ENG-1979 — Page 266

RECREATION AND THE ARTS

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covering subjects such as Cantonese opera singing, Chinese stage movement, theatre and music for children, photography, ikebana, classical ballet, modern dance, calligraphy, painting and pi-pa playing. As well, the cultural organisations housed in the Arts Centre offered their own educational programmes.

An unsubsidised educational charity, the Hong Kong Arts Centre was officially opened in October, 1977. It has already achieved its aim of operating without a deficit. In this it has been helped considerably by a number of generous donations. Such outstanding events as the major Ting Yen Yung exhibition and the Dunhill series of Asian Arts were made possible by special sponsorship.

Ballet and Music

The Hong Kong Academy of Ballet and the Hong Kong Conservatory of Music have been established to raise the standards of ballet and music in Hong Kong. Their objectives are to provide a high degree of professional training for talented musicians and ballet dancers and to increase teaching standards.

The Hong Kong Academy of Ballet began operating in March, 1979, in rented accom- modation at the Hong Kong Baptist College. Donations amounting to $4 million have been made by the Royal Hong Kong Jockey Club and a private citizen to enable the academy to pursue its goals.

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The Hong Kong Conservatory of Music began operating on a small scale at the Hong Kong Arts Centre in late 1978 and was officially opened in April, 1979. Twenty-six pupils were enrolled for full-time classes which began in September.

During the year, the Hong Kong Ballet Group gave 10 performances, two of which were presented by the Urban Council. Of particular note was the production of Giselle, under the direction of the internationally-renowned dancer, Ivan Nagy.

Music Administrator's Office

The Music Administrator's Office plans and promotes musical training and activities for young people. During 1979, the office further developed its instrumental training pro- gramme, organised music sessions throughout Hong Kong and 'Music for the Millions' concerts, and expanded its international exchange scheme. Established by the government in September, 1977, the office is located in the Hong Kong Arts Centre.

An enrolment of young people for the instrumental training classes was conducted in September. New trainees are continually being recruited and more classes were opened at the office's four music centres and at various schools in the New Territories. Courses for aural training, theory and music appreciation were also provided. For talented young musicians, special training is provided at both local and overseas training centres.

Nine new orchestras and bands were formed during 1979. The Music Administrator's Office now runs two youth symphony orchestras, six youth Chinese orchestras and five youth symphonic bands. They rehearsed once a week and gave a total of 81 public perform- ances during the year. In addition, a total of seven children's choirs were formed in various districts.

To provide training venues and to facilitate the organisation and co-ordination of music activities on a regional basis, three sub-offices were opened during 1979. They are in Kwun Tong, Mong Kok and Tsuen Wan. Training facilities in each centre include one large rehearsal room, four practice rooms and a music library.

To introduce serious music to new audiences, 400 'Music for the Millions' concerts were held for 265,000 students and young people. These concerts were held at different locations