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Rock Hard

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Yat Po Singers

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City Hall Theatre

Reviewed: Nov 14

Rock Hard is a refreshingly quirky take on some very Hong Kong themes by local composer Ng Cheuk-yin. The 'rock' of the title is Lion Rock and the show takes a sly look at some local tales, such as the legend that there is a turtle climbing to The Peak and if it ever gets there Hong Kong will sink into the sea.

The work is performed by the Yat Po Singers, a 19-member male a cappella chorus, with support from clarinettist Leung Chi-shing and the only female performer, dancer Tina Hua. Lyrics are sparse, with voices primarily used as musical instruments; spoken passages add content and continuity. Episodes range from comic to sinister, including a wedding sequence where Hua dances while the rest perform a lively song.

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A little a cappella can go a long way and Ng deserves credit for making inventive use of the medium. The music shows originality and skill, with complex arrangements and some revelatory moments as to the variety of sounds the human voice can produce.

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