Over 100 orchestras and bands to participate in Youth Music Interflows
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    A total of 128 orchestras and bands from local schools and community organisations will participate in the "2006 Hong Kong Youth Music Interflows" from December 10 to 31.

     The "Hong Kong Youth Music Interflows" is organised annually by the Music Office of the Leisure and Cultural Services Department. It includes the Symphony Orchestra Contest, the Symphonic Band Contest, the String Orchestra Contest and the Chinese Orchestra Contest.

     The Symphony Orchestra Contest will be held at the Concert Hall of the Hong Kong Cultural Centre (HKCC) on December 10 (Sunday) in two sessions. The winning orchestras will be invited to perform jointly with the Wright State University Chamber Orchestra of USA and Hong Kong Junior Chamber Ensemble in the International Music Exchange Concert at 8pm that night at the Concert Hall of HKCC.

     The Symphonic Band Contest with 43 bands will be held at the Auditorium of Tsuen Wan Town Hall on December 16 (Saturday) and 17 (Sunday) in four sessions. Gold Award winners in each session will compete for the "Grand Champion" Trophy at the Winners' Final at 3pm at Ko Shan Theatre on December 23 (Saturday). Trumpet soloist Chong Pak Fu, together with the Hong Kong Youth NeoWinds Orchestra, will be the guest performers in the final.

     The String Orchestra Contest will be held at the Concert Hall of Hong Kong City Hall on December 17 (Sunday) in two sessions. Renowned violinist Li Song-yang will be the guest performer at the contests.

     Fifty-four groups will join the Chinese Orchestra Contest held at the Auditorium of Tuen Mun Town Hall on December 30 (Saturday) and 31 (Sunday). Guo Yazhi, Souna Principle of the Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra, will be accompanied by the Music Office Instructors﷿ Chinese Ensemble to give guest performances in different sessions of the contest.

     Tickets priced at $20 for all the contests and at $20 and $40 for the Winners﷿ Final of the Symphonic Band Contest, are now available at all URBTIX outlets. Half-priced tickets are available to senior citizens, people with disabilities, full-time students and Comprehensive Social Security Assistance recipients.

     Internet bookings can be made at www.urbtix.hk and telephone reservations on 2734 9009. For programmes enquiries, please call 2582 5334 or visit the website www.lcsd.gov.hk/musicoffice.

Ends/Tuesday, November 21, 2006
Issued at HKT 10:01

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