ENG-1995 — Page 414

RECREATION, SPORTS AND THE ARTS

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competition, which was categorised into five sections: Drama, Documentary, Animation, Experimental and Music Video.

International Arts Carnival

The annual International Arts Carnival entered its 14th year in 1995. It took place in July and featured 32 performances of dance, theatre, magic, soap bubble show, puppetry, concerts, and children's drama. The shows were staged by five overseas and four local groups.

Other special features of the festival included a poster design competition and exhibition, workshops on puppetry and magic, and a free outdoor fun fair. The total attendance was 87 500.

Chinese Dance Festival 1995

The Chinese Dance Festival was the third in a series featuring different Chinese art forms. The previous two were the Chinese Theatrical Arts Festival (1991) and the Chinese Music Festival (1993). It was held from October 19 to November 15 and featured seven famous dance groups from China, Taiwan and Hong Kong. Renowned Chinese solo dancers from overseas also participated in this Festival. Total attendance was 17 113 for paid admission performances and 126 060 for free performances and fringe activities.

Entertainment Programmes

During the year, the Urban Council staged 225 entertainment programmes in parks, playgrounds, community halls and community arts centres in the urban areas. These programmes, most of which were free, were attended by more than 56 200 people.

Annual territory-wide events organised by the council included the Spring Lantern Festival, Summer Fun Festival, Mid-Autumn Lantern Carnival, Christmas Carnival and New Year's Eve Family Fun Carnival. About 343 600 people attended these festival events. The council also helped co-ordinate the Lunar New Year Fireworks Display and co-organised the Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival International Races.

Regional Council Presentations

International presentations in 1995 included the Leipzig Gewandhaus Orchestra from Germany; the Philharmonic Orchestra from the United Kingdom; the renowned pianists Peter Jablonski from Sweden, Yin Cheng-zong from the United States and Jean Louis Steuerman from the United Kingdom; Red Star Red Army Chorus and Dance Ensemble, and the National Ballet of Tashkent from Russia; as well as Simon el Rubio and Dance Company from Spain.

Chinese programmes continued to be a core element in the overall programme mix as reflected in the presentation of the Chinese Virtuosi, Shanghai National Folk Music Orchestra, pipa artist Qu Wenjun and ruan artist Ning Yong. During the year, the council gave full support to the Hong Kong Arts Festival and continued close collaboration with local professional companies. The 573 programmes presented by the council in 1995 attracted a total audience of 281 615.