May Events: Highlights for Hong Kong’s upcoming month

Having made it through the first quarter of 2021, the year continues as it approaches a new season and with that, it’s time to mark your social calendar with the slew of exciting arts and cultural events to see this month of May…

Balanchine’s Jewels
Until 23 May
Arguably one of the most influential ballet choreographers of the 20th century, George Balanchine first made his mark in 1967 in the debut of his gemstone-inspired Jewels. Renowned for its style and glamour, the three-act ballet was initially inspired by Balanchine’s chance visit to the iconic jewellery house of Van Cleef & Arpels on New York’s Fifth Avenue. Now, it returns in a modern revival courtesy of the Hong Kong Ballet.

How Much: From HK$140
Where: The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts, Wanchai
Website: hkballet.com

Misplaced
Until 7 July
The much anticipated Affordable Art Fair has returned to the city, albeit in a digital format yet again, for the second edition of the Affordable Online Art Fair. Partnering with some 50 galleries on a worldwide basis, audiences can browse through thousands of paintings, prints, photographs and sculptures by local and international talents, while also participating in virtual talks, tours and art advisory sessions, with the latter designed to ensure you make better informed purchases from the expansive selection on offer.

How Much: Free entry
Where: Online
Website: affordableartfair.com

Waiting For The Moment
Until 20 Jul
Following the earlier success of its showcase of the works of eminent locally-based photographer James Chung, Tsim Sha Tsui-set photo art gallery F22 is following this up with a new collection of more than 30 of the renowned lensman’s most iconic images of old Hong Kong. Featuring a variety of his finest work from the ’50s and ’60s, the exhibition – Waiting for the Moment – is too good a visual odyssey to miss out on.

How Much: Free
Where: The Peninsula Arcade, Salisbury Rd, Tsim Sha Tsui.
Website: f22.com

The Art of Gold: 3000 Years of Chinese treasures
Until 29 Aug
Shining a light on 3,000 years of Chinese treasure and craftsmanship, the French school of jewellery arts, L’Ecole, is presenting its third exhibition at the K11 MUSEA. This time around, it is highlighting a selection of masterpieces from the Mengdiexuan collection, as well as classic examples of the ancient art of Chinese gold-smithing. From now until the end of August, jewellery enthusiasts can enjoy a truly epic hour-long guided tour through centuries of the master craftsmanship once practiced in ancient China.

How Much: Free
Where: K11 MUSEA Victoria Dockside, Tsim Sha Tsui.
Website: lecolevancleefarpels.com/hk/en

Extended Figure: The Art and Inspiration of Lalan
Until 19 Sep
In honour of the iconic abstract painter Xie Jing-lan, the Asia Society Hong Kong Center is exhibiting the artist’s best loved masterworks as part of the venue’s 30th anniversary celebrations. This classic Chinese painter – affectionately known as Lalan – was a pioneering figure in the integrated art world, an achievement that saw her incorporating choreographed brushstrokes alongside the mediums of music and dance. Running until mid-September, this is a unique opportunity to relive the legacy of a truly inspired artist.

How Much: Free
Where: Chantal Miller Gallery, Asia Society Hong Kong
Website: asiasociety.org

Le French May
1-31 May
Le French May, the annual France-themed arts and culture festival, returns with a slew of visual and performance exhibits, as well as a series of gourmet offerings that celebrate many of the country’s most sophisticated delicacies. Organised, as ever, by the Consulate General of France in Hong Kong & Macau, it’s the perfect opportunity to celebrate French art and culture as part of a month-long cavalcade of gastronomic greatness, the fine arts, opera, music, theatre and cinematic offerings.

How Much: Various prices
Where: Various locations
Website: frenchmay.com

M+ Cinema, Disrupted
6-16 May
Despite the ongoing renovations to M+, West Kowloon’s visual culture museum, it is opening its doors – virtually at least – to film enthusiasts with an online screening of local and foreign films and a programme that sets out to examine the many different aspects of cinematography and the transformative power of global filmmaking. Comprising a two-part programme, it is said to promote the concept of film as an ever-evolving format and an essential part of modern visual culture.

How much: Free
Where: Online
Website: westkowloon.hk

Cheung Chau Bun Festival
19 May
With many of the current pandemic-related restriction in place across Hong Kong set to ease, the ever-popular Cheung Chau Bun Festival, a long standing annual celebration of the Taoist pantheon, is expected to go ahead as planned. By far the city’s most popular Da Jiu celebration, the event always sees thousands heading to Cheung Chau, one of Hong Kong’s outlying islands. This year, any visitors able make the trip on 19 May will get to experience its unique vertical bun-snatching race, as well as a variety of elaborate floating parades and traditional performances.

