ENG-2011 — Page 467

Recreation, Sport and the Arts | 399

Foster+Partners selected in March 2011 among three conceptual plans, the Authority formulated the development plan and incorporated desirable features from the other two conceptual plans as appropriate. Information on the proposed development plan was unveiled during a one-month 'Stage 3 Public Engagement Exercise' which was completed in October 2011. After taking into account the support from the public and stakeholders, the Authority finalised the development plan and submitted it in December 2011 to the Town Planning Board for consideration.

The Authority will continue to support the nurturing of arts talent and audience-building in collaboration with relevant stakeholders including educational institutes and arts organisations to build capacity for the future WKCD.

URBTIX

URBTIX (Urban Ticketing System), introduced in 1984, has become the most widely-used computerised ticketing system in Hong Kong. It offers a variety of convenient and reliable ticketing services to the public through its network of 44 outlets as well as internet and telephone booking services. In 2011, a ticket collection service was provided at over 60 locations for customers to collect their pre-paid tickets, booked via internet or telephone. Ticket proceeds amounting to over $891 million from 4.63 million tickets were made through URBTIX in 2011.

Cultural Presentations

LCSD Cultural Presentations

The LCSD provides quality cultural programmes throughout the year. In 2011, a total of 919 performances were held, featuring local and visiting artists. More than 380 000 people attended the performances.

The second 'Chinese Opera Festival', featuring the art of xiqu, or 'Chinese traditional theatre' was organised by the LCSD.

Performances were also held to commemorate the bicentenary of the birth of Franz Liszt and the centenary of the death of Gustav Mahler. Concerts by the world- renowned Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra and Mahler Chamber Orchestra were staged, together with contributions from local musicians in recitals, concert-cum- letters recitation performances.

The LCSD supports local artists, including those from small- and medium-size arts groups, in showcasing their talent in various art forms.

The department continues to explore alternative performance sites like the Flagstaff House Museum of Tea Ware, Hong Kong Railway Museum and Sam Tung Uk Museum for its thematic programme series.

In 2011, world-renowned artists and groups including Anne-Sophie Mutter, Murray Perahia, Itzhak Perlman and DV8 Physical Theatre performed in Hong Kong. Operas held in 2011 included Donizetti's L'Elisir d'Amore by Musica Viva and Dr Sun Yat-sen, a new opera co-commissioned by LCSD and Opera Hong Kong to commemorate the centenary of the 1911 Revolution.