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RECREATION AND THE ARTS
Hong Kong Repertory Theatre Founded by the Urban Council in 1977, the 24-member Hong Kong Repertory Theatre continued to gain strong support from local audiences. Under its Artistic Director Dr Joanna Chan, the company offered a seasonal repertoire of one musical, three translated works, one Chinese historical work and two original plays by local playwrights. Altogether seven major productions and two experimental productions were staged, all in Cantonese. The company gave 106 performances including free performances at schools and district community centres, which drew 51 500 people. It also organised the Drama Festival in July.
Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra
The Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra – the only local professional Chinese orchestra was founded by the Urban Council in 1977. It expanded its repertoire by commissioning local, China and overseas composers to undertake new pieces and arrangements. In 1988, the 85-member Orchestra gave 110 performances under the baton of Music Director Mr Kuan Nai-chung as well as local, China and overseas guest conductors. The performances attracted an audience of 98 600.
Apart from regular concerts featuring the full orchestra at the City Hall, the group also presented ensemble concerts and free performances at civic centres, district community arts centres and schools.
Following its successful Beijing tour in September 1987, the orchestra gave another successful series of touring performances at the First Environment Arts Festival in Taiwan in May 1988. Its six concerts there, including three in Taipei's National Concert Hall, won high acclaim and enthusiastic response.
To further widen the audience base and enhance international recognition, the orchestra released its second commercial record titled 'Ambush/Moonlight Over Spring River', in February 1988.
Hong Kong Dance Company
The Hong Kong Dance Company is the only professional dance company in Hong Kong to present traditional and Chinese folk dances and new dance drama choreographed on Chinese and Hong Kong themes. Founded by the Urban Council in 1981 and now under the artistic directorship of Ms Shu Qiao, the 35-member company presented six major productions in 18 performances, attracting 11 380 persons. The highlight of the year was the company's Beijing tour in September at the invitation of the Chinese Dancers' Association. Six performances of two dance dramas were presented before an audience of 6 600. Local touring performances at schools and community centres were free of charge.
Hong Kong Arts Festival
The annual Hong Kong Arts Festival brings a wide spectrum of programmes of inter- national standard to Hong Kong audiences.
Entering its 16th year, the 1988 Arts Festival was one of the largest to date, running for 32 days with the participation of over 1 000 actors, dancers and musicians from both local and overseas groups in 137 performances.
Major attractions this year were the English Shakespeare Company, the San Francisco Symphony, the Central Opera Theatre from China, the Lyon Opera Ballet and the Chamber Orchestra of Europe. Other programme highlights included performances by the renowned violinist Pinchas Zukerman, the Nash Ensemble, the Waverly Consort, Imrat