ENG-1995 — Page 404

RECREATION, SPORTS AND THE ARTS

improves the knowledge, practice, appreciation, availability and informed criticism of the arts, with a view to improving the quality of life of the whole community.

In addition to the $30 million Arts Development Fund under the Sir David Trench Fund for Recreation and a capital grant of $100 million as seed money in support of arts activities and development, the council received a recurrent grant of $46.38 million from the government. The council has 18 non-official and four ex officio members, with three boards and four committees to handle specific subjects and to help formulate long-term strategic plans.

Five performing arts organisations- the Chung Ying Theatre Company, Hong Kong Ballet, City Contemporary Dance Company, Exploration Theatre and Hong Kong Arts Festival continued to receive grants, totalling about $35 million in 1995–96. In addition, the Hong Kong Sinfonietta was given $4.8 million as a seeding grant. Funds will continue to be allocated to arts organisations and artists to support projects.

The council's draft Five-Year Strategic Plan 1996–2001 Consultative Document was published on July 31, 1995, for two months of public consultation. The finalised plan was submitted to the government for consideration in December 1995.

Performing Arts Groups

Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra

The Hong Kong Philharmonic celebrated its 20th anniversary as a professional symphony orchestra. Performing at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre, City Hall and cultural venues in the New Territories before more than 150 000 people, the orchestra offered classical and contemporary works featuring such internationally acclaimed artists as Boris Berezovsky, Peter Donohoe, Martin Roscoe and Ida Kavafian. It also organised free school concerts, pre-concert talks, newspaper courses and ensemble visits to hospitals and educational institutions. The orchestra also made several tours to the United States and Canada during the year.

Hong Kong Repertory Theatre

The Hong Kong Repertory Theatre staged seven productions in 105 performances in 1995, attracting 43 536 people. In June 1995, the company was invited to present its Putonghua version of Yan Xijiao at the 1995 Singapore Festival of Asian Performing Arts and gave three performances there in the Victoria Theatre.

Apart from its major productions, the company also toured schools and community centres regularly, giving free performances, lecture-demonstrations and workshops. In 1995, the company gave 281 such performances and workshops to 45 849 people.

Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra

The Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra is the territory's only professional Chinese music orchestra. In 1995, the 85-member orchestra celebrated its 18th professional season, gave 29 regular concerts and attracted 34 749 people. Besides regular concerts, the orchestra presented ensemble concerts, participated in district arts festivals and organised free outreach performances at community arts centres and schools.

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