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The Hong Kong Children's Symphony Orchestra will perform in San Francisco tomorrow (August 17, San Francisco time) to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR).
Director of the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in San Francisco Ms Doris Cheung, greeted music director and conductor Dr Yip Wai-hong and principal members of the orchestra today (August 16, San Francisco time) at a press conference. "I am indeed delighted to see so many Hong Kong young talents pursuing their interest in music and doing so well," Ms Cheung said. "While Hong Kong is a world renowned international financial and business centre, the Government is also committed to creating an environment which is conducive to the freedom of artistic expression and creation, and encouraging diversified and balanced development."
"In addition to pursuance of academic excellence, we encourage students to develop other talents and creativity. In promoting knowledge and appreciation of music to young people, the Government provides free and affordable music training," Ms Cheung said. The Leisure and Cultural Services Department's Music Office currently runs some 800 training classes in both Chinese and Western musical instruments for about 5,000 students every year. It also manages and trains 18 youth orchestras, bands and choirs, and organises music camps and international music exchange programmes for young people.
"We are very proud that many young Hong Kong musicians have won important international contests, including the Ettlingen International Piano Competition, one of the most important contests of its kind."
Noting that the orchestra had its inaugural concert in 1997 and had been holding annual concerts since then with critical acclaim, Ms Cheung said, "As we are all celebrating the HKSAR's 10th anniversary this year, I also congratulate the Hong Kong Children's Symphony Orchestra for 10 years of successful performances. With its standard enhanced significantly over the years, the orchestra has witnessed how arts and culture flourished in Hong Kong in the past decade."
"It's my great pleasure to receive these talented young musicians and I look forward to seeing many more Hong Kong young people develop their interests in arts and culture, and contribute to making Hong Kong a dynamic, vibrant city."
The Hong Kong Children's Symphony Orchestra was established by Dr Yip in 1996. Members, aged from 7 to 16, are recruited under highly competitive open auditions. The orchestra has held many internationally acclaimed performances, including a concert in Thailand in 2001 in celebration of the birthday of His Majesty King Kign Bhumibol Adulyadej, performance in the second International Children's Choral Festival (Asia Region) in 2005, participation in the International Society of Music Education 27th conference in 2006 and performing in front of music educators from all over the world.
The orchestra is on its North America 2007 Concert Tour which includes San Francisco, Los Angeles, Portland and Vancouver. The tour is presented by World Channel Inc. and sponsored by the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in San Francisco.
Ends/Friday, August 17, 2007
Issued at HKT 11:30
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