Recreation, Sport and the Arts | 401
proponents to consider and respond to by January 2006. It will decide the way forward after taking into account the response of the proponents.
URBTIX Computerised Ticketing System
URBTIX (Urban Ticketing System) was launched in 1984 and has become the most popular ticketing system in Hong Kong. Members of the public may purchase tickets at any of the 33 outlets as well as through its telephone booking and Internet ticketing services. During the year, some 4.37 million tickets for over 7 700 performances were sold, with a total sales value of $651 million.
The LCSD has outsourced the back-end ticketing functions to the private sector for development of an advanced ticketing system targeted for completion in 2006. The department will maintain the operation of ticket outlets and services for venue hirers.
Cultural Presentations
LCSD Cultural Presentations
During the year, the LCSD presented 1 974 performances, covering a rich variety of performing arts programmes featuring top musicians from around the world as well as local artists. These attracted a total audience of 715 067 people.
Musical highlights involving visiting artists included the historic visit of the prestigious Berliner Philharmoniker under the baton of Chief Conductor Simon Rattle with a live outdoor relay of the concerts, the return visit of The Philadelphia Orchestra with Music Director Christoph Eschenbach as conductor and Chinese pianist Lang Lang as soloist, and a new production of the Italian opera Turandot. There were also performances by cellist Yo-Yo Ma, violinist Midori, guitarist John Williams and versatile instrumentalist Richard Harvey, Borodin String Quartet and jazz giant The Chick Corea Elektric Band.
Dance programmes during the year included the world famous Cloud Gate Dance Theatre of Taiwan, Lyon Opera Ballet, the Russian National Ballet Theatre, Ballet Flamenco Sara Baras (Spain) and Tibet Autonomous Region Song and Dance Troupe.
On the multi-arts front, highlights included the spectacular Year of France in China event Ola Kala by Les Arts Sauts (France) at Victoria Park, Cookin' (Korea), and Jean Cocteau's classic movie Beauty and the Beast with live music accompaniment by venerable contemporary composer Philip Glass and his Ensemble (USA).
Major theatre hits of the year included an adaptation of the Greek tragedy Dionysus directed and designed by Tadashi Suzuki, one of the world's foremost theatre directors, and The Argument by Theatre O of Britain.
The promotion of the appreciation of Chinese opera has always been a key objective of the LCSD and the third Cantonese Opera Day was organised on the last Sunday in November. The event was part of the 'Bravo! A Cantonese Opera Fiesta!' series held in November and December to promote Cantonese opera. Throughout the year, the LCSD also presented newly commissioned Cantonese opera works. Chinese
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