"Tan Dun - Sound of Dunhuang" concert to showcase arts and culture of Dunhuang

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　　To celebrate the 25th anniversary of the establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) will present the concert "Tan Dun - Sound of Dunhuang" in July. With "Fire" and "Birds" as the themes, the concert showcases the arts and culture of Dunhuang by blending Chinese and Western music, and the use of interactive technology elements. This concert is under the exclusive sponsorship of the Hong Kong Jockey Club (HKJC), and is one of the many initiatives supported by the HKJC's approved donation of $630 million to the Government of the HKSAR to mark the 25th anniversary of the establishment of the HKSAR, demonstrating that the HKJC is resolute in pursuing its purpose of acting continuously for the betterment of society, all in support of creating stronger communities together.

　　Internationally renowned maestro Tan Dan is the music director and conductor of the concert. He will be joined by players of the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra, members of The Orchestra Academy Hong Kong and other guest musicians to perform a number of famous songs composed by Russian composer Igor Stravinsky and Tan's own works, including the Hong Kong premiere of "The Five Muses of Dunhuang" which is composed with the ancient musical instruments depicted on Dunhuang murals. This concert also echoes "The Hong Kong Jockey Club Series: Dunhuang: Enchanting Tales for Millennium" exhibition to be held from August 24 to November 21 at the Hong Kong Heritage Museum.

　　Under the theme of "Fire", which symbolises prosperity in traditional Chinese culture, the first half of the concert features Stravinsky's "Fireworks" and Tan's "The Five Muses of Dunhuang". Various local Chinese musicians, including Kenneth Sham (shakuhachi (Chiba)), Zhao Guanjie (xiqin/zhonghu), Ling Kwan-leung (bili/suona), Loo Sze-wang (sheng/lusheng) and Gao Sijia (five-string pipa) are invited to give solo performances during "The Five Muses of Dunhuang" for a contemporary interpretation of the five ancient Chinese instruments as portrayed in Dunhuang murals to enable the audience to experience the charm of Dunhuang.

　　Birds, representing auspicious beliefs, are often featured in Dunhuang murals among mythical creatures to depict the Buddhist realm. The second half of the concert adopts "Birds" as the theme. With the application of smartphones, Tan amuses audiences with his work "Passacaglia: Secret of Wind and Birds", bringing them an innovative and interactive experience with the orchestra. Finally, the performance of Stravinsky's "The Firebird" Suite (1919 version) concludes the concert on a high note.

　　UNESCO Global Goodwill Ambassador Tan graduated from the Beijing Central Conservatory of Music and received a Doctor of Musical Arts degree in Composition from Columbia University. He currently serves as the dean of the Bard College Conservatory of Music and the Honorary Artistic Director of the China National Symphony Orchestra. He has won numerous awards over the years, including the Best Original Score in the 2001 Academy Awards for his film score in the movie "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon", and has been invited to compose theme music for leading international events such as the Award Ceremonies for the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games. Blending audio and visual elements in his creations, Tan has devoted his exploration of the possibilities of experimental music by crossing the borders between classic and modern, as well as East and West.

The "Tan Dun - Sound of Dunhuang" concert will be staged at 8pm on July 16 and 17 (Saturday and Sunday) at the Concert Hall of Hong Kong Cultural Centre. Tickets priced at $300, $400, $500 and $600 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_1348.html.

In order to comply with the requirements stipulated in the Prevention and Control of Disease (Requirements and Directions) (Business and Premises) Regulation (Cap. 599F) and relevant requirements of administrative instructions, members of the public are required to scan the "LeaveHomeSafe" venue QR code with their mobile phones/other mobile devices before being allowed to enter the performing arts venues managed by the LCSD for necessary contact tracing if a confirmed case is found. In accordance with the Prevention and Control of Disease (Vaccine Pass) Regulation (Cap. 599L) and relevant requirements of administrative instructions, all persons entering indoor venues under the management of the LCSD must comply with the requirement of the Vaccine Pass.

Ends/Friday, June 17, 2022
Issued at HKT 12:16

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