********************************************************
The Song and Dance Troupe of Shaanxi will give three performances in February, showcasing the vernacular culture of the territory.
Featuring the most representative dances of the Tang Dynasty, including "Prince Qin Breaks Through the Encirclement of the Enemy"; "Dance of the Rainbow Dresses" and "Ritual Dance of the High Tang Period", as well as vocal solo of northern Shaanxi's folk songs and instrumental solo, the performances will be at 7.30pm on Friday and Saturday, February 2 and 3 at the Auditorium, Sha Tin Town Hall, and 7.30pm on Sunday, February 4 at the Auditorium, Tuen Mun Town Hall.
Founded in 1940, the Song and Dance Troupe of Shaanxi boasts distinguished repertoires of outstanding quality and ethnic charm. The troupe created the first classical music and dance show in China, "A Revival of Dance and Music of the Tang Dynasty", which was warmly applauded by academics and the public wherever it went. Since then, the troupe has produced many dance dramas, such as "The Rainbow on the Silk Road"; "For the Love of Sorghum"; "Xintianyou"; "To Our Bounteous Land" and many song and dance programmes. The productions have won many accolades for the troupe, including the opera "Zhang Xian" which won the "Wenhua Grand Award" and the Five 'One' Project Award of the Central Propaganda Department. Another full-length opera, "Sima Qian" won the "Wenhua Award for New Repertory" as well as the "Outstanding Repertory Award" at the Chinese Theatre Festival, and many overseas awards.
The troupe has toured more than 40 countries, including the United States, Germany, Denmark, Iceland, Sweden, Norway, Holland, Brazil, Romania, Bulgaria, Japan, South Korea, Singapore and Thailand, and has also won critical and popular acclaim in Taiwan, Hong Kong and Macau.
"Song and Dance Gala" is presented by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department. Tickets ranged from $90 to $180 are available at URBTIX outlets, while senior citizens, people with disabilities, full-time students and Comprehensive Social Security Assistance recipients can have 50% off (limited quotas for students and CSSA recipients on a first-come, first-served basis). A 10% discount applies to Friends of LCSD performing venues. There will be a maximum of 20% off for group booking. Please refer to the programme leaflets for details.
For programme enquiries, call 2268 7323 or visit www.lcsd.gov.hk/cp. Ticketing enquiries and reservations 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/Friday, December 22, 2006
Issued at HKT 16:20
NNNN
