Hong Kong Children’s Symphony Orchestra & Scots College

News Release: Tuesday 17 July, 2012

Hong Kong Children’s Symphony Orchestra & Scots College
to perform Free Public Concert
On Thursday 2 August, 56 members of the Hong Kong Children’s Symphony Orchestra, aged 10-19 years, will participate in music workshops alongside Scots College students, culminating in a joint public concert at the College that afternoon.

“The aim of the exchange is simply for our boys and the visiting students to have an opportunity to meet and connect over their love of music,” confirmed Andrew Stopps, Director of Music at Scots College. “The daily lives of these students are no doubt very different – life in central Hong Kong is a world away from Strathmore, Wellington, however it’s an amazing experience to watch strangers come together having rehearsed the same piece of music, and for it all to fit together like a beautiful jigsaw,” reflected Stopps.

“Equally I am interested to hear their interpretations of different pieces of music. We will be performing works by New Zealand composers alongside some more traditional pieces, and young musicians always bring a very refreshing perspective to any work - they seem to effortlessly breathe new life into them,” he said.

“We are honoured to host these extremely talented young musicians, led by renowned Music Director and Conductor, Dr Yip Wai Hong, in our brand new Creative and Performing Arts Centre here at Scots,” said Headmaster Graeme Yule. “This exchange has come about through a partnership with the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office (HKETO) that represents the Government of Hong Kong in Australia and New Zealand. We have been lucky enough to be included in the Orchestra’s Australasian tour celebrating the 15th Anniversary of the establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.”

“Scots College was a natural partner for this project, with its globally-focused International Baccalaureate curriculum and passionate Music Department located in the College’s Creative and Performing Arts Centre. Many of these students will no doubt go on to become professional musicians, studying and performing around the globe. Who knows where the friendships and shared experiences from this partnership with Scots College may lead,” said Mimi Law, Assistant Conductor and Tour Co-ordinator.

The student workshops will be held during the school day on Thursday, 2 August, during which time they will rehearse for the concert that afternoon to be held in the Scots College Hall, commencing at 2.40pm.

This free concert is open to the public, however guests are asked to register in advance for tickets via the HKETO’s website: www.hketosydney.gov.hk

Event Details

Hong Kong Children’s Symphony Orchestra & Scots College Concert
Date: Thursday, 2 August, 2012
Time: Doors open at 2.15pm, Concert: 2.40pm – 3.30pm
Venue: Scots College Hall, Monorgan Road, Strathmore, Wellington
Tickets: Free Entry - Register in advance online: www.hketosydney.gov.hk
Guests who have not pre-booked will be allocated seats as available on the day.

Background Information:

About the Australasian Tour & Concert Series
www.hketosydney.gov.hk

About the Orchestra http://sc.lcsd.gov.hk/gb/www.lcsd.gov.hk/CE/CulturalService/Programme/en/music/0000026c.html

Hong Kong Children’s Symphony Orchestra – video clip, 2009
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ODrmqDVqQRI

ENDS

Scots College is an Independent Presbyterian Day and Boarding Boys’ School; Years 1-13. It is an IB (International Baccalaureate) World School, offering both the NCEA and the IB qualifications. Scots offers a vibrant learning environment for boys, encouraging excellence in every facet of their education, creating global citizens - boys who are equipped for life as balanced, compassionate, motivated and socially aware young men.

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