*****************************************************
World Expo 2010 Shanghai China (Shanghai Expo) visitors continued to be delighted today (October 19) with the fun-filled and interesting mix of performances and events being staged on day 2 of Hong Kong Week.
On the list were two exhilarating concerts by the Hong Kong Harmonica Association, which featured a dazzling array of musical works, from classic to folk, and from Western to Oriental.
The most stunning performance was by an 80-member harmonica orchestra playing Hong Kong original compositions, including "Beneath the Lion Rock", to the delight of the audience at Baosteel Stage (Small) in Shanghai Expo Park.
Their other concert in Celebration Square, though smaller in scale, presented a variety of familiar works in solo, trio and ensemble performances as well as by a 30-member harmonica band.
Also at the Baosteel Stage (Small) were three performances of Cantonese opera excerpts by 25 children and teenagers from the Hong Kong Children and Juvenile Chinese Opera Troupe.
Having gained a reputation from their impressive performances yesterday, they continued to enthrall the crowd with their singing, acting and difficult martial arts and acrobatics.
Their programme also included workshops on hairpiece production and make-up demonstrations, as well as a dress-up photo zone.
Over at Baosteel Stage (Large) were two "Swing for All" concerts by the Hong Kong Fringe Club.
Hong Kong's Saturday Night Jazz Orchestra was joined by the Shanghai Swing dancers, who took the audience back to the 1930s era of swing with jazz music and dance.
The fun and music continued at Celebration Square where the Hong Kong Police Band marched to the beat of pipe, military and even pop music in their two performances, attracting thousands of spectators.
Crowds also packed Bocheng Road for the innovative "Hong Kong Pop Up!" Parade, which has been a huge hit at Shanghai Expo since its debut yesterday (October 18).
Under the spotlight was a giant pop-up book of Hong Kong sights and scenes, supported by 50 dancers who introduced Hong Kong life in a way never seen by Expo visitors.
The crowd was delighted by the cuddly mascots from Ocean Park and the walking food mascots of "cha chaan teng".
Hong Kong's creativity and talent were also on display with an interactive installation art display created by young Hong Kong student artists at the "Budding Winter" exhibition at the Baosteel Stage Interactive Zone.
During Hong Kong Week, which runs until Friday (October 22), Shanghai Expo visitors will see close to 1,000 performers and staff members from 12 organisations present more than 20 performances in Shanghai Expo Park and outside it.
Tomorrow morning (October 20), the Chief Executive, Mr Donald Tsang, will officiate at a star-studded Hong Kong Week opening ceremony at the Baosteel Stage (Large).
Popular Hong Kong stars and singers well known to Shanghai audiences will take to the stage, including singers Frances Yip, Alan Tam, Eric Suen, Kay Tse and Hong Kong band "Mr".
Together with violinist Yao Jue, erhu master Wong On-yuen and the Hong Kong Youth Symphony Orchestra, they will bring to Shanghai Expo a fantastic programme to showcase Hong Kong's creativity.
On Friday night, Hong Kong Week will end on a high note with the Hong Kong Sinfonietta's presentation of Igor Stravinsky's "A Soldier's Story" at the Shanghai Oriental Art Centre.
For details, please visit www.hkexpo2010.gov.hk.
Ends/Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Issued at HKT 17:31
NNNN