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    Vocalist Warren Mok and film director Ng See-yuen have, for the first time, joined for a opera production. "Turandot" was the last work by Giacomo Puccini about a Chinese princess.

    This new production, jointly presented by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department and Opera Hong Kong, will be a feast to the eye with its grand sets and costumes. Acclaimed and veteran local film-maker Ng See-yuen, familiar to many Hong Kong cinema-goers, will be the director. The strong international principal cast is headed by the Italian soprano Francesca Patane and American soprano Lise Lindstrom, both famous Turandot, sharing this notoriously demanding and challenging title role. Warren Mok, no stranger to Hong Kong audiences, will be the producer as well as singing the no less demanding role of the heroic Calaf in one of the two casts.

    The story about an icy Chinese princess, a fearless prince and lover, and a brave slave girl, who sacrifices her life rather than betray the master she loves offers the ingredients of Puccini's last and unfinished opera that have never failed to fascinate opera producers, singers and audience alike. Set in ancient Beijing, "Turandot" makes use of brilliantly orchestrated and adapted Chinese melodies, with music that offers much more than "Nessun dorma", made famous to millions by the Three Tenors.

    "An Opera in 3 Acts: Turandot" will be performed in Italian with Chinese and English Subtitles. The performance will be at 7.30pm on September 29 and 30 and October 2 and 3; and at 3 pm on October 1 at the Grand Theatre, Hong Kong Cultural Centre. Tickets priced at $780, $600, $450, $300 and $150 (some seats have restricted view) are now available at all URBTIX outlets.

    Half-price 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 are available on a first-come, first-served basis). A 10% discount is offered for Friends of LCSD performing venues. Group booking discount is also available, please refer to programme leaflet for details.

    For programme enquiries, call 2268 7321; for ticketing enquiries and reservations, call 2734 9009; for credit card telephone bookings, call 2111 5999; for internet bookings, visit www.urbtix.hk; for more information, visit www.lcsd.gov.hk/cp.

Ends/Wednesday, August 10, 2005

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