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Internationally renowned world music ensemble "Agricantus" from Italy will make its Hong Kong debut next month (March).
Comprising Rosie Wiederkehr (vocal), Tonj Acquaviva (vocal and percussion) and Mario Crispi (wind instruments), the ensemble will perform at 8pm on Saturday, March 15, at the Theatre, Hong Kong City Hall.
"Agricantus" is certainly one of the most musically sensitive groups on the world music scene. It is an extraordinary blend of traditional and contemporary instruments and modern techniques which takes audiences on a journey through the voices and rites of the ethnic traditions of southern Italy and then leads them on to unknown territories in far away places.
The ensemble's early releases were examples of its ability to mix ethnic music, mainly from the Mediterranean, with ambient and trance rhythms. In 1996, the record "Tuareg", which was recorded in the desert of Mali with nomadic instruments and musicians, achieved great success in Italy and Europe. It won the prestigious Targa Tenco for the "Best World Music Album" and was ranked sixth place in the classification of the World Music Charts Europe. In 1997 it won "PIM" - Italian Music Award. It was also one of the key players in the original soundtrack for "Hamam - The Turkish Bath", a film which won the Globo d'Oro (Italian Golden Globe).
The ensemble from Sicily has performed in many international music festivals, including "Le Printemps de Bourges" (France), "Arezzo Wave" (Italy), "Le nuit Europennes" in Strasbourg, "Womad" in Palermo and "International Festival of Medina" in Tunisi.
"Concert by Agricantus" is presented by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department. Tickets priced at $180 and $240 are now available at URBTIX outlets. Senior citizens, people with disabilities, full-time students and Comprehensive Social Security Assistance recipients may have 50% off (limited quotas for students and CSSA recipients on a first-come, first-served basis).
For enquiries about the programme, 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/Tuesday, February 19, 2008
Issued at HKT 16:48
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