Local percussionist Matthew Lau to give recital in October
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     Young local percussionist Matthew Lau will demonstrate his superb skills in an enjoyable and playful recital to be staged in October.
 
     The programme will feature Daniel Alejandro Almada's "Linde for Vibraphone & Tape", Steve Reich's "Vermont Counterpoint for Flute & Tape, arr. for Vibraphone & Tape", Von Hansen's new work "Loops for Vibraphone & Computer" (Hong Kong premiere) and Iannis Xenakis' "Psappha". Fellow percussionist Vonald Chow will accompany Lau and will perform Paul Lansky's "Travel Diary for Two Percussion”"
 
     Matthew Lau was born in Hong Kong and obtained his Doctor of Musical Arts in contemporary percussion performance from Stony Brook University in the United States, under the guidance of Eduardo Leandro. He holds a Master's degree of Music from New York University and a Bachelor's degree of Music from the Hong Kong Baptist University. His principal teachers include Jonathan Haas, Simon Boyar, James Saporito, Lung Heung-wing and James Boznos. Lau is currently a part-time lecturer at the Hong Kong Baptist University's Department of Music. 
 
     A finalist at the 2016 Italy Percussive Arts Society Competition Vibraphone Category, Lau's performance at the Aspen Music Festival was praised as a "soulful and technically impressive solo" by The Aspen Times. He has performed in cities around the world, including Buenos Aires, Perth, Brisbane, Boston, New York, Montclair, Gettysburg, Aspen, Brooklyn, Tokyo, Seoul and Hong Kong. As an avid chamber musician, he is the co-founder and member of the percussion duo Fisher/Lau Project with Abby Fisher.
 
     Pursuing a strong interest in contemporary percussion music, his vision and aesthetic seek to expand the ever-growing percussion repertoire by pushing existing boundaries, incorporating electronics and technologies as well as discovering new sounds. His interest in exploring new music has led him to commission new pieces with many renowned composers.
 
      "Our Music Talents Series: Percussion Recital by Matthew Lau" will be staged at 8pm on October 5 (Saturday) at the Theatre of Hong Kong City Hall. Tickets priced at $120 and $160 are now available at URBTIX (www.urbtix.hk). For telephone credit card bookings, please call 2111 5999. For programme enquiries and concessionary schemes, please call 2268 7321 or visit www.lcsd.gov.hk/CE/CulturalService/Programme/en/music/programs_833.html.
 
     Presented by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department, the "Our Music Talents" Series nurtures and supports local emerging artists and groups as well as providing them with performing opportunities, thus assisting their development in performing arts.

Ends/Thursday, July 25, 2019
Issued at HKT 11:30

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