Local Violinist Nina Wong to Perform Diverse Recital in June as Part of Hong Kong Artists Series

LCSD's "Hong Kong Artists" Series to present Violin Recital by Nina Wong in June

Emerging local violinist Nina Wong will give a recital in June as part of the "Hong Kong Artists" Series presented by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD). The recital will feature a repertoire spanning different eras with diverse musical styles, showcasing Wong's exceptional technique and versatile musicianship.

Wong will open the recital with Bach's "Chaconne" (from "Violin Partita No.2 in D minor, BWV 1004") in solo. She will then be joined by young pianist Shelley Ng to perform two works by Norwegian composers, namely "Preluminado for Violin and Piano" by contemporary composer Terje Bjørklund and "Violin Sonata No.2, Op.13" by renowned Romantic era composer Edvard Grieg. Afterwards, Wong will perform three pieces (Nos. 3, 4 and 6) from "Tango Etudes for Solo Violin" by Piazzolla, a celebrated Argentine composer in the 20th century. She, in collaboration with Ng, will top off the performance with an interpretation of "Violin Sonata in E-flat, Op.18" by Strauss, bringing the recital to a magnificent conclusion.

Wong is the co-founder and Music Director of the ANIMA Ensemble, and serves as the guest concertmaster and section principal of various ensembles, such as Opera Hong Kong, Hong Kong Grand Opera, Musica Viva and City Chamber Orchestra of Hong Kong. She also performs regularly with the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra and the Hong Kong Sinfonietta as a freelance musician, and is a member of Musicus Soloists Hong Kong. Wong has performed in internationally renowned concert halls such as Carnegie Hall and Konzerthaus Berlin. She was the first violinist in the world premiere of "Purity . Transcendence", an immersive opera by Tan Dun, in 2022, and presented Beethoven's "Triple Concerto" as a soloist with Tan Dun and the Xi'an Symphony Orchestra in 2023.

The "Hong Kong Artists" Series: Violin Recital by Nina Wong will be staged at 8pm on June 11 (Wednesday) at the Theatre of Hong Kong City Hall. Tickets priced at $200 and $240 are now available at URBTIX (www.urbtix.hk). For telephone bookings, please call 3166 1288. Package discounts will be available for the programmes under the "Hong Kong Artists" Series 2025 (including the Piano Recital by Anson Wong on July 4, the Cello Recital by Alex Lau on September 9, the Vocal Recital by Viola Cheung on November 13 and the Guzheng Recital by Grammy Yeung on December 1). For discount schemes and programme enquiries, please call 2268 7321 or visit www.lcsd.gov.hk/CE/CulturalService/Programme/en/music/programs_1825.html.

The "Hong Kong Artists" Series of the LCSD aims to provide a platform for local artists to showcase their remarkable talents. In addition to individual performances, it also encourages cross-genre works to highlight their unique styles. This year's series will introduce 10 distinguished musicians in six stunning programmes, featuring violin, piano, cello, guzheng and vocal arts. Among them, a cross-genre performance of music and painting was staged to showcase Hong Kong's unique cultural character, embracing diversity and innovation. For more information, please visitwww.lcsd.gov.hk/CE/CulturalService/Programme/en/music/groups_1823.html.

LCSD's "Hong Kong Artists" Series to present Violin Recital by Nina Wong in June Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

LCSD's "Hong Kong Artists" Series to present Violin Recital by Nina Wong in June Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Incoming passenger convicted and jailed for possession of duty-not-paid cigarettes

An incoming passenger was sentenced to 29 days of imprisonment by the Fanling Magistrates' Courts today (May 23) for possessing duty-not-paid cigarettes and failing to declare them to Customs officers, in contravention of Dutiable Commodities Ordinance (DCO).

Customs officers intercepted the incoming 58-year-old male passenger at the Lok Ma Chau Spur Line Control Point yesterday (May 22) and seized 1 981 sticks of duty-not-paid cigarettes from him. The estimated market value of the seized cigarettes was about $8,100, and the duty potential was about $6,500. He was subsequently arrested.

Customs welcomes the sentence, noting that even a first-time offender may still be imprisoned. The custodial sentence has imposed a considerable deterrent effect and reflects the seriousness of the offences. Members of the public should not defy the law.

Customs reminds members of the public that under the DCO, cigarettes are dutiable goods to which the DCO applies. Any person who imports, deals with, possesses, sells or buys illicit cigarettes commits an offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $2 million and imprisonment for seven years.

Members of the public may report any suspected illicit cigarette activities to Customs' 24-hour hotline 182 8080 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk) or online form (eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002).

Incoming passenger convicted and jailed for possession of duty-not-paid cigarettes Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases