　　The Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) will organise the second volume of "A Cultural Journey through World Music" lecture demonstration from August to September, featuring music of Mongolian morin khuur, Argentinian tango, Scottish bagpipe and Arabic music. The four lectures will be hosted and curated by Eugene Leung, a local Central Asian musical instrument dutar performer with a fine grasp of ethnomusicology. The programme has invited various local musicians as speakers. Through an introduction of histories and cultures, demonstrations of musical instruments and personal-experience sharing, participants will be guided to appreciate the musical characteristics from different regions and across cultural boundaries.
　　Details of each lecture are as follows:
Lecture 1: Mongolian Morin Khuur Music
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Date: August 7 (Wednesday)
Speaker: Khaw Fook Wai (morin khuur)
Demonstrators: Spencer Chao, Leo Wong (morin khuur)
The morin khuur (horsehead fiddle), the most emblematic instrument of the Mongolians, has been inscribed on the UNESCO Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2008. The speaker will introduce the deep association of morin khuur with the traditional Mongolian pastoral nomadic way of life, its traditional techniques and repertoire, as well as its contemporary performance styles.
Lecture 2: Argentinian Tango Music
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Date: August 21 (Wednesday)
Speaker: Justin Siu (double bass)
Demonstrators: Bobo Chiu (bandoneon), Stephanie Fung (piano)
Tango is an art form born in the slums of Argentina. Its traditional music rhythms form an association with dance. Composer Astor Piazzolla has brought forward the nuevo tango, which stands as a pure music form. The speaker will introduce the traditional form of tango and its subsequent evolution, with demonstrations featuring the quintessential tango music instrument, the bandoneon, along with the piano and double bass.
Lecture 3: Scottish Bagpipe Music
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Date: August 28 (Wednesday)
Speaker: Chris Lee (Scottish bagpipes)
Demonstrator: Yuko Saito (fiddle and bodhrán)
Scottish bagpipes are commonly seen in ceremonial events. However, it is rare to see its more musical side. The speaker will introduce the history of bagpipes in Scotland, its types and musical styles. The structure of the instrument and its unique performing techniques will also be featured, with demonstrations to showcase the bagpipe's musicality.
Lecture 4: Arabic Music
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Date: September 4 (Wednesday)
Speaker: Eugene Leung (oud)
Demonstrators: Dickson Cheung (Middle Eastern percussion) and Jessie Law (qanun)
The Arab world covers vast territories, and its musical culture and system have developed in various ways in different regions through multi-ethnic and multi-faith interactions. The speaker will introduce basic concepts in Arabic music, and look in particular at the music of Egypt and Syria in the 20th century, to understand the historical context that brought about the "Golden Age of Arabic Music".
Eugene Leung studied music at Cambridge University and completed a Master of Music in Ethnomusicology from Goldsmiths College, University of London. He has been an active figure on the Hong Kong music scene, promoting Central Asian and Middle Eastern music, and has taken part in exhibitions and performances as curator and music director.
All lectures will be conducted in Cantonese, and will be held at 7.30pm at the Lecture Hall of the Hong Kong Space 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_1753.html.
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