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Trained by the Music Office of the Leisure and Cultural Services Department, seven orchestras, bands and choirs will perform the "2002 Music Office Annual Gala" on Sunday (March 31) at 3 pm at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre Concert Hall. A number of world premieres will be presented to bring a delightful concert to the audience.

Over 350 musicians from the Hong Kong Youth Symphonic Band, Hong Kong Youth Plucked String Orchestra, Hong Kong Youth Chinese Orchestra, Music Office Children's Choir, Music Office Youth Choir, Hong Kong Youth Strings and the Hong Kong Youth Symphony Orchestra, together with renowned conductors including Mr. Pak Wing-heng, Ms. Chan Man-chong, Mr. Tsui Ying-fai, Ms. Linde Lee Shin-wah, Ms. Angelina Au Ngan-chu, Mr. Patrick Sze Kwok-wang and Mr. Tung Tak-leong, will perform marvelous music throughout the concert.

The three world premiere music pieces are Mr. Zhu Jian-er's "Dance", Mr. Huang Xiaofei's "Poem of Tibet" and Mr. Kuan Nai-chung's Symphony No.4 "Spirit". Other musical pieces include Gershwin's "The Symphonic Gershwin", Jager's "Testament", Enders's "Ride on Green", Xinjiang folksong "Swallow", Gershwin's "I Got Rhythm", Freedman & De Knight's "Rock Around the Clock", Nielsen's "Little Suite for String Orchestra Op.1 - Finale" and Vivaldi's "Concerto No.1 for Violin and String Orchestra in E major, "Spring", 1st movement".

Tickets priced at $60 and $40 are now available at all URBTIX outlets. Half-priced concessions are available to senior citizens, people with disabilities, full-time students and Comprehensive Social Security Assistance Recipients. There is a 10 per cent discount for purchase of five to nine full-price tickets, and 20 per cent discount for purchase of ten or more full-price tickets.

Programme enquiries can be made on 2796 7523 or 2582 5264 and reservation at 2734 9009. Website: www.lcsd.gov.hk/musicoffice

End/Tuesday, March 19, 2002

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