20
The Arts
THE Loke Yew Hall, the scene of many musical and dramatic performances in the past, was much in use during the year in connexion with the University's Golden Jubilee celebrations. This accentuated the need for other suitable and conveniently sited premises for the presentation of concerts, plays and exhibitions.' The new City Hall, to be ready early in 1962, will meet this need and its opening is now eagerly awaited-by all interested in the development of the arts in Hong Kong. During 1961 there were few ventures into new fields of artistic endeavour. Activities continued in the pattern established over past years, and generally it was a period of consolidation rather than of experiment.
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Among the distinguished artists who performed during the year were the pianists Paul Badura-Skoda, Malcuzynski, Joseph Bloch, Abbey Simon, Mindru Katz, Shura Cherkassky, Joerg Demus and Andrew Heath, the cellist Ludwig Hoelscher, the violinist Gilopez Kabayao, the bass-baritone Kim Borg, the harpist Mildred Dilling, and two outstanding chamber music groups, the Julliard String Quartet from New York and the Italian Quintettō Chigiano. The Harvard Glee Club spent a week in Hong Kong in July and gave three enjoyable concerts. In two of them, the Harvard singers were joined by pupils from several local schools. A large number of artists now visit Hong Kong in the course of their concert tours, and there was a marked increase in the number of concerts given during 1961.
A troupe of Indonesian dancers came in February, and the Royal Ballet, starring Miss Beryl Grey, gave three performances in May. An evening of Indian dancing was held in October to celebrate the centenary of the great Indian poet Tagore.
The Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra gave four concerts during the year. The Philharmonic Society's chamber music group presented some successful concerts of instrumental music and songs. There were several other concerts by local musicians and choirs and a number of concerts of Chinese music, both classical