ENG-2000 — Page 454

RECREATION, SPORT AND THE ARTS

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In 2000, the Music Office hosted 3 800 trainees and 1 600 students in a total of 721 instrumental music training classes and 153 outreach interest classes, respectively. Besides major annual events such as the summer music camp, music interflows, music carnival and international youth music exchange programmes, 340 outreach music education programmes were organised for 210 000 participants during the year.

Cultural Venues

Leisure and Cultural Services Department Venues

Hong Kong Cultural Centre

Since its inauguration in 1989, the Hong Kong Cultural Centre has established itself as a major performing arts venue attracting leading artists from all over the world. It has three major performing venues: the Concert Hall, the Grand Theatre and the Studio Theatre with seating capacities of 2019, 1 734 and 320-534, respectively. In 2000, a total of 624 080 people attended 787 performances in these venues.

Hong Kong City Hall

The Hong Kong City Hall has commanded a special place in Hong Kong's cultural life since its establishment in 1962. Extensively refurbished in 1994, it is a major multi-purpose complex comprising a Concert Hall, a Theatre, a Recital Hall, an Exhibition Gallery and an Exhibition Hall. In 2000, a total of 757 events were held, attracting 380 480 people.

Community Arts Centres and Venues in the New Territories

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The LCSD operates four community arts centres in the urban area Ngau Chi Wan Civic Centre, Sheung Wan Civic Centre, Sai Wan Ho Civic Centre and Ko Shan Theatre. The Kwai Tsing Theatre and Yuen Long Theatre were opened in November 1999 and May 2000, respectively. The Kwai Tsing Theatre comprises two major performing venues: a 905-seat Auditorium and an Exhibition Gallery while the Yuen Long Theatre houses a 923-seat Auditorium. Both theatres are well-equipped and designed for drama, Chinese and Western opera, ballet and concert performances. In addition to the Kwai Tsing Theatre and Yuen Long Theatre, the department also manages three major civic centres in the New Territories, including the town halls in Sha Tin, Tsuen Wan and Tuen Mun. Two smaller ones are provided to serve the communities in North District and Tai Po.

Through the Artist-in-Residence Scheme, local arts groups may use one of the community arts centres or the New Territories venues as their home base for a designated period to develop and promote their creative works and educational programmes among the district communities.

Indoor Stadia

The Hong Kong Coliseum and the Queen Elizabeth Stadium are two of the largest multi-purpose indoor stadia in Hong Kong. The 12 500-seat coliseum is a leading venue for pop concerts, musicals, entertainment spectaculars, international sporting events, cultural programmes, large-scale celebrations and conventions. The 3 600- seat stadium is suited to holding performances, sports events, school ceremonies, club activities, company gatherings, religious gatherings and variety shows. During