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RECREATION AND THE ARTS
The Regional Council continued to organise free entertainment programmes in com- munity halls and open-air venues. There were 340 performances, attended by about 186 000 people.
Computerised Ticketing
URBTIX, the Urban Council's computerised ticketing system, has a capacity for issuing 4.4 million tickets annually. During the year, both the software and hardware of the system were up-dated to speed-up the issuing of tickets at URBTIX outlets and provide better service to the public. In August a new box-office was opened at the Hong Kong Cultural, Centre. In addition, an automatic call distribution system was installed at its central booking office to enhance the telephone booking service.
In operation since 1984, the URBTIX system provides a comprehensive range of postal, telephone and counter booking services not only for the council's cultural, entertainment and sports events but also for hirers of council venues, the Regional Council, Hong Kong Arts Centre, Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts and events in some commer- cial venues.
Hong Kong Repertory Theatre
Established by the Urban Council in 1977, the Hong Kong Repertory Theatre continued to win enthusiastic support from local audiences. Under its Artistic Director Dr Joanna Chan, the company offered a seasonal repertoire of one martial arts play, one Chinese contemporary work, four translated Western works, two original plays and one revival. During the year, six major productions and three minor productions were staged – all in Cantonese.
The company gave 107 performances including free lecture demonstrations at schools and district community centres, attracting 41 970 people. It organised the annual Drama Festival in July.
The highlight of the year was the company's North American tour of Crown Ourselves with Roses to San Francisco, Toronto and New York in June, winning high acclaim and good media coverage and drawing an audience of about 5 600. Its production of Matchmaker in the Hong Kong Cultural Centre opening festival in November was equally successful.
Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra
Founded in 1977 by the Urban Council, the Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra is Hong Kong's only professional Chinese music orchestra. As one of the leading Chinese orchestras in the world, the company has explored new frontiers in music by experimenting with new techniques and styles. It continues to expand its repertoire by commissioning local, mainland and overseas composers to undertake new compositions and arrange- ments. In 1989, the 85-member orchestra gave 116 performances under the baton of Music Director Mr Kuan Nai-chung as well as local, mainland and overseas guest conductors, attracting a total audience of 93 000.
The orchestra opened the 1989 Hong Kong Arts Festival in January. In February, it performed in Macau at the invitation of the Macau Government. The orchestra gave three concerts including an ensemble performance in the Hong Kong Cultural Centre opening festival in November 1989.
Besides regular and subscription concerts, the orchestra presented ensemble concerts, participated in district arts festivals and presented free outreach performances at civic centres, district community arts centres and schools.