Page 370 of 485
84
8.
HONG KONG URBAN COUNCIL
December 1990, such concerts attracted a total attendance of 2,170,000. The situation of district concerts is better as they are still given 51% of the original budget. The number of concerts staged each year has dropped from 230 to 120, while the number of community concerts held each year is reduced from 140 to 60. However, the Music Office still needs to use some 'tricks' in order to provide the targeted number of concerts. The method is to change the composition of ensembles from more than 10 members to 2 or 3 members. As for exhibitions of Chinese and Western musical instruments, the exhibitions organized in 1990 attracted as many as 120,000 visitors. Now such exhibitions are not held anymore because there are no resources available for the repair of equipment and display panels which are too old and dilapidated.
Other affected areas include:
(a) Music Appreciation Lectures, which were organized in various districts in the past, have been cancelled now.
(b) The standard of the works commissioned for orchestras under the Music Office is declining both in quantity and quality.
(c) There has been a big decrease in the provision of accompaniment service for trainees sitting for the Royal Schools of Music examinations. Previously, accompaniment service was provided to all qualified trainees, but currently, only 48 trainees are provided with such service each year.
(d) The number of overseas tours for exchanging views and learning has been reduced.
(e) Harmony, the bi-monthly magazine of the Music Office, has ceased publication.
In fact, there are numerous resulting problems. Trainees who are gifted at and interested in performing are deprived of the opportunity to learn. The quality of instrumental music training remains at the same level, making no improvement. The work of grooming local performers is being slowed down. Favourable conditions which enable amateur orchestras to exist are diminishing gradually. Local youth performing art is unable to flourish. The most noteworthy point is that, during its peak period, the Music Office directly and indirectly attracted a large number of audiences to Hong Kong's music scene. The audience included family members, schoolmates, and friends of the trainees. But judging from the existing situation, the number of audiences will be on the decrease year by year.
Mr. Chairman, the Statement of Aims for 1996/97 reveals that the Music Office will develop its services. I strongly believe that, to say it correctly, this merely means that the Music Office will reinstate the original and necessary services in music training and music promotion. If we really develop the services of the Music Office, it does not mean that the Urban Council is 'flamboyant and ambitious for great achievements'. Neither does it mean that I myself or individual Councillors reminisce about the past glory of the Music Office. Actually, the figures quoted above are not the figures for the peak period. At the time when the 'Music Office Tenth
Page 370 of 485
Page 370 of 485
Page 370
Page 371