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The Gay Singers and the Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups (HKFYG) Hong Kong Melody Makers will jointly give a concert in April to showcase the talent of a cappella young force.
It will also be the first concert of this year's "A Cappella Series".
The pure vocal performance features a programme including "La Danza", "Dancing Queen", "When I Was a Lad", "Sir Duke by Stevie Wonder", and "Party Mix".
Although a cappella has yet to become a mainstream performing art in Hong Kong, the Gay Singers have made their voices known in the mainstream media. The group was featured in the RTHK documentary programme "Hong Kong Connection" series. It performed at a charity gala show to raise funds for the Tung Wah Group of Hospitals, and was given the Lifestyle Award by Metro Radio. The group has even cut the first a cappella version of the Chinese national anthem for NOW TV.
In July 2007, the Gay Singers were invited to participate in the celebration activities on the Mainland, in commemoration of the 10th anniversary of the HKSAR. The group also appeared in Space International a Cappella Festival presented by the national television station of South Korea, as well as the Taiwan International Choral Ensemble Festival. As the only a cappella group in Hong Kong with a discography to its credit, the Gay Singers have released four CDs, with the latest one, "Made in Hong Kong", released in February 2008.
The HKFYG Hong Kong Melody Makers is a youth vocal ensemble established in 2004 by the Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups with sponsorship from the Dragon Foundation. Its aims are to reflect Hong Kong's vivacity and give voice to the city's cosmopolitan spirit. Members are dynamic young people with outstanding artistic talent. Their shared passion for music can benefit the entire community, enriching Hong Kong's cultural life by promoting ensemble singing. The troupe had the honour of opening the 2008 Hong Kong International Youth & Children's Choir Festival, and performing in major events including the Hong Kong Music Fair, the Leisure and Cultural Services Department New Year's Eve Countdown Carnival. They also participated in master classes held by world-renowned a cappella groups including the King's Singers, the Idea of North and Rockapella.
Presented by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department, the "A Cappella Party" concert will be staged on April 12 (Sunday) at 8pm at the Auditorium, Tuen Mun Town Hall. Tickets priced at $150, $120 and $90 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 Comprehensive Social Security Assistance recipients are available on a first-come, first-served basis.)
For programme enquiries, call 2268 7321; for ticketing enquiries and reservations call 2734 9009. Internet bookings are available at www.urbtix.hk. For credit card telephone bookings, call 2111 5999. Visit www.lcsd.gov.hk/cp for more information on the programme.
Ends/Thursday, March 12, 2009
Issued at HKT 10:01
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