How Much: Free
Where: Cheung Chau Island
Website: cheung-chau.com

Christmas festivities for a truly merry holiday

The festive Christmas season is fast approaching, but with travel restrictions still in place, many are scrambling to make early bookings at the finest restaurants and gearing up for Christmas shopping sprees. Here are top things to do to either get ahead of the crowd or avoid the rush on Christmas week.

christmas list activities to do gafencu magazine the peninsula — image from the Peninsula

Book a festive staycation package now

Though still two months away, booking a room for a Christmas staycation now will save you the stress of when December rolls in. Hotels, like The Peninsula and Four Seasons are already sending out early invitations to early-birds to reserve a spot for a range of festive menus and celebratory cocktails on offer.

christmas list activities to do gafencu magazine W hotel Kitchen christmas feast — image from W Hotel

Dine-out on Christmas

Dining hot spots like Kitchen at W Hotel, the Murray and The Butterfly Room at Rosewood will surely be hard to book the closer it gets to Christmas. To get ahead of the crowd and enjoy a festive spread at these high-end dining spaces, make a reservation ahead of time to get the best seat in the house.

Splurge on premium Christmas shopping

Relish in a luxurious shopping spree at one or all of the many remarkable malls that showcase the city’s best Christmas displays every year, such as Landmark, Pacific Place, Harbour City and IFC malls. A break from the extensive shopping spree can also be enjoyed at their many dining options that are sure to spread a sumptuous X’Mas-themed meal.

christmas list activities to do gafencu magazine the nutcracker — image from Hong Kong Cultural Centre

Watch the Nutcracker

Watching the Nutcracker is an annual Christmas tradition, especially for lovers of ballet. From December 18 to 20 at Grand Theatre, Hong Kong Cultural Centre, the beloved story and outstanding performance of the Nutcracker returns to the city for the family to enjoy. VIP tickets are available for purchase at HK$1,000 and will give guests access to dining privileges at several restaurants at Rosewood Hotel.

christmas list activities to do gafencu magazine island shangri-la hong kong christmas feast catering — image from Island Shangri-la

Enjoy a fine-dining Christmas at home

Alternative to eating out, hosting a private dinner can shield you from the cold and crowd. Premium menus from Mandarin Oriental and Island Shangri-la serve an authentic Christmas feast that customers can order from to take away.

Decorate your own tree

For a more traditional and intimate celebration with loved ones, enliven the Christmas spirit at home with a personal tree for friends and family to share a fun experience decorating with glamourous ornaments. Real full-sized trees are available for purchase at Anglo Chinese Florist Ltd, Sophie’s Christmas Trees and Gift Flowers HK.

Recycling services at christmastree.hk can also be hired for after the season has passed, in contrast to synthetic trees that are often tossed after the season’s passed.

Give back and Donate

Count your blessings and share the joy of the Christmas spirit by donating toys to a children’s hospital, like Maggie’s Cancer Caring Centre or write a cheque for a charity of your choice.

October Events: Highlights for Hong Kong’s up coming months

Hong Kong remains adamant to push forward with delivering the entertainment and social value that makes this city relevant, despite social distancing regulations that have led some noteworthy events like Cockenflap and Art Basel Hong Kong to either reschedule or cancel. Still, there are several events that will continue to enliven the city with entertainment, art, culture and education this month. From virtual art and dining exhibitions to sustainability conferences, here are the highlights of upcoming weeks in Hong Kong.

Hong Kong Wine and Dine Festival

Oct 25 – 28

Despite its cancellation last year, the annual Hong Kong Wine & Dine Festival returns digitally at the end of the month, instead of its usual spot at the Central Harbourfront Event Space. In view of the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, the organisers have decided to turn the popular interactive festival into a virtual market place. In spite of the change, the festival will be bringing all of its usual highlights including workshops and talks by food critics, chefs and sommeliers. discoverhongkong.com

Online Event. www.discoverhongkong.com

Wei Ligang Showcases Chinese Ink and Acrylic

Oct 3 – Jan 2

Internationally renowned Chinese calligrapher, Wei Ligang showcases Silent Mountains, Meandering River in his third solo exhibition at Alisan Fine Arts. The event presents 14 of his latest Chinese ink and acrylic on paper works, created specially for this exhibition. The theme of the exhibition is a symbolism of the “circuitous and gentle thoughts of Chinese people.” Wei is best known for his abstract paintings that combine traditional and modern calligraphy. This will mark Wei’s third solo exhibition at the gallery.

