ENG-1989 — Page 358

RECREATION AND THE ARTS

Cultural Presentations

The Urban Council invited overseas and local artists to present a balanced programme of music, opera, drama, dance, film shows and other forms of art in 1989, and a total of 360 performances in 123 programmes were organised for a total audience of 204 656.

The highlight of the year was the month-long Hong Kong Cultural Centre opening festival, An International Celebration of the Arts, in November 1989. The festival was opened by world-renowned soprano Jessye Norman and the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra. Other top international artists and groups participating in the festival included Dame Joan Sutherland, Ivo Pogorelich, Yo-Yo Ma, Isaac Stern, Emmanuel Ax, John Williams, Anne Sophie-Mutter, the Cologne Opera, the Boston Symphony Orchestra, the Royal Danish Ballet, the National Theatre of Great Britain and the London Bach Choir. Sharing the platform were local groups and artists such as the Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra, the Hong Kong Repertory Theatre, the Hong Kong Dance Company, the Chung Ying Theatre, the Chor Fung Ming Cantonese Opera Troupe, the Hong Kong Children's Choir, and pianists Nancy Loo, Eva Lue, Gabriel Kwok and Tam Ka-kit. The festival presented 86 performances in 29 programmes, attracting a total audience of 100 470.

In addition, the Urban Council presented the Finnish Radio Symphony Orchestra led by Jukka-Pekka Saraste, the Allegri String Quartet, the New York Philharmonic Orchestra under the baton of Zubin Mehta, Aaron Rosand, Joseph Silverstein and Fou T'song. The new dance stars who won the Tao Li Trophy of China thrilled local audiences. Locally, a series of concerts, opera performances and lectures on A Retrospective of Tang Disheng's Works were a tremendous success. The opera production Norma created a cultural occasion in the territory.

With the opening of the Hong Kong Cultural Centre, the Urban Council will endeavour to present more world-class programmes for the people of Hong Kong and to provide additional performing opportunities for local artists and groups.

The Regional Council presented a variety of cultural programmes by local and overseas artists at its six civic centres. Highlights of the year included the Cantonese Opera Parade, the New York Philharmonic Orchestra, Les Ballets Jazz de Montreal, Chor Fung Ming Opera Troupe, a Guitar Recital by Narciso Yepes, a Guzheng Recital by Wong Chang- yuan, the Cultural and Educational Association of the New Towns Limited, Ballet du Nord, the Hong Kong Ballet and the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra.

A total of 650 cultural performances were presented, attracting 296 000 people.

The Regional Council also provided opportunities for non-profit-making arts groups to perform free of charge in its venues.

Entertainment Programmes

The Urban Council organised 360 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 were attended by more than 128 000 people.

The council staged a series of Cantonese Operas by renowned local opera singers. A total of 12 500 people attended 20 shows during the year.

In addition, the council organised large-scale territory-wide events, including the Lantern Festival, the Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival, the Summer Fun Festival, the Mid- Autumn Lantern Carnival and the Christmas Carnival. Over 539 700 people attended these programmes.

301