May 2009
14–17 MAY
if you want to broaden your horizons…
HK International Art Fair This is your chance to see where modern and contemporary art is heading. The second edition of the HK international Art Fair will bring together over 100 galleries from 24 countries, making it the number one art event in Asia. The world’s best right on your doorstep.
15 May–14 June
if you want to take a trip down memory lane…
CATS musical Memory, all alone in the moonlight… Fifteen years after it was last performed here, the West End musical returns to Hong Kong. Cats may be approaching 30, but the musical interpretations of TS Eliot’s poems will still have you purring.
28 May
If you want to dance to the beat…
BAM! Percussion This Canadian troupe has electrified crowds the world over with its savage drumming and off-the-wall sketches. It’s for everybody and it’s free.
Mount Fortress, Part of the Macau Arts Festival, www.icm.gov.mo
15–16 May
if you missed it in april…
Moonlight Movies There are still two screenings remaining before the rain makes it impossible to lounge outdoors. On the menu, action movie Fight Club and ’80s school drama The Breakfast Club.
The Podium, Cyberport www.openairhk.com
9–10 May
If you want to aim high…
Macau Tower
Mum’s the word this month with Mother’s Day falling on 10 May. To celebrate, Macau Tower is offering free admission to the Tower’s observation deck for local Macau kids born between 1999 and 2009 and their mums. If you want to give Mum some flowers, there’ll be a horticultural expert onsite to demonstrate how to make the perfect bouquet.
23–24, 28 May
If you want to shout yourself hoarse…
Macau International Dragon Boat Races Macau International Dragon Boat Races Months of intense training finally pay off as some of the world’s best dragonboaters compete at Nam Van Lake. Paddling in time to the rhythmic beats of their drummers, the teams race over 250, 500 and 2,000 metres, each striving to get their boat’s elegantly adorned dragon’s head over the line first.
Nam Van Lake Nautical Centre
15 JUNE
Plan ahead: Kassia Choirs & Friends
Raising the roof 2009 with Kassia Choirs & Friends
This year’s big choral event will pay tribute to The Beatles, with a handful of choirs uniting to belt out Lennon and McCartney’s much-loved classics.
HK Cultural Centre, www.katterwall.com
April 2009
hot list
What’s happening around the region
7 apr
If you want to sing an anthem…
Oasis live Get ready to holler out some of those famous lyrics as one of the world’s hottest bands ventures to Hong Kong to strut their Mancunian stuff. Though after they were recently prevented from performing on the mainland, Liam Gallagher’s trademark scowl may be more pronounced than ever. www.asiaworld-expo.com
1 mar-26 apr
If you want to zone out…
Contemporary art from Cambodia
of contemporary art in Cambodia is an interesting window into the lives of 14 of the only 40 practicing artists in a country of 14 million people. Expect a range of painting, sculpture, film and photography – much of which will change your perspective of this fascinating country.
22 mar-13 apr
If you missed it in March…
International film festival Discover the next Wong Kar-wai with a full roster of Hong Kong, Asian and international films being screened across Hong Kong and Macau, along with special guest appearances.
24-26 apr
If you want to shake your booty…
Macau Salsa Festival Get your dancing shoes on as Macau plays host to a salsa party extravaganza this month. It’s the first-ever event of its kind in Macau – expect fabulous costumes, special guests and a chance to learn how to dance like a pro.
1 mar-10 May
If you want a visual treat…
Messages The Macau Museum of Art is currently celebrating its 10th anniversary. This exhibition goes some way to chronicling the last ten years, showcasing over 50 exhibition posters, which have gone on to become works of art in their own right.
1-30 may
plan ahead
MACAU ARTS FESTIVAL The 20th edition of one of Macau’s most famous festivals is not to be missed – bringing its usual blend of theatre, dance, opera, cinema and arts to the city. Performers once again come from far and wide, including Portugal, the UK, US and Canada.
March 2009
mar 20
Duffy
The Welsh blonde bombshell glides into AsiaWorld Arena on her first-ever Asian tour to belt out hits from her debut Rockferry album. Already a Grammy Award-winner, the singer/songwriter’s retro looks and distinctive soulful voice have seen her compared to Amy Winehouse and the legendary Dusty Springfield. See for yourself what all the fuss is about. HK$450-$850
mar
21-22
Have Steps, Will Travel
Get your Helen Reddy on for Hong Kong choreographer Yuri Ng’s second production with Macau’s contemporary dancers at the Macau Cultural Centre’s Small Auditorium. Part of the Macao Tale series, the show features a group of androgynous female dancers who challenge the concept that Chinese women are inferior to men, unleashing their creativity while banishing masculine constraints. MOP120
mar 22 - 13 apr
Hong Kong International Film Festival
Discover the next Wong Kar-wai at the festival’s 33rd installment with a full roster of Hong Kong, Asian and international films being screened across Hong Kong and Macau. Ticket prices vary.