21/F, 1 Lyndhurst Tower, 1 Lyndhurst Terrace, Central.

Jewellery & Gem Digital World

Oct 27 – 29

Informa Markets Jewellery launches its first ever bespoke digital event – the Jewellery & Gem Digital World. The virtual exhibition features cutting edge Atelier technology that enables guests to explore and personalise their virtual visit and participate in video meetings and webinars. The digital event will run live for 24 hours during the two-day virtual exhibition, offering sellers the flexibility to serve buyers at any time. The platform is in English, with a Chinese-language interface.

Online Event. www.exhibitions.jewellerynet.com

Art Basel’s OVR:20c

Oct 28-31

Due to the cancellation of its original gallery exhibition at Basel, Art Basel opens its online viewing room for the third time this year in the form of OVR:20C, following last month’s OVR:2020. Art connoisseurs would be keen to find works of art created throughout the 20th century, between 1900 and 1999 in another tightly focused thematic virtual showcase. The digital art exhibition is the internationally reputed organisation’s bid to bring together its global network of collectors and exhibitors.

Online Event. www.artbasel.com/ovr

RETHINK 2020: Enterprise Forum For Future Sustainability

Oct 29

As consumer interests increasingly lean towards living more sustainable lifestyles and using more eco-friendly products, ReThink has organized a two-day programme that features industry experts, businesses and professionals on the environmental impacts of labour practices and how businesses can excel towards a more sustainable future. The event is comprised of 28 conference sessions, 15 expert panels, 8 workshops and 4 keynote speakers.

Tickets are priced at HK $575 (Day 1) and HK $455 (Day 2). K11 Atelier King’s Road, No. 728, King’s Road, Quarry Bay

Best dressed ladies of 2019

It is no secret that Hong Kong’s femme fashionistas adore the opportunity to dress up for the countless galas, soirées and formal dinners that are part and parcel of the city’s high society lifestyle. For 2019, these A-listers served up truly stunning looks, and Gafencu highlights some of the best dressed ladies of 2019.

Harvey Nichols Beyond Beauty Unveils Beauty Excellence 2019 award

Last week luxury department store Harvey Nichols recognised Wu Assassins stars Byron Mann and JuJu Chan with the Beyond Beauty Excellence Award – just in time to celebrate the upcoming premiere of the Netflix series which is set to premiere this Thursday, 8 August.

Offering a unique retail concept within Harvey Nichols’ beauty department, Beyond Beauty operates a boutique with offerings from over 100 niche brands. Guests including Edwin Pun, Natalie Tan and Yijia Tiong were able to browse the organic lines, doctor endorsed and dermatologist created labels.

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July Events: A round-up of the can’t-miss happenings in HK this month

The month of July has an array of celebrations, festivals and gigs up its sleeve to help you beat the notorious Hong Kong heat. Whether you’re looking to have some fun in the sun, or keep cool indoors – we’ve rounded up 9 must-see-and-do July events that are worth penciling into your diary.

1 July

22nd Anniversary of the HKSAR

Taking place at the beginning of the month is the commemoration of the 22nd anniversary of the Establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region or, in layman’s terms, The Handover. While celebrations have had a tendencyto vary over the years, it’s a safe bet to expect the ceremonial fanfare to be turned up to 11. Expect parades, flag-raising ceremonies, cultural performances, sports matches and, of course, a whole night’s sky worth of fireworks. Locations vary. gov.hk

4 Jul

Alexander Shtarkman Piano Recital

Renowned for his piano recitals in the Americas, Europe and Russia, Alexander Shtarkman will be heading to Hong Kong this month to treat the more refined to his repertoire of recitals from Bach, Schumann and Ravel. Awarded the First Prize at the Ferruccio Busoni International Piano Competition in Bolzano, Italy, and now a member of the piano faculty at Peabody Institute, Shtarkman’s visit to Hong Kong is sure to be truly classic. The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts, 1 Gloucester Rd, Wan Chai. HK$130–480. hkticketing.com

