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[26 August 2011 – Hong Kong] As a special celebration of the 62nd National Day of the People’s Republic of China (PRC), the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra (HKPO), led by its Associate Conductor Perry So, presents the Asian Première of composer Bright Sheng’s Never Far Away – for Harp and Orchestra, joined by acclaimed harpist Dan Yu. Experience this fantastic combination at the HKPO’s SoundFest: “Centenary Concert – a National Day celebration” on 29 September & 1 October (Thu & Sat), at 8pm, in the Hong Kong Cultural Centre Concert Hall. Also in the programme are Lü Qiming’s Ode to the Red Flag and Beethoven’s soaring Symphony No.5 Fate.

The opening performance is sponsored by Sunwah Group, and the 1 October performance is sponsored by Wing Lung Bank.

Free pre-concert talks will be given on both nights at 7:15pm also at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre. For details, please visit www.hkpo.com

Dan Yu, harp

“a unique and major talent capable of bringing the art of harp playing and the way the world views it to an entirely new dimension…..radiating so much joy…it seems she’s already in a class by herself.”
--- The New York Concert Review

Since winning the Gold Medal of the prestigious 5th USA International Harp Competition in 2001, Dan Yu’s lyrical interpretations, profound musicality, and technical mastery have captivated and dazzled audiences across three continents. She has performed solo recitals and chamber music concerts throughout the United States, Europe and Asia, and appeared to great acclaim at New York’s Alice Tully Hall, New York, and London’s Wigmore Hall.

Dan Yu has given recitals in Paris, Geneva, Zurich, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Seattle, and Atlanta. In 2004 her Asian tour took her to Japan - Tokyo, Kobe, Fukui – and China - Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Shenyang. She has been featured twice at the World Harp Congress in Geneva and Amsterdam. As a soloist, she has appeared with China National Symphony Orchestra, Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra and Wintergreen Festival Orchestra.

Perry So, conductor
Perry So joined the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra in October 2008 as Assistant Conductor and has become Associate Conductor since September 2010. In 2008, he received the first and special prizes at the Fifth International Prokofiev Conducting Competition (held in St Petersburg), only the third time the top prize has been awarded. One of the inaugural Dudamel Conducting Fellows at the
Los Angeles Philharmonic, Perry So has just completed an extended six-week residency with the Los Angeles Philharmonic conducting four concerts and assisting Lorin Maazel and Vasily Petrenko. It resulted in immediate re-invitation.

Last season, Perry débuted with the London, Japan, Zagreb and Cape Town Philharmonic orchestras, the Milwaukee, New Zealand, Tasmanian and Asturias Symphony orchestras and the Australian Youth Orchestra, as well as return visits to the Los Angeles Philharmonic, and the Noord Nederlands Orkest.

Programme
Ode to the Red Flag opens our celebration of the 62nd National Day of the People’s Republic of China, followed by the HKPO’s special presentation of the Asian Première of Bright Sheng’s Never Far Away. Inspired by three Chinese folk tunes, this work evokes the China of the composer’s memories viewed from his exile. He wrote of this piece, “If your native culture is still the inspiration of your work, you are never far away from home.” The orchestra will be joined by acclaimed harpist Dan Yu for these performances.

Perry So then conducts arguably the greatest symphony of all – Beethoven’s Fifth. From its first fateful notes to its triumphant climax, this work is a fitting part of our celebration of the centenary of the 1911 Revolution.

SoundFest: Centenary Concert – a National Day celebration
29 | 9 & 1| 10 | 2011
THU & SAT 8PM
HK Cultural Centre Concert Hall
HK $280 $200 $140 $100
Available at URBTIX from now

Opening performance is sponsored by Sunwah Group
1 Oct performance is sponsored by Wing Lung Bank

Click the thumbnail to download photos

Ticketing Information
Credit Card Booking
(852) 2111 5999
Online Booking
www.urbtix.hk

For programme enquiry, please call HKPO at
(852) 2721 2030

HONG KONG PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA
Edo de Waart
Artistic Director and Chief Conductor

The Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra (HKPO) is one of Asia’s leading orchestras. Enriching Hong Kong’s cultural life for over a century, the Orchestra has grown into a formidable ensemble of Chinese and international talents, attracting world-class artists to collaborate on its stage. HKPO annually touches the lives of over 200,000 music lovers through more than 150 performances including its extensive education programme HSBC Insurance Creative Notes and free concerts such as the popular Swire Symphony under the Stars, and regular broadcasts and telecasts. Outside of Hong Kong, the HKPO has made a number of critically acclaimed tours in Asia and Europe.

The 2011/12 season will mark Maestro Edo de Waart’s eighth and final season with the HKPO. Apart from his own series of five special programmes which are summaries of his achievements with the Orchestra over the last seven years, ending with Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony, the new season will also attract a stellar cast of great artists and guest conductors.

The Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra is financially supported by the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
SWIRE is the Principal Patron of the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra
The Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra is the Venue Partner of the Hong Kong Cultural Centre

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