RECREATION, SPORT AND THE ARTS
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the company performed six other ballets: Swan Lake; Coppelia; Ballet Extravaganza (which consisted of three short works: Dreams of Tenderness and Solitude, a neo-classical piece by the award-winning American choreographer David Allan, The Rite of Spring, a reworking by Natalie Weir of this still-controversial piece; and Tango Ballet Tango, a dance narrative by the company's artistic director Stephen Jefferies); The Sleeping Beauty; Beauty and the Beast, and The Nutcracker.
With a view to extending its audience base beyond Hong Kong, the company accepted an invitation to stage two performances of Turandot in Macau in September. The company's Education and Outreach Unit continued its work promoting dance to people of all ages and backgrounds through more than 10 projects during the year.
Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra
Founded in 1977, the Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra was incorporated as a non- profit-making company in April 2001. The orchestra is a professional Chinese music orchestra that has gained international recognition. Under the leadership of artistic director Yan Huichang, it has made notable achievements in promoting the development of Chinese orchestral music. During the year, it gave a total of 100 regular, outreach and special concerts. A highlight was the Hong Kong Drum Festival, organised by the orchestra and held from July to October. The festival's Opening Rally was staged at Victoria Park as an event in the Government's post-SARS Economic Relaunch Campaign. More than 3 000 residents took part in a drum piece The Earth Shall Move, under the baton of Yan and featuring the debut of the world's biggest Peace Drum. The event has been registered for an entry in the Guinness Book of World Records.
Hong Kong Dance Company
The Hong Kong Dance Company, founded in 1981, was incorporated as a non-profit- making organisation in April 2001. It is committed to promoting the art of Chinese dance and has also performed in Australia, the United Kingdom, Republic of Korea, Japan, Singapore and Canada as well as Beijing, Shanghai and Taipei. Besides producing five productions each season, the company also organises outreach and educational events for the community, especially young people.
Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra
The Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra, with 89 members, is the city's oldest and largest orchestra. It gave a total of 130 concerts during the year. The orchestra provides the community with classical music of an international standard, and inspires and cultivates creativity through its multi-faceted commissioning and music education programmes. As a Cultural Ambassador for Hong Kong, the orchestra made its debut in Europe in 2003, performing in London, Belfast, Dublin and Paris. The tour, in February and March, began with performances in Macau and in the Korean cities of Seoul, Busan and Gwangju.
Hong Kong Repertory Theatre
Founded in 1977, the Hong Kong Repertory Theatre was incorporated as a non-profit-making organisation in April 2001. The company is the first professional drama theatre in Hong Kong. Its extensive repertoire is performed mostly in Cantonese and sometimes in Putonghua. Other than original works, the company also