5 Jul–18 Aug

International Arts Carnival 2019

With events taking place throughout much of the summer season, the International Arts Carnival is back in action, just in time to keep your kids busy during the long school-less months ahead. The wide assortment of events on offer include puppetry, interactive theatre, magic shows and, apparently, far more. Billed as ‘Fun for the Whole Family’, there may be no better way for the kids to beat the summer heat and learn a thing or two about culture and the arts, while giving parents a fighting chance to preserve their sanity. Locations vary. HK$35–580. hkiac.gov.hk

5–8 Jul

Hong Kong Bakery Carnival

The Hong Kong Bakery Carnival is being billed as the city’s first-ever public bakery show, with its organisers hoping to build on the success of the Hong Kong International Bakery Expo, an event that has delighted the city’s more sweet-toothed residents since 2012. Would-be pastry partakers may want to loosen their belts as the event will comprise bakery workshops, competitions, on-site demonstrations by celebrity chefs and, of course, lots and lots of food tasting. Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, 1 Expo Dr, Wan Chai. hkbakerycarnival.com

6 Jul

LUMIERE International Fashion Event

Hong Kong’s fashionistas will be out in full force as Meler Productions presents Hong Kong: Lumiere, an event that will kick off its high-end fashion show and summer party this month. Showcasing an array of international designers from Japan, Hong Kong, USA, France and Sweden, this highly fashionable fiesta won’t be strictly fun and games, with five percent of all profits being donated to Redress, a Hong Kong-based NGO dedicated to promoting environmental sustainability in the fashion industry. The Annex, 173 Des Voeux Rd, Central. HK$370. eventbrite.com

6–28 Jul

Big Resign Day

They say life imitates art more than art imitates life. This, however, may not hold true from the upcoming local production of Big Resign Day. A laugh-out loud comedy, it follows the lives of several stressed-out Hong Kong office workers and dives deep into the darker side of the city’s work culture. The show’s three-week run features a number of homegrown stars, including actress Jessica Hsuan and former DJ and multimedia personality Lam1Hey. This eminently comic cast is sure to make the crowds chortle while touching on subjects that are certain to have real resonance. The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts, 1 Gloucester Rd, Wan Chai. HK$380–580. premier.hkticketing.com

23 Jul

Clockenflap presents: Yaeji, live in HK

In order to excite concertgoers before the event proper in November, festival organisers Clockenflap are making the summer sizzle with an array of international talents, including New York-based singer and producer DJ Yaeji. From humble beginnings at her college’s radio station, the Korean-American sensation soared out of the underground scene to become a fullfledged international superstar on the back of such hits as Raingurl and Drink I’m Sippin On. Yaeji’s Hong Kong debut is all but guaranteed to be an eclectic, electric night of avant-pop. This Town Needs, 6 Shung Shun St, Yau Tong. HK$420. ticketflap.com

24 Jul

Clockenflap presents: Alvvays

Hailed as Canada’s new indie champs (with Tegan and Sara now decidedly mainstream), Alvvays is back in Hong Kong after wooing crowds at last year’s Clockenflap Festival. Their latest album, Antisocialites, may be the most un- Hong Kong name around, but this won’t stop these mighty alt-rockers from delivering one of the more unique concert experiences on offer to 852 hipsters this year. Beg, steal or borrow a ticket and bop along to such peerless dreamy pop as Not My Baby, Dreams Tonite and Archie Marry Me. Go on. You know you want to. This Town Needs, 6 Shung Shun St, Yau Tong. HK$470. ticketflap.com

26–28 Jul

2019 e-Sports and Music Festival

Gaming fans, for once, will want to put down their controllers and head outside for the weekend when the e-Sports and Music Festival arrives in Hong Kong at the end of the month. Besides many of the homegrown top talents, there will be an impressive assembly of gamers from across the globe, all of whom will be competing for the HK$3.5 million inprize money on offer. Last year’s festival attracted more than 80,000 fans, but organisers are confident that the 2019 event will be bigger yet. Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, 1 Expo Dr, Wan Chai. HK$50-250. emfhk.com

‘Tis the Season: The top December events to check out in Hong Kong

Kick off the festive season with these can't-miss December events in Hong Kong — *Kick off the festive season with these can’t-miss December events in Hong Kong*

Although Christmas festivities are drawing ever-nearer, there are more goings-on in Hong Kong than just Saint Nick’s celebrations. From theatrical performances like The Nutcracker and Madame Butterfly to a mega pinot party at Central Harbourfront, here are some can’t-miss December events you should pencil into your calendar.

