Witness To My Time

Artist and graphic designer Julianna Yu exhibits her drawings based on everyday reality. Mon-Sat, 8am-11pm; Sun, 11.30am-11pm. Cafe Palette, 4 Sun Wun Rd, Causeway Bay. Inquiries: 2271 4908. Ends Dec 21

Konstantin Bessmertny

Known for his dark and humorous style, Bessmertny presents a collection of 22 small oil on wood panels. The works are reminiscent of the icons of Bessmertny's native Russia and depict quirky operatic scenes and characters. Tue-Sun, 11am-7pm. Galerie Martini, 1/F, 99F Wellington St, Central. Inquiries: 2526 9566. Ends Dec 24

Saturn and Oceania Glass Exhibition

Glass artists Ola Hoglund and Marie Simberg-Hoglund present their Saturn Collection. Using the Sommerso technique, heavy crystal is layered, separated by pockets of air with colour around the core. The Oceania exhibition features art glass by 92-year-old Italian glass master Alfredo Barbini. Mon-Sat, 11am-6pm. MsMa Gallery, G/F, 41-43 Graham St, Central. Inquiries: 2541 6126. Both exhibitions end Dec 24

Hong Zhu An - A Long Journey

Using layers of ink, with pigments and minerals, to produce surprising textures and colours and a subtle harmonious effect. Mon-Sat, 1am-6.30pm. Plum Blossoms Gallery, G/F, Chinachem Hollywood Centre, 1 Hollywood Rd, Central. Inquiries: 2521 2189. Ends Dec 27

Liu Kuo-sung at 70: A Retrospective

Taiwan resident Liu exhibits his version of abstract impressionism, informed by Chinese calligraphy. Mon-Fri, 10am-6.30pm, Sat, 10am-6pm. Hanart TZ Gallery, Room 202, Henley Bldg, 5 Queen's Rd Central. Inquiries: 2526 9019. Ends Dec 31

Mysterious Life

Exhibiting for the fist time in Hong Kong, Sun Liang presents his mixed media work on handmade paper incorporating subtle hues and bold colours. Daily, 10am-11.30am; 3pm-6.30pm. A&A Phoenix, 804 Wai Wah Commercial Centre, 6 Wilmer St, Sheung Wan. Inquiries: 2559 5141. Ends Dec 31

Visions Of Vietnam

American photographer Peter Steinhauer, an American photographer living in Hanoi, exhibits his black and white photos of Vietnam's hill tribe people. The first exhibition of his work in HK is being held at the recently opened Tao Evolution gallery. Mon-Fri, 10am-7pm; Sat, 11am-6pm. 62A Peel St, Central. Inquiries: 2521 1315. Until end Dec

Passing By

Small, delicate watercolours by Diana Quan. Tue-Sat, 1pm-7pm; Sun 2pm-5pm. John Batten Gallery G/F, 64 Peel St, Central. Inquiries: 2854 1018. Ends Jan 10

Colours Of East And West

More than 60 works by modern Chinese painter Lin Fengmian, created from the 1930s to the 80s. Born in Guangdong and trained in France, The still lifes, landscapes and portraits evoke the artist's fascination with east-west art and culture. Mon-Sat, 9.30am-6pm; Sun, 1.30pm-5.30pm. Free. HK University Museum & Art Gallery, Bonham Rd, Mid-Levels. Inquiries: 2241 5513. Ends Jan 11 Boundless Learning - Foreign-educated students of Modern China

An exhibition about Chinese students who studied abroad and their contributions to the modernisation of China. Starts with the story of Yung Wing, who left for America in 1847, and goes up to the creation of the People's Republic of China in 1949. Also features the achievements of some Hong Kong celebrities after their return from studying overseas. Mon-Sat, 10am-6pm, Sun, 10am-7pm. Museum of History, 100 Chatham Rd South, TST. $10. Inquiries: 2724 9042 Ends Feb 9

Performing Arts

Poco's Merry Christmas Event

Hong Kong Bach Choir Christmas Concert

Tue, 8pm. St Andrew's Church, 138 Nathan Rd, Kowloon. $100, $50 for children under 12. Includes mince pies, Christmas cookies and mulled wine at the intermission. Inquiries: 9659 8687

Air de Cour

Baroque and Baroque-inspired music with harpsichordist Bonnie Choi, violinist Ting Fan and cellist Ray Wang will be joined by guest violinist Michael Ma. Programme includes pieces by Bach, Vivaldi and Handel. Dec 16, 8pm. Hong Kong City Hall Theatre. $80, $120, Urbtix. Inquiries: 2268 7321

Jazz Up - Series Finale

With Japan's Tamaya Honda on drums, Australia's Steve Hunter on electric bass, Sweden's Ulf Wakenius on guitar and Hong Kong's Ted Lo on piano. Wed, 8pm. Kwai Tsing Theatre Auditorium. $120-$300, Urbtix. Inquiries: 2268 7321

