ENG-1991 — Page 383

RECREATION, SPORTS AND THE ARTS

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For the smaller civic centres, a 700-seat auditorium and ancillary function rooms are provided.

Computerised Ticketing

The Urban Council operates URBTIX (Urban Ticketing System), a computerised system providing a full range of ticketing services primarily in support of culture and entertainment events. URBTIX not only sells tickets for the Urban Council's own presentations, but also acts as a ticketing agent and offers the same quality ticketing services for all other events presented by the Regional Council, Hong Kong Arts Centre, Academy for Performing Arts and other organisations.

URBTIX services include postal and counter bookings as well as telephone reservations. It also offers telephone bookings to its registered patrons.

URBTIX operates a network of 18 outlets throughout Hong Kong Island, Kowloon and the New Territories, all capable of providing 'real time' transactions for all events. During the year tickets worth $3.7 million were issued through the system.

Music Office

The Music Office, a part of the Government Secretariat's Recreation and Culture Branch, plays an active role in providing instrumental music training and promoting interest in music among young people.

The Instrumental Music Training Scheme is open to young people between 6 and 23 years of age. Over 690 instrumental training classes in both western and Chinese instruments for over 3 300 trainees were conducted in eight music centres. For talented young musicians, special training was provided. To help young people, the Music Office hires out musical instruments to its trainees at a modest charge. The office also encourages the handicapped to enjoy music by providing concerts and training sessions at special schools.

To complement instrumental tuition, aural and theory training was provided as well as orchestra and band training. Masterclasses and seminars were conducted by local and overseas visiting musicians. The office also managed a symphony orchestra, six string orchestras, six Chinese orchestras, seven symphonic bands and two choirs.

To promote interest in music among young people, the office organised an annual Music Gala and various music festivals. Another major activity was the Music for the Millions concerts. Over 250 such concerts were presented in schools, community and welfare facilities all over Hong Kong for a total audience of 150 000.

The office organised international exchanges to foster mutual understanding and to broaden the horizons of young musicians. In March, an ensemble of the Hong Kong Youth Chinese Orchestra performed at the CeBIT '91 Fair in Hanover, Germany. The Hong Kong Youth Symphony Orchestra went on a concert tour to Singapore in July. In return, the office hosted visits by various youth music groups from Singapore, New Zealand and Australia.

Hong Kong Jockey Club Music Fund

The Hong Kong Jockey Club Music Fund was set up in December 1979 with a donation of $10 million from the Jockey Club for the promotion and development of music, dance and other related activities. It is a non-statutory trust fund, administered by a board of trustees.