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The Leisure and Cultural Services Department announced today (April 17) that there is a change of performer in "A New Era of Chinese Music" Concert. Due to unforeseen circumstances, the paixiao performer Du Cong is not able to join this performance. He is now replaced by guanzi performer Pao Jian.
Guanzi performer Bao Jian is now residing in the United States. A graduate of the Central Conservatory of Music in Beijing in 1986, he was a winner of the first prize in the 1995 International Chinese Folk Instrument Competition for Soloists (Wind Section) and the 1998 United States International Competition for Professional Musicians. He has given performing tours in Europe, Asia and America, and was invited to perform at the Festival of Asian Arts in Hong Kong on several occasions. In 1997, Bao came to Hong Kong to perform at the concert by the Chinese Instrumental Prize-winner's Ensemble, which was presented by the former Provisional Urban Council. Bao is a frequent performer with jazz musicians, and is recognised as a major driving force in contemporary guanzi music. He is currently an Associate Concertmaster of the North American Chinese Music Orchestra and a Pro Musicis freelance artist of the United States.
This concert is a conglomeration of Chinese music and elements of world music. It aims at re-defining Chinese music and gives audience a totally new music experience. Other music-makers George Gao (Erhu), Donald Quan (Keyboards) and Jenny Zhang (Female Vocal), Huang Jincheng (Chinese Wind Instruments) will participate in the concert. In addition, performers from Canada will play flute, bass, percussion and drums. The Pearl River Film Symphony Orchestra from Guangzhou will take part in the orchestral accompaniment. Programme includes original compositions namely Heaven on Earth, Scorning This Old World, and Tango by Geroge Gao, Donald Quan and Chan Ming-chi. Arrangement of the renowned piece, The Embroidered Pouch, will also be performed.
"A New Era of Chinese Music" Concert will be staged on May 3 and May 4 (Friday and Saturday) at 8pm at the Sha Tin Town Hall Auditorium and the Hong Kong City Hall Concert Hall respectively. Tickets priced at $160, $130 and $100 for Sha Tin Town Hall's performance and $200, $160 and $100 for Hong Kong City Hall's performance are now available at all URBTIX outlets. Half-priced concessions will be granted to senior citizens, people with disabilities, full-time students and Comprehensive Social Security Assistance Recipients. (Limited tickets for Students and Comprehensive Social Security Assistance Recipients available on a first-come-first-served basis). There will be a 10% discount for every purchase of 4-9 tickets, 15% for 10-19 tickets and 20% for 20 tickets or more. A 10% discount is also available for Friends of LCSD performing venues.
In addition, members of the public are welcomed to hire the Box Seats and Lounge Package for private gathering for both performances. Interested parties could check the details at 2268 7236. Limited sale packages are available on a first-come-first-served basis.
Programme enquiries can be made on 2268 7321 while ticketing enquiries and reservations on 2734 9009. For credit card telephone booking, please call 2111 5999. Please visit http://www.lcsd.gov.hk/cp for more information on the programme.
End/ Wednesday, April 17, 2002
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