Top Cuban act to perform in Hong Kong
Hong Kong has been handed its first major post-Sars entertainment boost with confirmation that the Buena Vista Social Club, the Cuban musical ensemble, will play here later this year.
The show, entitled 'Buena Vista Social Club presents Orquesta Ibrahim Ferrer', is the first major international act to confirm a date in Hong Kong since the outbreak of Sars, which hit the tourism and entertainment industries hard as the Rolling Stones, Santana, and Moby all cancelled their concerts.
Concert promoters arena hong kong yesterday told the South China Morning Post that Buena Vista Social Club had signed to play one night on Friday, October 10.
Topping the bill at the show, which is expected to pack out the 3,000-seat Grand Hall of the Convention and Exhibition Centre in Wan Chai, will be star vocalist Ibrahim Ferrer. He will be backed by an orchestra of 20 leading Cuban musicians.
When the Buena Vista Social Club - the name coined by Oscar-nominated director Wim Wenders in the film of the same name - last appeared at the Hong Kong Arts Festival in 2001 they sold out several shows.
Andrew Bull, managing director of arena hong kong, said: 'We all know that Hong Kong has suffered major damage - some might say permanent damage - as a result of Sars.
'This concert promises Sars-weary Hong Kong a tonic in the shape of a cavalcade of the finest in Cuban musical talent.'
Ferrer, 77, shot to international stardom largely on the back of the film. He has since packed out such famous venues as the Royal Albert Hall in London, the Sydney Opera House and the Orchard Hall in Tokyo.
Ticketing arrangements are still being finalised but it is understood prices will range from around $400 for the cheapest seats to $1,000 for a VIP berth, which is expected to include exclusive access to a 'Havana Club' lounge.
