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"The three new companies: the Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra, the Hong Kong Dance Company and the Hong Kong Repertory Theatre are formally established today and will take over their new work tomorrow (April 1)," announced Mr Paul Leung Sai-wah, the Director of Leisure and Cultural Services today (March 31) at the press conference on the inauguration of the three new performing companies.

"After a year's preparation, the three performing companies formerly under the direct management of the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) are formally registered as new companies independent of the Government. To us, it is like having three of our daughters getting married on the same day and is indeed a tripled-joyous occasion!

"We implemented the corporatisation programme with a view to allowing the companies greater flexibility in their pursuit of artistic vision and in their administrative operation. It is hoped that more community support and involvement could be enlisted," added Mr Leung.

The three performing companies have been performing for some 20 years under the former Provisional Urban Council. In March 1999, the Government published "The Consultancy Report on Culture, the Arts, Recreation and Sports Services" in which corporatisation of the three performing companies was proposed. After the two Municipal Councils were dissolved, LCSD took over in 2000 the management of the three performing companies and has since started to pursue the corporatisation plan.

"A Preparatory Committee was set up for each company, whose members include representatives of the relevant art form and various sectors of the community. During the past year, a number of arrangements for the corporatisation were discussed and prepared on matters such as legal framework, budget planning, financial arrangements, staff transition, office accommodation, assets transfer and funding agreement. Frequent consultations were also made with the staff of the three performing companies to ensure that the arrangements on the corporatisation are clear and adequate, enabling their smooth transition," said Mr Leung.

A simple yet impressive ceremony was also held at the press conference symbolising the smooth hand-over of the management and operation to the three new companies. The Chairmen of the three new companies were greatly excited about this important historical moment.

Council Chairman of the Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra, Ms Carlye Tsui said, "The Orchestra will present local audience a balanced and varied programme. In addition, we will place emphasis on collaboration with local composers and encouragement of works with Hong Kong flavour.

"The Orchestra will work towards consolidating and enhancing its artistic standing at an international level, with a view to establishing itself as the leading and most representative Chinese Orchestra in the world of Chinese music as well as a renowned Orchestra in the international music circle."

Board Chairman of the Hong Kong Dance Company the Hon. Henry Wu King-cheong said, "The new Company will continue to promote Chinese dance as their objective. Besides enhancing the link and cultural exchange with the dance companies and organisations of the Mainland, the Dance Company will also explore touring opportunities to other places of the world to promote Chinese dance as well as Chinese culture.

"In the coming year, the Company will put emphasis on its outreach and education activities. A new Outreach and Education team comprising three staff members will be set up to increase public awareness and generate people's interest in Chinese dancing. In addition, the 'friends' scheme will soon be implemented to increase current interest and broaden our audience base."

Chairman of the Council of the Hong Kong Repertory Theatre Mr Vincent Chow thanked LCSD for rendering support and valuable guidance during the entire process of corporatisation. Together with other Members of the first Council of Hong Kong Repertory Theatre Limited, Mr Chow would ensure the effective operation and furtherance of artistic excellence of the new Company.

In addition, they will further nurture the development of the Company in its continuing efforts to uplift the audience's appreciation of drama as well as improving the cultural quality of life in the local community.

After the incorporation of the companies, the Government would continue to provide funding support to enable the operation and development of these three major professional performing companies. The performance and the future funding arrangement of the three new performing companies would be monitored by LCSD in a fair and appropriate manner.

End/Saturday, March 31, 2001

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