Hong Kong Performing Companies

Hong Kong Ballet

　　Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra

　　Founded in 1977, the Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra is Hong Kong's only professional orchestra playing traditional Chinese music. It has an establishment of 85 musicians who perform in four sections comprising bowed strings, plucked strings, wind and percussion instruments.

　　Underartistic director and principal conductor Yan Huichang's baton, it has undertaken the promotion of Chinese music as its mission. It has a repertoire that includes both traditional folk music and contemporary full-scale works, exemplifying the orchestra's mission of exploring new frontiers in music and experimenting with new techniques and styles. As a Cultural Ambassador of Hong Kong, it has been invited to perform at world-famous venues and international festivals.

　　This year, the orchestra has invited 20 local composers to write a piece for each of the 18 districts in Hong Kong. These pieces will be premiered at major concerts in 2006 to 2008. This event is called the "Musical Splendor from Hong Kong Composers."