RECREATION AND THE ARTS
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In addition to the many performances which attracted near-capacity audiences through- out the festival, special outdoor events were warmly welcomed by the younger generation. A choreographed disco evening opened the festival, with hundreds of young people responding to the contemporary sounds of the Hong Kong Youth Symphonic Band. A folk concert held in the grounds of the Hong Kong Polytechnic was also a resounding success and helped to widen the scope of the Arts Festival throughout the community.
Two performances given in the newly-opened Tsuen Wan Town Hall brought the festival closer to the people of the New Territories.
The festival closed on a colourful note with a traditional Chinese lantern fun fair outside the City Hall. Thousands of people enjoyed the festivities which included Chinese folk, lion and unicorn dances. The final concert, held in the City Hall Concert Hall, was given by the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra.
Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra
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During 1980 the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra continued to develop towards its goal of becoming an orchestra of international standing. As early as February, critics were commenting on the continued improvement in the standard of performances and favourably comparing the orchestra to some of the international orchestras which have visited Hong Kong.
The highlight of the year was the orchestra's tour of Kuala Lumpur, Penang and Bangkok accompanying performances by London's Sadler's Wells Royal Ballet. This was the first overseas tour undertaken by the philharmonic, and its selection to accompany the Royal Ballet is an indication of its high standing in the region.
In addition to the regular subscription concerts at the City Hall throughout the year, the orchestra continued to give concerts at the Academic Community Hall in Kowloon, and at two new venues the Tsuen Wan Town Hall and the Queen Elizabeth Stadium in Wan Chai. To over 60 concerts were added eight opera performances, 17 ballet perform- ances, a series of chamber concerts and regular performances for schools. Distinguished guest artists included the pianists Walter Klein, Jean Bernard Pommier and Peter Katin, and, in addition to the orchestra's music director, Ling Tung, conductors included Brian Priestman, Rainer Miedel and Kenneth Schermerhorn.
In 1980, the orchestra's budget was increased to $8.5 million, towards which the Urban Council and the government provided grants of 42 per cent and 28 per cent, respectively. The orchestra employs 74 full-time musicians and an administrative staff of 15.
Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra
The City Hall concert hall is the regular venue of the Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra, which recorded its fourth professional season during the year. Under the direct finance and management of the Urban Council, the orchestra offered a wide variety of concerts and gave 57 performances under the baton of its music director, Ng Tai-kong, and guest conductors. Of the total number of performances, 12 were given in schools. The orchestra now has 60 full-time and 15 part-time musicians. Using traditional Chinese instruments, they have demonstrated a wealth of talent and won high acclaim from the public.
Hong Kong Repertory Theatre
The Hong Kong Repertory Theatre was transformed into a professional company with the Urban Council's sponsorship in 1977. Under the artistic direction of Chung King-fai
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