ENG-1985 — Page 322

RECREATION AND THE ARTS

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increasing its visits to schools and adding to this programme a number of performances in public housing estates.

Hong Kong Dance Company

Founded in 1981 by the Urban Council, the professional Hong Kong Dance Company continued as a thriving and energetic force. It continued to present traditional and folk dances as well as newly choreographed pieces on Chinese and Hong Kong themes. In 1985, the company gave a total of 52 performances, some of which were free performances at schools and district arts festivals. The total attendance was over 42 089. A highlight was the premiere of a new production of Chinese Historic Myths, which received acclaim and favourable review by critics. Upon request, a re-run of the production was held four months later, again drawing a capacity audience.

City Contemporary Dance Company

Overseas touring continued to be one of the City Contemporary Dance Company's major activities in 1985, with nine performances being given in China and Singapore. Locally, the company presented 25 school programmes and 34 performances which included outreach programmes in the new towns. Over the year, the company worked with artists from Britain, Italy, New Zealand and the United States, demonstrating its zeal for new ideas and challenges.

Music Office

The Music Office's regular annual activities continued to be held in 1985. The Instrumental Music Training Scheme, which provides instrumental music training at nominal fees of $10 and $20 per month to young people aged six to 23, continued to attract many new trainees. Weekly classes in both Western and Chinese music were held for over 3 800 students in 700 classes at the Music Office's eight music centres throughout Hong Kong. Aural and theory training classes were again organised to supplement instrumental tuition, and special training was provided for 30 talented and outstanding young musicians. Trainees, on reaching an acceptable standard, are encouraged to join one of the many orchestras and bands managed by the Music Office, which in 1985 included one youth symphony orchestra, five youth string orchestras, five youth Chinese orchestras, six youth symphonic bands, and one children's symphonic band. In addition, the Music Office also managed two choirs. Members attended weekly rehearsals and gave many public performances during the year. Besides training by the Music Office's full-time and part-time instructors, the trainees also received tuition from visiting musicians from overseas who conducted master classes and seminars.

An integral part of the training provided by the Music Office is touring overseas with a view to youth cultural and musical exchange, and in August a delegation comprising 60 youth orchestral members and 10 officials visited China for 10 days. The 49-member Hong Kong Youth Symphony Orchestra and the 11-member Youth Chinese Music Ensemble gave public performances in Shanghai and Peking. The visit to China was the first of its kind, and through this visit Hong Kong's youth orchestral members were able to demonstrate their achievements to a much wider audience. The performances were well received.

'Music for the Millions' concerts by the Music Office Instructors' Orchestras, youth orchestras, bands and ensembles continued to be held in schools, playgrounds and com- munity halls. In all, 382 concerts were staged, with the audiences totalling 221 511 people.