XN000022-1995-01-25 — Page 34

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Academy for Performing Arts annual report tabled

Following is the speech by the Secretary for Recreation and Culture, Mr James So, when he presented the 1993/94 Annual Report of the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts in the Legislative Council today (Wednesday):

Mr President,

I am happy to present the 1993/94 Annual Report of the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts together with its financial statement and auditor's report to the Council today. This Report covers the year ending on 30th June 1994.

The past year has seen major changes in the top management of the Academy. However, the Academy has continued to deliver quality training to its students under the fine leadership of Mr Lo King-man MBE JP who has replaced Dr John Hosier CBE as Director of the Academy.

The pursuit of the highest international standards remains the aim of the Academy. In this regard, the Academy has benefited from the wide professional experience of its teaching staff. The international experience and contacts of the three new Deans in the Schools of Dance, Music and Technical Arts (Theatre) who have joined the Academy during the year has also helped to attract renowned visiting artists to work with the students. The value of such exposure is enormous in encouraging and stimulating the development of the students.

In 1993/94, there were a total of 586 full-time Tertiary students and 812 part- time Junior students. Recognition of the talents of the Academy's students has been demonstrated by the substantial audiences for Academy concerts and performances and the numerous invitations to perform at overseas events. Recently, for example, the Academy students represented Hong Kong in the ceremonial and cultural events of the 1994 Commonwealth Games in Canada. They have done extremely well in promoting the image of Hong Kong internationally. Furthermore, during the 1993/94 academic year, 27 students won prizes in various local and international competitions.

As regards academic programme development. in September 1993 the Schools of Drama and Technical Arts (Theatre) admitted their first year of Bachelor of Fine Arts students. To date a total of four degree courses are being offered. The School of Technical Arts is now working on the development of another degree course in TV/Film. It is estimated that the course may be introduced in 1996.