MAR 3
Mingus Big Band
Jazz lovers are in for a treat when the New York institution founded by Sue Mingus in honour of her late husband comes to the Macao Cultural Centre’s Grand Auditorium. Hailed by critics as one of the best jazz orchestras in the world, the 14-piece Mingus Big Band brings a fresh approach to Charles Mingus’ repertoire while still retaining the bassist’s raw bluesyness. MOP80-250
MAR 7
The Four Temperaments
Join conductor Zhang Yi, cellist Qin Li-wei and pianist Tan Xiao-tang as they perform the works of composers Paul Hindemith and Friedrich Gulda at the Macao University of Science and Technology. Free admission.
mar 7-8
City of K
Acclaimed Hong Kong choreographer Helen Lai’s City Contemporary Dance Company will be celebrating their 30th anniversary by performing excerpts from their most memorable works at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre Piazza. Free admission.
mar 27-29
Hong Kong Sevens
The highlight of the Hong Kong sporting calendar sees the world’s rugby sevens heavyweights descend on Hong Kong Stadium for a weekend of fancy dress and fancy rugby. Sold out.
MAR 28
Charm of Schubert
Part of the Classics Series – held at the Macau Cultural Centre’s Grand Auditorium – the Macao Orchestra, under the baton of conductor Lu Jia, perform three of Schubert’s best-loved symphonies. MOP80-MOP120
February 2008
What’s happening around the region
feb 08
Hong Kong Marathon
Line the route or get down to the finish at Victoria Park to cheer on the hardy souls competing in the 2009 Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon. This year’s 10k, half and full marathons will see more than 50,000 runners pounding the streets past some of the city’s most iconic spots. Keep an eye out for some innovative outfits as the 10k runners vie for the Best Costume awards.
feb 20-22
Top Gear Live
Feel the need for speed? Then get down to the Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre where Jeremy Clarkson and Richard Hammond from the award-winning Top Gear BBC TV series will be presenting a dramatic live show featuring breathtaking stunts, amazing special effects and blockbusting driving sequences. Tickets: HK$288-HK$988
feb 28-01 Mar
Procession of the Passion of Our Lord
This distinctly Macanese celebration sees an image of Jesus Christ on the cross carried in solemn procession from St Augustine’s Church to the Macau Cathedral, where devoted Catholics take part in an overnight vigil. The following day it returns through the city with stops at the various Stations of the Cross accompanied by magenta-robed escorts and a throng of faithful followers and curious onlookers.
feb 20-22
Disney On Ice
Throw on a woolly before heading over to the AsiaWorld Expo to catch the Princess Wishes World Tour. The extravaganza features fairy-tale princes wooing beautiful maidens while gliding gracefully along on a magical sheet of ice. Romance and athleticism merge with all the puff and pageantry expected from a Disney production. Tickets: HK$150-$390
26 Feb
Feast of Tou Tei
Each year, Macau honours earth god Tou Tei with a day of worship at the Tou Tei Temple in Taipa’s Pagode do Patane Square. Along with the burning of incense and offerings, there’ll be traditional lion dances and a dedication ceremony.
Feb 6-8 Mar
Hong Kong Arts Festival
All the world’s a stage this February in Hong Kong as the brightest stars – along with some favourite hams – once again congregate for the 37th annual Hong Kong Arts Festival (see pages 50-53 for the lowdown). This year promises an eye and ear-popping array of international performances at premier venues throughout the city, with opera, ballet and classical music vying for attention alongside modern jazz, contemporary dance and old favourites with new twists.
Ticket prices vary according to event, www.hk.artsfestival.org
Feb 20-21
Ramiro Gallo Quintet
Argentinean violinist and composer Ramiro Gallo brings his quintet to the Macau Cultural Centre to perform his unique brand of tango. Tickets: MOP140
January 2008
JAN 10
Richard Tsang
Composer, conductor, educator and broadcaster extraordinaire Richard Tsang showcases his body of work with the Hong Kong Children’s Choir at the Hong Kong City Hall Concert Hall. Highlights includes the Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra’s commissioned work Ceremonial Ode (Temple Rituals) and Ever-changing, featuring percussionist Ronald Chin. Tickets: HK$120-HK$260
www.hkco.org
JAN 7-10
Tennis Classic 2009
This unique concept sees teams of three representing Europe, Russia, the Americas and the Asia Pacific competing over a series of singles and doubles matches at Hong Kong’s Victoria Park. World No 1 Jelena Jankovic, 2008 Australian Open winner Maria Sharapova and seven-time Grand Slam champion Venus Williams are among the star names taking part, with China’s Zheng Zie and up-and-coming Hong Kong player Zhang Ling sure to give local fans plenty to cheer. Tickets: HK$280-HK$680
www.jbgroupclassic.com
JAN 13-16
2009 Mission Hills Asia-Pacific Open
You may spot the next Tiger Woods in the making when the Mission Hills Golf Club in Shenzhen plays host to the Asia-Pacific Open Amateur Championship. Limited to golfers with a handicap of 5.4 or better, the 72-hole strokeplay tournament takes place on the gruelling World Cup course. An added incentive for the winner is automatic entry into the 2009 Australian Open Championship.
