ENG-2006 — Page 454

382 Recreation, Sport and the Arts

West Kowloon Cultural District

In October 2005, the Government introduced additional development parameters and conditions, based on public views gauged at the consultation exercise, for the three screened-in proponents in respect of their proposals to develop the 40-hectare prime waterfront site of the West Kowloon Reclamation into an integrated arts, culture, commercial and entertainment district.

As all three proponents did not give a positive response by February 2006, the Government subsequently decided to take the plan forward under a new development approach. The Government established in April 2006 the Consultative Committee on the Core Arts and Cultural Facilities of the West Kowloon Cultural District and its three advisory groups to re-examine, with a view to re-confirming as appropriate the need for the core arts and cultural facilities and other types of arts and cultural facilities to be provided at the West Kowloon Cultural District and the financial implications for developing and operating these facilities. The consultative committee has made substantial headway in its study and it is expected to submit its report to the Government around mid-2007.

URBTIX

URBTIX (Urban Ticketing System) commenced operation in 1984 and has become the most popular computerised ticketing system in Hong Kong. The LCSD launched a brand new and advanced system in October 2006 which enables the public to buy tickets of cultural and entertainment events at any of the 33 outlets as well as through its Internet and telephone ticketing services. During the year, over $620 million was paid through URBTIX for some 4.14 million tickets for 7 440 performances.

Cultural Presentations

LCSD Cultural Presentations

The Cultural Presentations Section provides quality cultural programmes on a year-round basis. In 2006, 971 performances were presented, featuring local and visiting artists in a variety of shows that appealed to audiences of all ages. More than 520 900 people attended those shows.

Year 2006 was known as the 'Mozart Year'. A string of excellent musical performances was held throughout the year to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the birth of Mozart. They included concerts by Vienna Philharmonic, Camerata Salzburg, London Winds, Vienna Boys' Choir, and Anne-Sophie Mutter, and others. A live relay of the Vienna Philharmonic concerts at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre Concert Hall to the outdoor piazza also drew large audiences. The finale of the Mozart Series Everlasting Mozart Piano Marathon was a resounding success.

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Highlights of dance programmes presented during the year included the Eifman Ballet of St Petersburg from Russia and Teatro alla Scala Ballet Company from Italy. Quality performances by local dance companies were also staged to enhance the local dance scene.