1 December: Pinot Palooza

Start the festive season as you mean to go on at the world’s largest wine party. Pinot Palooza are bringing some of the finest pinot noirs from Australia, New Zealand, France, Italy, North and South America right to the heart of Hong Kong. With Pinot Palooza clearly not a fan of faffing about with tokens, the ticket price includes a free, exclusive wine glass which is yours to take home and keep, plus as many sips and samples as you like. Red is the colour of Christmas after all. And white.

Hong Kong Observation Wheel, Central. HK$350.

6-8 December: Designinspire

The only Hong Kong expo dedicated to providing a global platform for innovative design opens its doors once again. From ecologically-sustainable lifestyle products to clean and convenient urban planning, this is where the future is taking shape. This year, exhibitors will be using interactive installations, 3D models and, for the first time ever, virtual reality headsets to bring their cutting-edge contemporary ideas into truly collaborative arena. If you’re wondering if there really is an alternative to plastic or just how to cool down the city in the summer, this is where you’ll find the answer. Probably.

Hong Kong Convention Centre, Wan Chai. Free admission.

7-9 December: Madame Butterfly

Puccini’s classic tragedy in three acts comes to Hong Kong on a mission to stun audiences with its emotional tale of unrequited love in a production that is equally haunting and impressive. It’s not only a delight for the ears, but also for the eyes, largely on account of its painstakingly-researched costumes and beautifully-rendered scenery. While its elegant colonial-era Japanese aesthetics give an aura of antiquity, this heart-wrenching tale of East meets West is truly transcendentally timeless.

Hong Kong City Hall Concert Hall, Edinburgh Place, Central. HK$180 – 680.

9 December: Longines Hong Kong International Races

While all true equestrian enthusiasts will have had this date in their calendar for several months now, it may have eluded those only moderately horsey, but that’s no reason to miss out. It would, after all, be somewhat remiss overlook 7,200 metres of races, jockeys from more than 60 countries, plus 18 home-grown competitors and a grand total of HK$93 million available in prize money. This is, indeed, top-quality, high-stakes racing at its best. After all, few events can boast such an impressive pedigree as this true highlight of Hong Kong’s horse racing season.

Sha Tin Racecourse, Sha Tin. HK$10.

14-26 December: The Nutcracker

With the Hong Kong Ballet’s newly-reinvigorated take on “the greatest music ever made for dance”, courtesy of the inimitable Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Christmas really is coming early this year. Watch in delight as toys, candies, flora, fauna and, of course, the eponymous nutcracker all come to life and set about thwarting the plans of the engagingly evil Rat King in this quintessential festive fare. Come along and discover just why The Nutcracker is such a perennial Christmas treat.

Hong Kong Cultural Centre, 10, Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui. HK$220 – 1,000.

22-24 December: Afternoon tea at The Peninsula

Christmas is a time for charity and indulgence and no one knows that better than The Peninsula, a truly iconic HK institution. This year, its luxurious lobby features festive afternoon “teas of hope”, complete with carols performed by many of the city’s leading choirs, all in aid of the Shanghai K Charitable Foundation and Make-A-Wish Hong Kong. If that’s still not enough to get you into the festive spirit then come down to their European-themed Christmas market on the 24th for carols, mulled wine and a few last-minute Christmas gifts.

The Peninsula Hotel, Tsim Sha Tsui. HK$508. Bookings must be made in advance.

22-25 December: Hong Kong Mega Showcase

We all have that one person in our lives who seems impossible to shop for when it comes to Christmas. This year, though, worry not as the Hong Kong Mega Showcase brings you the greatest and most diverse shopping experience you could ever wish for. Within its bounds, you will find themed food and wine zones, as well as dedicated spaces for fashion, beauty, home wares, electrical goods and even designer automotives. A true Christmas miracle for all last-minute shoppers.

Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre, 1 Expo Drive, Wan Chai. HK$20.

30-31 December: A Viennese New Year

If you’re looking for a refined way to wave farewell to 2018 then look no further than award-winning Norwegian trumpet soloist Tine Thing Helseth, who is once again returning to the Hong Kong City Hall Concert Hall, where she previously performed with both the Hong Kong Philharmonic and the Hong Kong Sinfonietta Orchestra. This year’s Austria-inspired solo show features her unique take on Hummel’s Trumpet Concerto, considered by many as the veritable holy grail of classical trumpeting. An event not be missed by those who want to see out the year in style.

Hong Kong City Hall Concert Hall, Edinburgh Place, Central. HK$220 – 480.

