RTHK Radio 4, together with some fabulous local musical talents, will bring you Handel’s most celebrated oratorio, “Messiah” on December 24, 2005. The general public is invited to join in and sing along with more than 300 outstanding performers to famous songs from Messiah and other Christmas carols at the Olympic Square, Hong Kong Park. Dr. Johnny Poon, Artistic Director of Performance Activities, Hong Kong Baptist University, had been invited to be the conductor of “Messiah in the Park” to lead a group of excellent choirs formed by the chorus of the Opera Society of Hong Kong, City Chamber Orchestra of Hong Kong and a combined choir formed by the Diocesan Boys’ School Choir, Diocesan Girls’ School Choir, Hong Kong Institute of Education Chorus, The Hong Kong Melody Makers, The Learner’s Chorus and Wah Yan College Kowloon Boys’ Choir. At the same time, four soloists including soprano Yuki Ip, countertenor Marcus Choy, tenor David Quah and bass Brian Montgomery will also guide you through the famous melodies of the Messiah with their beautiful voices. Featured works of the event include Part I of Messiah, along with the most famous chorus of all – ‘Hallelujah’ as well as many other uplifting Christmas carols. Plasma TV screens will be set up at the venue to facilitate public participation. About an hour before the concert, you may also take a stroll through Hong Kong Park and along the way enjoy some light Christmas classics with the HKIED Handbell Ensemble and the NIE Ensemble (Singapore). Amy Kwong, Head of RTHK Radio 4 said, “Messiah stands out from Handel's English Oratorios by virtue of using words taken from both the Old and New Testaments. Radio 4 also invites you to join us at this exciting event to share the joy of Christmas by listening and singing along enchanting Christmas melodies. Take a stroll through Hong Kong Park and experience a unique Christmas Eve. “ RTHK Radio 4’s “Messiah in the Park” will take place on December 24, 2005 (Sat) at the Olympic Square, Hong Kong Park (5pm – 6:30pm). FREE Admission. The programme will be broadcast on RTHK Radio 4 (FM 97.6- 98.9), RTHK’s website (www.rthk.org.hk) and TVB Pearl at 12:40am, December 25, 2005. It will also be repeated on Radio 4 at 9:00pm on December 25, 2005. Enquiry number: 2339 6425.

ccu@rthk.org.hk