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Municipal councils to take over work of Music Office

The work of the Music Office, currently performed under the Recreation and Culture Branch, will be transferred to the municipal councils as from Tuesday (August

1).

The move is a result of a recommendation in the "Arts Policy Review Report" published by the Government in 1993.

A spokesman for the Branch said today (Saturday) that the Municipal Councils were expected not only to maintain the existing standard and scope of training and promotion but to enhance it.

"The municipal councils have relevant expertise and experience in organising music groups and cultural activities, the councils have suitable venues for musical performances and a wide community liaison network for music promotion activities," he added.

The Music Office was established in October 1977 to promote general interest in music and active participation, especially amongst young people through running comprehensive instrumental music training programmes and organising music activities.

"In pursuit of these objectives, it has organised over the years numerous territory-wide and district music activities including concerts, workshops, seminars, master classes and lectures," the spokesman said.

"In addition, thousands of young people have benefited from the Instrumental Music Training Scheme which provides training for young people aged between six and 23 in both western and oriental instruments. Many of the trainees have become well accomplished musicians."

The Music Office organised on a regular basis a variety of music activities to promote interests in music amongst students.

These included the Hong Kong Youth Music Camp which provided young people the opportunity to share musical experience and develop friendships with counterparts overseas; the annual gala in which outstanding trainees and members of Music Office orchestras, bands and choirs receive awards and honours; and annual music festivals to stimulate greater interest in both western and oriental music.