30-31 December: Kowloon Old Boys’ Choir 10th Anniversary Concert

Since forming back in 2008, this talented group of Wah Yan College alumni has lost none of the love of music that characterised their early years, with their talent and dedication having transformed them from enthusiastic amateurs to award-winning semi-professionals. This will be their first large-scale public performance and a mammoth step forward in their mission to spread awareness of the importance of music education. Proceeds from the event went to the school where their own Euterpean adventure began.

The Jockey Club Auditorium, HK Polytechnic University, Jordan. HK$120 – 250.

What to do and see in Hong Kong this October

October is such a fun month, isn’t it? The weather is perfect (not too hot, not too cold) and there is a lot of festivity in the air. For Hong Kongers, not only is there the Mid-Autumn Festival at the beginning of the month, but also a horde of events throughout the month. Whether you are a music lover, a food aficionado or a sports freak, there’s something for everyone this October.

ABBA Tribute Show

Tribute group ABBA MANIA returns to Hong Kong, which means it’s time to break out the flared trousers and have the time of your life. Recreating the final 1979 concert of its sensational Swedish namesake, Abba Mania will take audiences on a vibrant journey through song and dance.

28-29 October
Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts
1, Gloucester Road, Wan Chai
HK$295-HK$695
lunchbox-productions.com

Marco Polo Bierfest

For its 25th consecutive year, Marco Polo Hong Kong brings gourmands the most authentic German beer and cuisine. With a view overlooking Victoria Harbour, guests can expect a range of traditional German weissbier and dunkel.
Expect things to take a turn for the sillier as the festival features performances from the Notenhobler Band – the official Marco Polo Bierfest band since 1994. Rumour has it that one of the staples in their musical repertoire is the Chicken Dance.

20 October-11 November
Viewing platform, Level 6, Marco Polo Hong Kong
Harbour City, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon
HK$120-HK$280
gbfhk.com

The Roots of Flamenco

The living tradition of Flamenco arrives in Hong Kong with a world tour featuring two of the art form’s biggest proponents, Sonia Olla and Ismael Fernández.
Flamenco’s “Golden Couple”, whose performances New York Times critic Brian Seibert called “a furnace of earthy sensuality”, will stage a two-day show with accompaniment from world-renowned pianist Chano Dominguez.

11-12 October, 8pm
Lecture Hall, Sheung Wan
Civic Centre
HK$300-HK$580
rootsofflamenco.com

The Naked Magicians

Aussie comedy veterans The Naked Magicians return to Hong Kong this month with their critically acclaimed live show featuring full-frontal illusions and hilarious innuendo. The dashing duo performs an array of classic magic routines while stripping down to nothing but top hats and capes. Decidedly R-rated, the show guarantees plenty of laughs on your next group date.

25-27 October, 8pm
Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts
1, Gloucester Road,
Wan Chai
HK$395-HK$595
nakedmagicians.com

Verdi’s Aϊda

Celebrations commemorating the 20th anniversary of the HKSAR’s establishment continue this month with the arrival of Giuseppe Verdi’s Aϊda. Notable for its four-act structure and central place in the operatic canon, this production is the result of a new collaboration between the Shanghai Opera House and Opera Hong Kong.
China’s brightest contributors to the operatic arts are represented, with singers He Hui and Hao Jiang Tian among them. Aficionados of Verdi’s works can also expect an exciting accompaniment harnessing the talents of mainland China’s best orchestras, including the Suzhou Symphony Orchestra.

10-15 October, 7:30pm
Grand Theatre, Hong Kong Cultural Centre
HK$150-HK$1,080
operahongkong.org

Tennis Open 2017

The atmosphere is thick with anticipation as some of the biggest names in professional women’s tennis prepare to return to Hong Kong for the 2017 WTA Tour. Seven-time Grand Slam winner Venus Williams is joined by former world No 1 Caroline Wozniacki, in addition to a host of other leading players from the Asia-Pacific region. Be sure to catch a few of the tournament’s first and qualifying rounds, as admission is free on a first-come first-served basis.

7-15 October
Victoria Park,
Causeway Bay
HK$160-HK$880
hktennisopen.hk

Pho-nomenal: JK Kitchen’s star-studded fourth anniversary party

Vietnamese cuisine king, JK Kitchen, celebrated its fourth anniversary with special guests including Lam Kin-Ming, Anson Chan, Janet Kwok, Jessica Chan and Angel Wong.

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