Hong Kong as a cosmopolitan city is always teeming with life. The dynamism that flows within it needs to be kept stirring, while the spirit underpins the creation of what is material. As drums are the only instrument to rouse, excite and incite people to action, the Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra (HKCO) is holding a Hong Kong Drum Festival between July and November, 2003. By organizing a series of activities, it is hoped to rouse and boost the spirit of Hong Kong people.

Activities include:
Synergizing Our Hong Kong - Opening Rally of the Hong Kong Drum Festival
13 July, 2003 4pm Victoria Park
The world's largest Peace Drum (taiping gu) and Gong will make their debut on this occasion. The Peace Drum, 2.6m tall with a diameter of 3.46m, is commissioned by the HKCO and produced by Shanxi Jiangzhou Drum Troupe. The Gong, with a diameter of 1.55m, is produced by the Hubei Wuhan Gong Factory. Thousands of drummers will be in action at the Opening Rally of the Event of the Year, featuring the Hundred-piece Drum Troupe of the Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra, the Junior Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra, Song Shan Shaolin Temple Wushu Performing Delegation and 2000 drummers from various organizations and schools of Hong Kong. A new Guinness record on the largest number of people playing drum at the same time is hoped to be set. Public is welcome to join. Members of the public will receive a "Hong Kong Synergy Miniature Drum" for free on a first-come-first-served basis.

Hong Kong Synergy 24 Drum Competition
First Round: 27-28 September, Hong Kong Cultural Centre Piazza
Demonstration Performance: 16 August, 2003 Times Square
7 September, 2003 Harbour City
It is a competition open to all organizations and schools of Hong Kong. Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra designs a set of Chinese drumming routines that would demonstrate the energetic side of young people. The competition not only introduces the culture of Chinese drum music, it also rouses and boosts the spirit of the young people.

Hong Kong Drum Music Exhibition
1-7 September, 2003　Harbour City
18-20 September; 15-30 October, 2003　Hong Kong Cultural Centre
24-30 September, 2003　Times Square
9-12 October, 2003　Plaza Hollywood
Exhibition with text and precious photos.

Know Your Drumming Index - Drums to Test Your Mood
1-7 September, 2003 Hong Kong Cultural Centre
1-7 September, 2003 Harbour City
24-30 September, 2003 Times Square
9-12 October, 2003 Plaza Hollywood
Interactive game. Free admission.

Opening Concert for the Hong Kong Drum Festival and the 27th Orchestral Season of Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra
19 & 20 September, 2003 Hong Kong Cultural Centre Concert Hall
The concert is designed by HKCO's Music Director and Conductor Yan Huichang. Renowned overseas and local percussionists and groups including Ubulikasam (Xinjiang), Li Minxiong (Shanghai), Zampa Daiko (Japan), Africa Djembe (Africa), Lung Heung-wing and Island Fun Drum (Hong Kong), Yim Hok-man (Percussion Principal, Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra) and the HKCO will participate in the concert.

The Final Round of the Hong Kong Synergy 24 Drum Competition and Closing Concert of the Hong Kong Drum Festival
31 October & 1 November, 2003 Hong Kong Cultural Centre Concert Hall
To emphasize the drum culture in China, different drum troupes from Mainland including The Water Drum Troupe of the De'ang Tribe, The Wooden Drum Troupe of the Wa Tribe in Lincang, Yonghong Peace Drum Troupe of Lanzhou and Shanxi Jiangzhou Drum Troupe are invited to stage their features. The concert will be conducted by HKCO's Music Director Yan Huichang. It is part of the programme of festival "Legends of China" organized by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department. The Final Round of the Hong Kong Synergy 24 Drum Competition will also be staged in the concert.

Hong Kong Drum Festival Website: www.hkco.org/drum
Enquiry No.: 3185 1600

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Press Enquiry: Annisa TONG
Tel: 3185 1601
Fax: 2815 5615
E-mail: annisa@hkco.org
HKCO website: www.hkco.org
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Gold Sponsor： Kingsway Group ICBC (Asia) Wofoo Foundation

Bronze Sponsor： Yanese Ltd. Kee Wah Bakery

Official Hotel： New World Renaissance Hotel

Official Beverage： Bonaqua

Supporters：
International Channel, China Central Television Hong Kong Tourism Board TV Section, RTHK

Mandarin Travel (International) Co. Ltd. Ming Pao Wah Shing Electronics Co. Ltd.

Harbour City Times Square Plaza Hollywood

For more details

Tel：3185-1001 (Ms Annisa Tong)
Website：www.hkco.org
Email：inquiries@hkco.org