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Acclaimed as one of the most influential and popular zheng artists in China today, and as the most prolific zheng virtuoso recitalist in history, Wang Zhongshan will give three recitals in Hong Kong next month (February).
The first and second concerts will take place at 2.30pm and 7.30pm, February 19 (Saturday), at the Xiang Hai Xuan Multi-purpose Hall, Nan Lian Garden. Wang will collaborate with zheng player Chen Yehui in performing "Melody of River Han". He will also play "Mountain and River", "Liuqingniang", "The Lotus Rising from the Water", "Autumn Moon in the Han Palace", "Liquormania", "Dance of the Yi's", "Willows in the Haze" and "Spring On River Xiang".
Also featuring pianist Chen Zhe and zheng player Chen Yehui, the third concert will be staged at 7.30pm, February 20 (Sunday), at the Theatre, Hong Kong City Hall. This programme includes the compositions "Rural Townships", "Liquormania", "At the Foot of Mount Altay", "The Toll of the Temple Bell", "Melody of River Han", "Mooring by the Maple Bridge", "Tune of Hunan", "Autumn Rain" and "Eternal Regret at Lin An".
Wang Zhongshan is a famous zheng recitalist and teacher and is currently based at the China Conservatory, with other official positions including director of the Chinese Musicians' Association, and Secretary General of the Zheng Society under the Chinese Musicians' Association.
Wang reveals a distinguished character in his playing style. His music is insightful and sensitive, expressing a lyrical and vibrant timbre and an ability to translate rational thoughts through emotive musical idioms. A former champion in the zheng section of the International Chinese Ethnic Instruments Solo Competition, he is acclaimed for an easy, relaxed style that belies his virtuosity and control, as well as his commanding stage presence and flair.
In his efforts to promote zheng music, Wang has given more than 200 solo recitals and academic talks in nearly one hundred cities in Southeast Asia, Europe and America.
"Zheng Recital by Wang Zhongshan" is the final programme of this year's Nan Lian Garden Chinese Music Series, presented by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department. Tickets priced at $150 and $200 (Hong Kong City Hall) and $220 (Nan Lian Garden, free seating) are now available at URBTIX outlets, on the internet and by credit card telephone booking. Senior citizens aged 60 or above, people with disabilities, full-time students and Comprehensive Social Security Assistance (CSSA) recipients may receive a 50% discount (limited tickets for students and CSSA recipients on a first-come, first-served basis). A maximum discount of 20% is offered for group bookings. A pre-concert talk (conducted in Putonghua) will be held at 6.30pm on February 20, at the Hong Kong City Hall.
For programme enquiries call 2268 7321 or visit www.lcsd.gov.hk/cp. Ticketing enquiries can be made on 2734 9009 and credit card telephone bookings on 2111 5999. Tickets can also be booked online at www.urbtix.hk.
Ends/Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Issued at HKT 15:51
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