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Immediate Release September 19, 2003 The 27th Orchestral Season of the Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra (HKCO) opens tonight (September 19) with the overwhelming, heartening sound of drums that have resounded in the city following the Opening Rally of the Hong Kong Drum Festival in July. An official opening ceremony is held at 7:30 pm, at the foyer on 4th Floor of the Hong Kong Cultural Centre. Director of Leisure and Cultural Services, Ms Anissa Wong Sean-yee, is the Officiating Guest at the Opening Cocktail. After Ms Carlye Tsui, Chairman of the Council of the HKCO has presented the souvenirs to sponsors of the Hong Kong Drum Festival, the Zampa Ufujishi Daiko group from Okinawa, Japan, gives a demonstration performance. The syncopated action and rhythm of sounds totally captivates all those present. The guests and other music lovers are then treated to concert Majestic Drums I, which is conducted by HKCO Music Director Yan Huichang. Performing artists include Wubulikasam (Uighur Dab), Zampa Ufujishi Daiko (Japanese Daiko), Africa Djembe (African Drums), Lung Heung-wing (South American Drums, Western Drums), Island Sun Drum (South American Drums), Li Minxiong (Chinese Drums) and Yim Hok-man (Chinese Drums). A summit meeting of Kings of Drums from all parts of the world, where the air vibrates with physical energy and musical vigour. Please see the appendix attached for the programme rundown. At the entrance to the Concert Hall, the Orchestra has placed two huge drums that invite the concert audience to participate in an interactive game play entitled Know Your Drumming Index-Drum to Test Your Mood. The drums - one in red and the other in black, each measuring a diameter of 70 cm - can indicate the dynamics of each stroke on an LCD screen. People attending the concert are encouraged to choose which of the two drums to beat: the red represents "Drum up Your Fortune", and the black, "Transcend the Challenge". The number of strokes of each drum as well as the dynamics of each stroke are recorded and shown on the electronically computed screen. For each stroke that reaches a certain dynamic index, there will be a congratulatory message coming through the loudspeaker next to it; and for each that does not pass the benchmark, there will be words of encouragement. This hands-on experience perhaps contributes to the enthusiastic rapport in the auditorium. A Hong Kong Drum Music Exhibition is simultaneously held at the Concert Hall Foyer on the Ground Floor. Fully illustrated with archival pictures and researched material, the Exhibition is expected to open the door to thousands of years of "drum culture" and the wonderful world of music culture. The
Hong Kong Drum Festival is held from July to November. Activities include Hong
Kong Synergy 24 Drum Competition, Majestic Drums I & II, Know Your Drumming
Index - Drum to Test Your Mood and Hong Kong Drum Music Competition.
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