　　The Leisure and Cultural Services Department will launch the "Harmonious Journeys: Classical Music Excursion" lecture series from June to August. Hosted by seasoned music practitioner Jimmy Shiu, the lecture series will introduce different classical music masterpieces and analyse their rhythms, instrumental combinations, lyrics and more in a lively manner, allowing audiences to embark on a journey to explore the world of classical music, thereby appreciating the art and experiencing the joy it brings.
　　Details of the 10 lectures are as follows:
Lecture 1: A Parade of Golden Melodies
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Date: June 5 (Wednesday)
Content: Featuring the works of Mozart, Bizet, Tchaikovsky, Grieg, Rachmaninov and more, to analyse the power and beauty of timeless melodies.
Lecture 2: The World of Tone Colours
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Date: June 12 (Wednesday)
Content: Introducing the maestros of orchestration, such as Rimsky-Korsakov, Ravel and Respighi, to explore their use of instrumental positions and combinations, as well as tonal ranges and mutes.
Lecture 3: Rhythm: The Unsung Hero
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Date: June 19 (Wednesday)
Content: Using Mozart's "Symphony No. 40" as an introduction to discuss the rhythms of his works, and learning about various compositions named after rhythms.
Lecture 4: In Harmony
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Date: June 26 (Wednesday)
Content: To analyse the harmonic systems in Western music, and how they bring different musical resonances and layers, and become the foundation for producing counterpoint works.
Lecture 5: A Musical Existence
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Date: July 10 (Wednesday)
Content: To introduce classical music masterpieces with themes on different stages of life, such as "Land of Hope and Glory", "Wedding March" and "Canon in D Major".
Lecture 6: The Storyteller
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Date: July 17 (Wednesday)
Content: To analyse famous compositions such as Vivaldi's "The Four Seasons", Mussorgsky's "Pictures at an Exhibition" and Berlioz's "Symphonie fantastique", how to tell stories vividly through music.
Lecture 7: Virtuosity Unlimited!!
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Date: July 24 (Wednesday)
Content: To analyse the difficulties involved and the interpretative skills required in performing the selected virtuoso works by Mozart, Paganini and Chopin.
Lecture 8: A Condensed Music History
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Date: July 31 (Wednesday)
Content: To give an overview of the history of Western music, from the medieval period to the modern time, and related terminology.
Lecture 9: The Power of Words!
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Date: August 7 (Wednesday)
Content: To explore how composers are inspired by lyrics, and create moving pieces by skilfully combining lyrics with music. A professional singer will be invited to give a live demonstration.
Lecture 10: The Land, the Music, the Nation
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Date: August 14 (Wednesday)
Content: To explore how musical elements such as scales and instruments formulate the musical languages that are rich in local characteristics.
　　Shiu holds a music degree from the Hong Kong Baptist University, with a major in Composition. He then pursued further studies at the University of Sheffield, the United Kingdom, where he earned a double Master's degree in Composition and Vocal Performance. He has been invited to give lectures and serve as a master of ceremonies at concerts. Shiu has published several works related to music appreciation, composition of sacred music (original and arrangements).
　　All lectures will be conducted in Cantonese and will start at 7.30pm at the Lecture Hall of the Hong Kong Science Museum. Tickets priced at $80 (for each lecture, with free seating) are now available at URBTIX (www.urbtix.hk). For telephone bookings, please call 3166 1288. For programme enquiries and concessionary schemes, please call 2268 7321 or visit www.lcsd.gov.hk/CE/CulturalService/Programme/en/music/programs_1742.html.
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