Master of music: The Shanghai Symphony Orchestra will give two concerts in Hong Kong under the baton of world-renowned conductor Chen Xieyang in late September.

The Shanghai Symphony Orchestra will give two concerts in Hong Kong to mark the 55th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China.

The concerts will be with the Shanghai Opera House Chorus and a number of Chinese vocalists and musicians under the baton of world-renowned conductor Chen Xieyang.

The first concert will be held at the Shatin Town Hall at 8pm on September 29. The programme includes Torch Festival, Sarasate's Carmen Fantasy, Tchaikovsky's Variations on a Rococo Theme and a series of Chinese art songs - Song of the Yangtze River, O Land of China, For the Love of the Republic and A Toasting Song.

Four vocalists - tenor Ding Yi, soprano Wang Yanyan, mezzo-soprano Liang Ning and baritone Yang Xiaoyong will perform Beethoven's Ode to Joy with the Shanghai Opera House Chorus.

Pianist Li Yundi to perform on Sept 30

The second performance, at 8pm on September 30 at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre, will feature Grieg's Piano Concerto in A Minor, Op. 16 by renowned pianist Li Yundi, Beethoven's Ode to Joy and Chinese art songs Ode to the Red Flag, That is Me, I Belong to You, The Ocean, My Home and My Dear Motherland.

Founded in 1879, Shanghai Symphony Orchestra has grown rapidly and developed a wide repertoire. Hailed as the "best in the Far East", the orchestra has performed with many outstanding artists.

It has recently played for major events such as the APEC meeting, application for the hosting of 2010 World Expo and the recording of Tan Dun's film music of the Oscar award-winner "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon".

Tickets available now

Tickets priced at $380, $300, $220 and $120 for Shatin's performance and $450, $380, $280 and $180 for the HK Cultural Centre concert are available at URBTIX outlets.