Five Favourites
Marimba artist and composer Pius Chueng
What is your favourite piece of percussion music?
I like a lot of music, from that originally written for percussion to adaptations of music for the marimba.‑If I can include adaptations too, it would be Bach’s Goldberg Variations.‑
Who is your favourite classical music composer?
Many favourite composers.‑If I have to say one, it would be Rachmaninoff.‑
Who is your favourite pop singer or group?
I only listen to pop music on occasion these days. And it really depends on my mood of the day. I like everything from the Carpenters to Eason Chan. But I used to listen to a lot of X Japan (a rock group) in high school, and they have always remained special to me.
What is your favourite film of all time?
Again, it also depends on the mood of the day. And as a musician, I pay more attention to the film music than people usually do. I love film scores by Tan Dun, and my favourite film with Tan Dun’s film score is Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon. Not only do I like its cinematography, but I think this film is very special because it has a very strong impact on China, gaining China ‘soft power’ and securing a Chinese cultural ‘self’ in the globalized international culture.‑
What is your favourite city in the world?
I have been to and lived in many cities and countries. But I still consider Hong Kong home.‑
Winner of the first prize at the Young Concert Artists International Auditions just last month, Pius Cheung began playing the piano when he was five years old and the marimba at age 9. In 1993, a then 10-year-old Cheung made his solo debut as a marimbist in Hong Kong. The Pius Cheung Marimba Recital will take place at the HK City Hall’s Theatre on February 22 and 24. Both performances are set to commence at 8:15pm. Tickets are $200 to $100 from URBTIX, 2734 9009.
 Celine Dion
Unless you’ve lived under a rock for the past decade, you’ll be able to recognize the voice of My Heart Will Go On, the theme song of Titanic. Whether you’re a Celine Dion fan or not, one must respect the French Canadian singer for her powerful voice and the fact that she currently holds the record for selling over 200 million albums around the world. For a taste of her pop music, head over to The Venetian Arena in Macau on Saturday, March 15, at 8:30pm. Tickets are MOP$2,500 to $800 from www.venetianmacaotickets.com or by calling +853 2882 8818.
Funky Underground
Those looking to chill to the music of upcoming local bands should head to The Cavern (Shop 1, LG/F, Lan Kwai Fong Tower, 55 D’Aguilar Street, Central; 2121 8969) on Saturday, February 23, for Underground 53. Pick Pak Zhai will be playing Cantonese funk with light guitar, keyboard, and drum solos, to accompany lead vocalist Fiona. Helter Skelter will be jamming out funky blues sessions. Bone Table will perform a mixture of blues blended with alternative. All-girl indie/emo band The Ember will show the boys how it is done with a mixture of power chords combined with deep throat and high-pitched hardcore/alternative vocals. Showtime is 8-11pm, entry costs $100 at the door. For enquiries, call Chris B, 9486 4648.
 Not content with organizing live music events, The Underground HK, in collaboration with Mark 1 Studios, now also is on the hunt for exciting local talent to make up an album representing Hong Kong’s – you guessed it! – underground music scene. The Underground Compilation CD #1 is scheduled for a May release. The deadline for sending in your application and submissions is February 29. For further details, shoot off an email to contact@undergroundhk.com
Volta!
 Best known for her eccentricity, strong vocals, and 2001 Oscars swan dress, Björk has released a new album: Volta. Already nominated for a Grammy and a Brit award, the album features collaborations with Timbaland and has received numerous remarks about its ‘pop’ sound. In celebration of her latest release and a four year break from touring, the Icelandic performer will be taking the stage for one night only on Thursday, February 28, at the AsiaWorld Expo (Hall 6). The concert that marks the fifth leg of her eighteen month “kind of primitive, raw, almost butch” world tour will kick off at 8pm. Tickets are $780 and $480 from HK Ticketing, 31 288 288.
Backstage Luv
 Lovers and lovelorn alike be rest assured that the music doesn’t stop after Valentine’s Day. Over at Backstage (1/F, 52-54 Wellington Street, Central; 2167 8985), Friday, February 15, is when ex-Cookie Angela Au is scheduled to perform along with singer-songwriter Pius Tong. Showtime is 10:30pm. Admission is $180 and includes a standard drink.
One week later, at the same time and place, singer/songwriter Rannes Man will make her live music debut. Admission for the Friday, February 22, show is also $180 but this time around, it includes two standard drinks. For further details about either event, call 2167 8985.
 Brooks Blues
Ronnie Baker Brooks, son of blues legend Lonnie Brooks, is an exception to the many untalented musicians that have made a name thanks to their famous parents. Growing up in Chicago around blues icons such as Muddy Waters, Buddy Guy, and Eddy Clearwater, the junior Brooks was able to sharpen his guitar skills enough to win a WC Handy Award nomination for Best New Blues Artist for his 1998 debut album, Golddigger. This singer/guitarist brings the sounds of old and new Chicago to Hong Kong on February 22 and 23. His performance at Grappa’s Cellar is set for 9pm both evenings. Tickets are $350. For bookings, call 2521 2322.
 Kubrick Lives!
After taking a siesta in late 2007, Kubrick Live returns with musical offerings on alternate Fridays this month. Newcomer Vivien Ywen is the featured artist on February 15. Her name may not yet be that familiar but Ywen has supplied the voice of many theme songs for advertisements and movies. Two weeks later, on February 29, Peggy, the Taiwanese indie-pop singer-songwriter whose debut album Balloon garnered awards in Hong Kong, Taiwan, Mainland China, Malaysia, and Singapore, will give at ‘one night only in Hong Kong’ performance at Kubrick (Shop H2, Prosperous Garden, 3 Public Square St, Yau Ma Tei; 2384 8929). Showtime on both evenings is 10pm. Admission is $100 for the February 15 event and $150 on February 29.
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