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The Chief Executive, Mr Tung Chee Hwa, visited the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts (APA) this (May 17) afternoon to see for himself the training programmes in media and the performing arts for local and international talents.

"Young people in the arts represent Hong Kong's cultural future. The APA has a wonderfully free atmosphere where students receive training from a very international academic staff and can refine their artistic skills through very broad exposure," Mr Tung said.

The Chief Executive was greeted on arrival by APA Council Chairman, Professor Anna Pao Sohmen, and Director, Professor Lo King-man.

Mr Tung started his tour at the School of Music, where he was welcomed by a performance of brass fanfare. At the School of Dance an award-winning ensemble performed two excerpts, Flowing Sea from Yellow River and Don Quixote. The two works were chosen to open and close the Prague Dance Festival 2000, at which the APA won the Grand Prize for the best participating school.

Students from the recently established School of Film and Television and the newly introduced Diploma Programme in Performing Arts (Cantonese Opera) presented to Mr Tung a computer generated imagery workshop and excerpts of Cantonese opera respectively.

During a tour of facilities, Mr Tung was led to the backstage, where students from the School of Technical Arts demonstrated backstage techniques such as scenic painting, prop-making, and set and costume design. The Chief Executive then watched students from the School of Drama rehearsing for the opening performance of a Cantonese drama, the Blood Wedding, which will take place this evening.

Before ending his visit, Mr Tung exchanged views with APA students and staff from various disciplines and listened to their concerns and aspirations. He said, "As an international city, we must not focus solely on economic developments, and should also give priority to arts and culture. Otherwise, we may become a materialistic and soulless society."

Mr Tung commended the high artistic standard of the performances and expressed support for the development of the local film industry and the performing arts in Hong Kong.

Photo:The Chief Executive meeting students of the Diploma Programme in Performing Arts (Cantonese Opera) at the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts.

End/Wednesday, May 17, 2000

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