The Great Moscow Circus

Legend Of The Snow Kingdom

A live theatre and storytelling show, with aerial acts, music and special effects performed by an American cast. IFC Mall, Oval Atrium, 1/F, 8 Finance St, Central. In English. Suitable for all ages. Free. Daily, 1pm-1.40pm and 6.30pm-7.10pm. Inquiries: 2295 3308. Until end Dec

Winter Magic At Cityplaza

A 15-metre-tall crystal palace and nine favourite fairy tales set in real snow, with readings starting at 1pm most days in English, Cantonese and Mandarin. Live magic performances, music, ballet, puppet and other shows. Daily. Cityplaza, Taikoo MTR station. Inquiries: 2844 5062. Ends Jan 1 2004

Extra-curricular

Operation Santa Claus: Five-A-Side Football Tournament

Soccer competitions, BBQ food and beverages, face painting, a clown and a bouncy castle. Today, 10am-4pm. PLA Base, Stanley Fort, Stanley (Citybus 6A and NWFB 14 go to the Fort). All funds raised will be donated to the Appeal. Inquiries: 9836 7840

Drum Jam

Carol Singing

The Hong Kong Singers perform seasonal favourites. Today, 1pm. G/F, Pacific Place, Admiralty (near UA cinema; Tue, 1pm, St John's Cathedral, Garden Rd, Central

Hong Kong Art Biennial 2003 - Talk Series

Johnson Chang, curator of the HK Pavilion at the 49th Venice Biennale) and Tim Li of Para/Site Collective, will talk on 'Bringing Hong Kong Art into the International Arena'. There will also be a screening from the Asia Art Archive's documentation on the 50th Venice Biennale. Mon, 6.30pm-8pm. Asia Art Archive, 2/F, 8 Wah Koon Building, 181-191 Hollywood Rd, Central. In English. Free, reservation required. Inquiries: 2815 1112

Christmas Choral Recital.

By upper primary students of the HK International School. Pacific Place, Lr Ground Floor, Centre Court, Admiralty. Mon, 6pm. Free. Inquiries: 3149 5311

Hong Kong Art Biennial 2003 - Talk Series

Johnson Chang, curator of the HK Pavilion at the 49th Venice Biennale, and Tim Li of Para/Site Collective, will talk on 'Bringing Hong Kong Art into the International Arena'. There will also be a screening from the Asia Art Archive's documentation on the 50th Venice Biennale. Mon, 6.30pm-8pm. Asia Art Archive, 2/F, 8 Wah Koon Building, 181-191 Hollywood Rd, Central. In English. Free, reservation required. Inquiries: 2815 1112

Film

All Tomorrow's Parties

A future East Asia is ruled by the authoritarian Gui Dao sect, which engineers its desired society by confining misfits in re-education camps. The story follows two brothers who meet potential life-partners in one of the camps. When the sect collapses the inmates must cope with their new freedom. Dec 19 and Jan 8, 7.30pm. In Mandarin with English subtitles. Lim Por Yen Film Theatre, HK Arts Centre, Wan Chai. $30, $50, HK Ticketing. Inquiries: 2582 0268

July

A documentary of Hong Kong's protests and mass demonstrations in early July 2003, showing individual and mass reactions to the proposed national security legislation. In Cantonese with English subtitles. Dec 20, 5.30pm. Lim Por Yen Film Theatre, HK Arts Centre, Wan Chai. $30, $50, HK Ticketing. Inquiries: 2582 0268

MACAU

European Film Festival 2003

Fourth Macau Handover Anniversary Concert

Chinese Youth Concert

Ten Reasons You Should Love Ballet - Clement Crisp on Classical Ballet

Bright Essence - Cultural Relics of Tibetan Buddhism

Fifth Macau Design Biennial 2003

Bibliographic Exhibition Dedicated To Monsignor Manuel Teixeira

Sculpture Exhibition

Poster Exhibition by Shigeo Fukuda

NATIONAL

BEIJING

GUANGZHOU

National Defence Education The exhibition gives an overview of China's defence policy, with a history of the People's Liberation Army and the 10 generals of China. 9am-5pm. Call for opening days. The Memorial Museum, Huangpu Military Academy. Free. Inquiries: (86 20) 8220 1083. Ends Dec 30 Lumbering Performance American lumberjacks show their prowess at climbing trees. Also games and outdoor performances. Daily, 9am-5.30pm. Xiang Jiang Safari Park. 55, 110 yuan. For further information, call (86 20) 8478 3333. Ends Dec 30

SHANGHAI

Vintage New Year Poster Exhibition A celebration of Shanghai's fame as the home of the calendar girl advertising posters. Daily, 10am-3pm. Propaganda Poster Art Centre, Room BOC, 868 Hashan Lu. Inquiries: (86 21) 6211 1845. End Dec 30 Peace Hotel Jazz Band One of the oldest surviving music groups in the world. The band's musicians used to play in pre-1949 Shanghai music venues. Daily. Peace Hotel, 20 Nanjing Xi Lu, Shanghai 20002. Inquiries: (86 21) 6321 6888

