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Acknowledged as one of the leading innovators of modern flamenco, Maria Pages will revisit Hong Kong with her stunning performance, "Song, before a War".
Her Hong Kong debut in 2002, a triple bill of "La Tirana", "El Perro Andaluz" and "Flamenco Republic", was a sell-out and won critical acclaim.
Featuring new choreography set to traditional flamenco music, blues and John Lennon's "Imagine", the performance will be at 8pm on Friday and Saturday, January 26 and 27, 2007, at the Concert Hall, Hong Kong City Hall.
Following the triumphant triple bill, "Songs, before a War" is inspired by a documentary film banned by the Franco regime. Instead of referring to the dramatic reconstruction of a country during its dark period, Pages turns things around positively to convey a more optimistic outlook. In addition to flamenco's fiery steps and soulful emotions, the eclectic and unusual choice of music is also sure to bring much delight.
Maria Pages first came to worldwide fame when she was featured in "Riverdance" in 1995. She was awarded the prestigious Spanish National Choreographic Prize in 1996. In 2002, Pages received the coveted National Dance Award, the first time in history that this most important dance award in Spain has been given to a flamenco choreographer. She was further awarded Italy's Leonide Massine Dance Prize in 2004, considered one of the greatest international recognitions within the dance world. Previous awardees include Rudolf Nureyev.
Founded in 1990, Compania Maria Pages has performed widely in Europe, the Americas and Asia in some of the most famous theatres and dance festivals in the world, including Theatre National de Chaillot (Paris), Joyce Theater (New York), Sadler's Wells Theatre (London) and Jacob's Pillow Dance Festival in the US.
"Song, before a War" is presented by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department. A post-performance meet-the-artist session will be held after the first show.
Tickets priced at $320, $240 and $120 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 15, 2006
Issued at HKT 11:56
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