadcasting Symphony Orchestra and the Singapore Symphony and has released a number of albums. His superb performance and distinct style has won critical acclaim among the local and overseas audience.

"Celebrating 50 Years in Music - Liu Dehai in Concert" will be staged at 8 pm on November 17 (Saturday) at the Hong Kong City Hall Concert Hall. Tickets priced at $160, $130 and $100 are now available at all URBTIX outlets. Half-price concessions will be granted to full-time students, senior citizens, people with disabilities and Comprehensive Social Security Assistance (CSSA) recipients. Limited tickets for students and CSSA recipients are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

For programme details, please call 2734 2935; for reservations and ticketing enquiries, please call 2734 9009.

End/Wednesday, October 3, 2001

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