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Renowned Chinese violinist Li Chuanyun will play with Hong Kong's Pan Asia Symphony Orchestra under the baton of Dr Yip Wai-hong on March 23 (Tuesday).

Featuring Sibelius' "Finlandia, Op. 26", "Violin Concerto in D Minor, Op. 47" and Sarasate's "Carmen Fantasy, Op. 25", the performance will be held at 8pm at the Concert Hall of Hong Kong City Hall.

Li made his debut at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre in 1993 at the age of 13. He played Paganini's "24 Caprices", which he later recorded in his first CD. The rising star already has a list of awards under his belt, including first prizes in the Junior Youth Group Division of the Fifth International Wieniawski Youth Violin Competition, the Nakamichi Violin Concerto Competition held in Aspen and the Saint-Saens Violin Concerto Competition. In 1996, Li was awarded a scholarship by the Juilliard School of Music in New York to attend the School's Pre-College Division, where he studied with Dorothy Delay, Itzhak Perlman and Hyo Kang. In 1999 and 2000, Li studied under Delay and Professor Kurt Sassmannshaus at the University of Cincinnati College - Conservatory of Music. Li has performed with orchestras throughout the world and has given many recitals. He currently studies in New York with the support of the Clarisse B Kampel Foundation.

The Pan Asia Symphony Orchestra aims to promote music among the general public, especially youngsters, in Hong Kong. The orchestra frequently performs with international conductors and soloists. By using popular music and organising concert talks, the orchestra introduces formal music and Chinese orchestral music to the public and sparks their interest in local culture.

"Li Chuanyun and the Pan Asia Symphony Orchestra" is presented by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department.

Tickets priced at $160, $120 and $80 are available at URBTIX outlets. Half-price tickets are available for senior citizens, people with disabilities, full-time students and Comprehensive Social Security Assistance recipients. A 10% discount applies to Friends of LCSD performing venues.

For programme enquiries, call 2268 7321 or visit www.lcsd.gov.hk/cp. Ticketing enquiries and reservations can be made on 2734 9009 and credit card telephone bookings on 2111 5999. Tickets can also be booked through the website, www.urbtix.gov.hk.

Ends/Monday, February 23, 2004

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