ENG-1988 — Page 346

RECREATION AND THE ARTS

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Exhibitions organised included ‘Qi Baishi – from the Collection of China National Art Gallery', 'Ten Years of Hong Kong Sculpture', 'Mysterious Coincidences - an Exhibition of New British Colour Photography' and 'Joint Exhibition of Chinese and Japanese Calligraphy'.

Cultural Presentations

In 1988, the Urban Council presented 435 cultural performances by local and overseas artists.

These performances, which drew 248 622 people, included instrumental, vocal and orchestral concerts, drama, ballet, folk and modern dances, Chinese and Western operas, mime, films and others. Some of them were presented in conjunction with other cultural organisations, such as the Hong Kong Philharmonic Society, the City Contemporary Dance Company, the British Council, the Goethe Institute and the Alliance Francaise.

Highlights of the year included concerts by the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra under the baton of Zubin Metha, Academy of Ancient Music under Christopher Hogwood, London Philharmonic Orchestra under Klaus Tennstedt, Little Singers of Paris, and classical ballet by the Sadler's Wells Royal Ballet.

Prominent local artists presented by the Urban Council during the year included guzheng player Hon See-wah and pianist Vivian Choi while budding artists were provided oppor- tunities for public performance in the 'Platform for Young Music Makers Series 1988'. Chinese music and opera performances were also staged, such as the 'Lui Man Shing Commemorative Concert' and the 'Shanghai/Xiaoxing Opera and Comic Talks'.

The Regional Council presented a variety of cultural programmes by local and overseas artistes at its six civic centres. Highlights of the year included the International Children's Choir Festival and performances by the Royal Winnipeg Ballet, Warsaw National Phil- harmonic Orchestra, Salzburg Mozarteum Orchestra, and the master of mime Marcel Marceau.

A total of 545 cultural performances were presented, attracting 229 000 people. The council also provided opportunities for district arts groups to perform in its venues free of charge as well as programmes and professional help to arts festivals.

Entertainment Programmes

The Urban Council organised 429 entertainment programmes of different types throughout the urban areas in parks, playgrounds, gardens, community halls, commercial plazas and civic centres during the year. Most of the programmes were free and attracted more than 200 000 people.

The council also organised other large-scale territory-wide events. They included the Spring Lantern Festival, a 'Concert in the Park', a Summer Fun Festival and the Mid- Autumn Lantern Festival and a Christmas Carnival for 370 000 people.

The Regional Council regularly organised entertainment programmes in community halls and open-air venues. There were 360 performances, attended by about 206 750 people.

Computerised Ticketing

The URBTIX computerised ticketing service operated by the Urban Council has 15 sales outlets in addition to a central booking office. In operation since 1984, it provides a comprehensive range of postal, telephone and counter booking services not only for the council's cultural, entertainment and sports events but also for hirers of council facilities, the Regional Council, Hong Kong Arts Centre, Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts and events in some commercial venues.