GENERAL
THE ARTS
The Arts
A lively interest in the arts in 1953 was maintained in a wide variety of clubs and societies devoted to music, painting, the drama and photography. In music and in drama Radio Hong Kong encouraged local talent by broadcasting the performances of some of these societies, and in addition, con- tinued to offer at studio quality the finest performances of music, drama and other features of the B.B.C.
Musical appreciation in the Colony has been stimulated by the performances of such visiting celebrities as Helen Traubel, Louis Kentner, Isaac Stern, Solomon and Iturbi. The recitals given by these distinguished musicians excited the enthusiasm of the young and brought satisfaction to lovers of music.
The Sino-British Orchestra, although faced with the perennial problem of changing personnel, continued to set a very high standard in its concerts. The entry of players from the Police Band has been very encouraging, as hitherto the orchestra had to rely for wind players on the help of service personnel who were constantly changing and were frequently stationed in remote parts of the Colony. Programmes of Chamber Music were presented from time to time and the Grantham Training College Hall proved to be an ideal concert hall.
The Hong Kong Concert Orchestra pleased its audiences with regular programmes of music selected from a wide repertoire which might merit the term "Palm Court".
Mr. Peter Burges, visiting the Colony as the examiner for the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music, gave several recitals and broadcasts, including performances of his own compositions. Examination results for the Colony were encouraging with over 90% passes.
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