IN an inspired piece of programming RTHK Radio 4 is celebrating the singers and musicians of Hong Kong and its architectural heritage in a series of chamber recitals throughout the territory. Not only can the public enjoy the performers' artistry, but they are also being afforded rare access to some colonial treasures and treated to a short talk on the building before each concert.
The second concert (the first featuring Yim Wai, Michael Rippon and Mary Yang was held at the University Hall of the Hong Kong University at the end of last month and will be broadcast on March 2) takes place on March 18 at St John's Cathedral.
Later concerts feature a brass band at Wan Chai Police Station (April 6); Hong Kong String Quartet at the Royal Observatory (May 20); a saxophone quartet at the Marine Police Headquarters (June 24); and a Chinese ensemble in the courtyard of Tang's House, Yuen Long (July 22). For more details, telephone 2339-6425 during office hours.
A melting pot is the only way to describe pianist Zachary K. Wong's concert on Sunday, February 19, at the Tsuen Wan Town Hall. And into that rich pot is being poured music by Chopin, Albeniz, Stravinsky, Bach-Busoni, Gershwin and Gottschalk. Tickets from Urbtix on 2734-9009.
In a fund-raising concert for the Academy for Performing Arts' School of Music, La Chorale Du Brassus, an all-male choir of 70 watchmakers from French-speaking Switzerland, will perform hardy perennials such as Ave Maria and works by Verdi and Rossini in a concert sponsored by Breguet Watches at the APA's Concert Hall next Wednesday at 8.15pm. Tickets through Urbtix. The choir will also give a free concert at St John's Cathedral at lunchtime (1.20pm) on the same day, and then again on the Friday at 7.30pm at the French International School.
Dario Fo's Accidental Death of an Anarchist has been translated into Cantonese and directed by Desmond Tang for Academy Drama's run at the Studio Theatre from February 27 to March 4 at 7.45pm, with a 2.45pm matinee on the 4th. Tickets through Urbtix.