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One of today's most sought-after violinists, Gu Wenlei, will join the Pan Asia Symphony Orchestra next month (October) for two concerts under the baton of Dr Yip Wai-hong.
Featuring Bach's "Air on the G String"; Mendelssohn's "Violin Concerto in E Minor" and Brahms' "Violin Concerto in D", the concert, "Enchanting String", will be held at the Auditorium, Sha Tin Town Hall at 8 pm on October 13 (Saturday) and the Auditorium, Tsuen Wan Town Hall at 8 pm on October 14 (Sunday).
Born into a music family, Gu Wenlei started playing piano and violin at a young age. She went to Beijing when she was eight years old and studied under famous violin teacher Lin Yaoji. At age 12, she won first prize in "China's Fourth National Violin Competition". Later, Gu studied abroad and received her Bachelors degree in Music from the Juilliard School, a Masters degree from the Mannes College of Music in New York and was awarded last year a doctorate in violin performance at the Indiana University Jacobs School of Music.
Gu has performed throughout North America, Europe, and the Far East as soloist, recitalist, and chamber musician. In 2000, Gu performed with the Bergen Philharmonic in the opening concert of the Millennium at the John Harms Center for the Arts in New Jersey and at the Bach Festival at Carnegie Hall commemorating the 250th Anniversary of Johann Sebastian Bach's death. In 2003, Gu performed as guest soloist with the Houston Symphony in the concert broadcast live on Houston Public Radio. In 2005, Gu was the soloist with the China Beijing Philharmonic on its critically acclaimed tour of Europe.
Pan Asia Symphony Orchestra founded by Dr Yip Wai-hong is a highly organised orchestra, which promotes music among the general public especially Hong Kong's young generation. A number of internationally famous conductors and soloists have been invited to perform with it. By using the idioms of popular music and organising concert talks, the orchestra has successfully introduced serious music and Chinese orchestral music to the public, and at the same time, brought about an awareness of the indigenous culture of the people.
"Enchanting String" is presented by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD). Tickets priced at $60, $80 and $100 are now available at URBTIX outlets, while senior citizens, people with disabilities, full-time students and Comprehensive Social Security Assistance (CSSA) recipients may have 50% off (limited quotas for CSSA recipients on a first-come, first-served basis). A 10% discount applies to Friends of LCSD performing venues.
For enquiries about the programmes, 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 online at www.urbtix.hk.
Ends/Monday, September 10, 2007
Issued at HKT 11:00
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