www.missionhillsgroup.com
JAN 17
Classics Series
The music of two beloved Eastern European composers will reverberate throughout Macau Tower’s auditorium this January. The Macao Orchestra, under the baton of Lu Jia, joins award-winning pianist Sun Meiting as he performs Chopin’s Piano Concerto No. 2 in F Minor, Opus 21 and Dvorak’s Symphony No. 6 in D Major, Opus 60. Tickets: MOP80-MOP120
www.macauticket.com
JAN 19
David Byrne
The Talking Heads’ founder appears live for the first time in Asia at the Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre’s Hall 3, performing highlights from his latest album Everything That Happens Will Happen Today, together with many of his former band’s greatest hits. Tickets: HK$488-HK$788
www.davidbyrne.com, www.hkticketing.com
JAN 1-25
Crazy for Her
The trials and tribulations of TV celebrity Tsang Yeung Hoi are captured by the wit of comedy master Kam Kwok Leung in this production at the Hong Kong Academy of Performing Arts’ Lyric Theatre. Tickets: HK$180-HK$800
www.hkticketing.com
JAN 26
Chinese new Year night Parade
The annual Hong Kong Tourism Board-organised parade along the streets of Tsim Sha Tsui will see giant floats, festive music and entertainers from all walks of life joining hands to usher in the year of the Ox.
www.hktb.com
Calendar - December 2008
10 DECEMBER
Sting
Baroque lute extraordinaire Edin Karamazov joins everyone’s favourite Police-man at the Hong Kong Polytechnic University’s Jockey Club Auditorium. The duo will perform highlights from a special edition of Sting’s Deutsche Grammophon album Songs from the Labyrinth. Tickets: HK$988 to HK$2,888
www.lushington.com
19 DECEMBER
Handover Anniversary Concert
The Cultural Centre’s Grand Auditorium welcomes conductor Zheng Xiao-ying as she performs her musical poem Echoes of Hakka Clay Buildings to celebrate the ninth anniversary of the city’s handover. Tickets: MOP80 to MOP120
www.ccm.gov.mo
19-27 DECEMBER
The Nutcracker
Relive the magic with Clara and her Nutcracker Prince as the Hong Kong Ballet performs this holiday classic at the Cultural Centre’s Grand Theatre. Tickets: HK$140 to HK$1,000
www.hkballet.com
16 DECEMBER
Young Musician of the Year
Four young performers battle it out at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre’s Concert Hall for the coveted title of Young Musician of the Year, accompanied by the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra.
Tickets: HK$100 to HK$250
www.hkpo.com
13-14 DECEMBER
Fee Fi Fo Fum
Pint-size music lovers will love the tunes featured in Face Productions’ musical at the Hong Kong Arts Centre’s McAulay Studio. Based on the tale of Jack and the Beanstalk, the story follows Jack as he climbs bravely ever upwards into the sky.
Tickets: HK$100 to HK$180, +852 2501 4842
www.kidsgallery.com
A Kassia Christmas Carol
The Kassia Women’s Choir strut their stuff at the Sheung Wan Civic Centre Theatre in a concert based on Dickens’ classic holiday tale. Sing along to Throw the Yule Log On, Mr Scrooge, and Christmas classic It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year. Narrated by local actor Michael Harley.
www.katterwall.com
19-22 DECEMBER
Asia Game Show
Gamers of all ages will be flocking to the Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre for the seventh annual Asia Game Show. Showcasing everything from next generation systems and online games to mobile phone applications, there’s something to bring out the geek in everyone.
www.asiagameshow.com
15-16 DECEMBER
Strauss Waltz New Year’s Eve Concert
Glide into the New Year with a dance or two at the Shenzhen Concert Hall. The Blue Danube and a full roster of Strauss’ best-known waltzes will be performed, as well as some polkas. Tickets: RMB180 to RMB1,080
www.shenzhenconcerthall.com
14 DECEMBER
International Races
The Cathay Pacific Hong Kong International Races sees the world’s best jockeys and horses descend on Sha Tin for the highlight of the Asian racing calendar. The showpiece event is the Group 1 Hong Kong Cup, won last year by Ramonti and Frankie Dettori. Tourist Badge: HK$150
www.cxhkir.com
07 DECEMBER
Macau Marathon
The streets of Macau, Taipa and Coloane are set to take a pounding from some of Asia’s top long distance runners with the 27th staging of the Macau Galaxy Entertainment International Marathon. Three marathon categories - full, half and mini - ensure there’s plenty to cheer for those who’d rather stand on the sidelines.
www.macaumarathon.com
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Calandar
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