**************************************************
About 500 budding young musicians spent an interesting and meaningful summer with the 2002 Hong Kong Youth Music Camp, organized by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department. In contrast to the traditional training in classroom, the campers not only received music training from renowned overseas, Mainland and local musicians, but also enjoyed the scenic environment of the Sai Kung Outdoor Recreation Centre.
The Hong Kong Youth Music Camp, into its 23rd year, is an annual major event organized by the Music Office each summer. Speaking at a press tour at the Sai Kung Outdoor Recreation Centre today (July 24), the Assistant Director (Libraries & Development) of the Leisure and Cultural Services, Mr Michael Mak said that the Camp aimed at providing intensive music training for young musicians in a summer camp atmosphere as well as promoting public interest in music.
"A total of 490 young musicians, aged between 9 and 25, were selected from among 1 319 applicants through open auditions," he said.
"Apart from the music training, the Music Camp also features a wide range of recreation and sport activities and special evening programmes. The programmes will help enhance the performance skills and team spirit of the camp participants as well as broaden their horizons," added Mr Mak.
The Music Camp, which is held from July 21 to August 4, is divided into Camps A and B this year. Camp A is held from July 21 to 27 with the Chinese Orchestra, Junior Band and Junior Strings, while Camp B is held from July 28 to August 3 with the Symphony Orchestra, Cello Ensemble, Children's Choir, and Children's Chinese Orchestra.
In order to promote music in the community, the Camp has arranged 2 700 members of the community to join the day camp programmes. Mini-concerts, instrument demonstrations and try-outs, and musical games are organized for the day camp participants to share the joy of music.
In addition, the campers will perform in two concerts to show their fruitful results, including the "Camp Concert I" held at the Tsuen Wan Town Hall Auditorium on July 28 (Sunday) at 3 pm and "Camp Concert II" held at the Hong Kong City Hall Concert Hall on August 4 (Sunday) at 3 pm.
The "Camp Concert I" will be performed by the Chinese Orchestra, Junior Strings and Junior Band under the batons of Mr Wang Yongji, Artistic Director of Shanghai National Music Orchestra; Mr Robert Turrell, Principal Conductor of Philomusica of London and Mr Lai Ming Chuen, Conductor of Music Office West New Territories Youth Symphonic Band.
Highlights of the programme include Reed's "The Hound of Spring", Osborne's "Groovy Strings from Suite & Light", traditional piece "Frantic Dance of the Golden Snake" and Kuan Nai-chung's "Childhood Scenes Suite".
The "Camp Concert 2" on August 4 will be presented by the Symphony Orchestra, Children's Choir, Cello Ensemble and Children's Chinese Orchestra under the batons of Mr Wang Jia Yang, Music Director of Shenzhen Youth Philharmonic Chamber Orchestra; Ms Judith Willougby, Founder and Music Director of Temple University Children's Choir, Philadelphia; Mr Stephen Framil, Professor of Music, Andrews University, Michigan and Mr Wai Sing Fat, Conductor of Hong Kong Music Lover Chinese Orchestra.
The programme includes Kuan Sing-yau's "An Evening Rendezvous in the Woods", Page's "The Nursery Rhyme Cantata", Framil's arrangement of "String Quartet No. 12 in F Major, Op. 96 Amercian" and Rimsky Korsakoff's "Scheherazade".
Tickets at $60 and $40 are now available at all URBTIX outlets. Half-price concession is available for senior citizens, people with disability, full-time students and Comprehensive Social Security Assistance recipients. There will be a 10% discount for each purchase of five to nine tickets and 20% discount for ten or more tickets of the concerts. Reservation can be made at 2734 9009 and programme enquiries at 2399 2195 or 2582 5264. Website: www.lcsd.gov.hk/musicoffice
End/Wednesday, July 24, 2002
NNNN
