RECREATION, SPORTS AND THE ARTS
Hong Kong University of Science and Technology and the International Association of Theatre Critics. A total of 173 schools and 21 893 students and teachers joined these schemes.
The Friends of Regional Council Town Halls Scheme continued to build up core supporters for the three major civic centres, promoting their interests in the performing arts and enriching their quality of life through greater participation. It attracted a total of 1 952 members during the year.
Venues
Most venues for cultural events and sports and recreational activities are managed by the Provisional Urban and Regional Councils. They range from major venues such as the Hong Kong Stadium and Hong Kong Cultural Centre to smaller indoor recreation centres and community arts centres.
Provisional Urban Council Venues
Hong Kong Stadium
This 40 000-seat stadium, opened in 1994, has become Hong Kong's most popular outdoor stadium. In 1998, the Provisional Urban Council resumed direct management of the stadium and more than 399 426 spectators participated in 22 events at the venue.
Hong Kong Cultural Centre
Since its inauguration in 1989, the Hong Kong Cultural Centre has established itself as a major performing arts venue attracting leading artists from all over the world. It has three major performing venues: the Concert Hall, the Grand Theatre and the Studio Theatre with seating capacities of 2 000, 1 734 and 534 respectively.
In 1998, the centre played host to both internationally renowned artists and local talents. A wide variety of programmes including the popular musical Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, performances by the Cleveland Orchestra and the National Ballet of China, and various innovative programmes by local performing companies were staged, attracting 621 000 people for 785 performances.
Special free audience-building programmes, education programmes and a Friends Scheme were offered to promote public interest in the performing arts.
City Hall
The City Hall is another significant venue for cultural activities in Hong Kong. Major performing arts and exhibition events were held throughout the year, including performances by the Hong Kong Children's Choir, Yip's Children's Choir, Chung Ying Theatre, Exploration Theatre, King's Harmonica Quintet, Hsin Hsiao-hung, European Union Chamber Orchestra, Medici String Quartet, Russian Seasons Dance Company, Le Ballet Du Nord, Quatuor Ludwig and Okiko Eisa Drum Group. The exhibition Eurocomics '98 was also popular. In all, 635 events were held, attracting 322 032 people.
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