The Pyongyang Children's Art Group of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) gave their premiere performance at the University of Hong Kong (HKU) on Monday.

This was the group's first visit to Hong Kong. The Art Group of 40-member, aged between 7 and 15, presented 12 songs, dances and instrument playing filled with traditional elements for students and guests. When they sang in Mandarin "the Oriental Pearl", a famous song in Hong Kong, the hall resounded with applause.

During its stay in Hong Kong, the art group will also perform at the 2008 Hong Kong International Youth and Children's Choir Festival between July 14 and 18. On July 19, they will depart for a tour in Beijing and Shenzhen to continue their cultural exchange with Chinese youth.

Since the art group's establishment in 1963, it has given 600 performances in over 40 countries.

The event was co-organized by HKU and Consulate General of the DPRK.

(Xinhua News Agency July 15, 2008)