Born In The 60s Ding Tao, Shen Xiuhua, Wang Bing and Wang Qingquan - all born in the 1960s - exhibit a range of works from raunchy to romantic, designed to evoke the city's exciting past. Daily, 10am-9pm. Elegant Art Gallery, 97 Shuicheng Nan Lu, Gubei New Area. Inquiries: (86 21) 5403 9942. Ends Dec 31

TAIPEI

REGIONAL

BANGKOK

Classic Carols The Bangkok Symphony Orchestra joins forces with the Bangkok Christmas Festival Choir and Children's Choir for a caroling extravaganza. Today, 7pm. Shangri- La Hotel, Soi Wat Suan Plu New Rd. 300-800 baht (HK$59-HK$157). Inquiries: (66 2) 236 7777

SEOUL

Tokebi Storm A musical rhythm and beat performance (with no words), about two employees who dream of escape from their monotonous lives - until one day they are given a chance to make their dream come true. Opens Tue. Chongdong Theatre. 25,000-50,000 won (HK$164-HK$328). Inquiries: (82 2) 2068 0657. Ends Sat Dec 20

SINGAPORE

Duran Duran Live in Singapore The original five members of Duran Duran are back for a reunion tour with their mix of catchy synth-pop tunes like 'The Reflex' and 'A View To A Kill'. Tue, 8pm, Singapore Indoor Stadium, 2 Stadium Walk. S$70-S$181 (HK$317-HK$821). Inquiries: (65) 6348 5555

Herman's Hermits starring Peter Noone The group dominated the '60s music scene with their anthemic, sunny tunes like 'Wonderful World' and 'Can't You Hear My Heartbeat'. Wed and Thu, 8pm. Suntec Singapore International Convention and Exhibition Centre, Convention Hall 603, 1 Raffles Blvd, S$61- S$121. Inquiries: (65) 6348 5555 Johnny Tillotson & Brian Hyland Another '60s group famous for songs like 'Itsy Bitsy Teenie Weenie Yellow Polka Dot Bikini' and 'Sealed With A Kiss'. Fri and Sat, 8pm. Suntec Singapore International Convention and Exhibition Centre, Convention Hall 603, 1 Raffles Blvd. S$61-S$121. Inquiries: (65) 6348 5555

Colours of Life Singapore Dance Theatre presents a mixed bill of contemporary works inspired by the paintings of Francisco de Goya and Edvard Munch on music by Benjamin Britten, Gustav Mahler and Jean-Sebastian Bach. Thu-Sat, 8pm, Esplanade Theatre Hall, 1 Esplanade Drive. S$21-S$59. Inquiries: (65) 6348 5555

SSO Christmas Concert The Singapore Symphony Orchestra presents an evening of traditional Christmas carols and classical works celebrating the Christmas season. Fri-Sat, 7.30pm, Esplanade Theatre, 1 Esplanade Drive. S$12- S$60. Inquiries: (65) 6348 5555

Reborn Rejoice Rejuvenate 2003 This annual outdoor sculpture exhibition is a showcase for contemporary Asian sculptures by four young local artists. One Fullerton Waterfront Promenade. Free. Inquiries: (65) 6339 0678. Ends Feb 29

Photoart A photography exhibition presenting the work of eight contemporary German artists. Mon-Fri, 9am-6pm, Sat 1-6pm. Goethe-Institute Singapore, 05-01 Winsland House II, 163 Penang Rd. Free. Inquiries: (65) 6735 4555 Ends Jan 24

An Exhibition of Artistamps Singapore Philatelic Museum presents 45 artistamp designs (which resemble conventional stamps, but are not meant for postage) of nine local and overseas artists and illustrators. Mon, 1pm-7pm, Tue-Sun 9am-7pm. Singapore Philatelic Museum, 23-B Coleman St. S$1-S$2. Inquiries: (65) 6337 3888. Ends Apr 4

Fantasmatic: Nine Chilean Artists Contemporary Chilean art using different media such as video lights, photography and performance. Mon-Fri, 11am-8.30pm; Sat-Sun, 10am-8.30pm. Jendela Visual Arts Space, 1 Esplanade Drive, Free. Inquiries: (65) 6828 8222. Ends Jan 4 Body Worlds The controversial medical anatomical exhibition of real human skeletons, body parts and organs preserved by a radical new method called plastination. Daily, 10am-9pm. Hall 1, Singapore Expo. S$18. Inquiries (65) 6580 8308. Ends Feb 8

TOKYO

Quidam The Canadian circus troupe Cirque du Soleil, in which humans take the place of animals, will perform their world-acclaimed show. Fri to Apr 4. Harajuku New Big Top. 5,500-11,500 yen. Inquiries and bookings: (81 3) 5237 9330

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