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SCMP Reporter

Exhibitions

The Eye, the Hand and the Heart

Patrick Dransfield exhibits evocative photographs shot around the world and in rural Hong Kong. All proceeds to eye charity Lifeline Express. Economist Gallery, The Fringe Club, 2 Lr Albert Rd, Central. Inquiries: 2521 7251. Ends Fri

Spring in Jinling - Works by 15 Contemporary Nanjing Artists

Ink and colour landscape, figure, flower and bird paintings.  Mon-Fri, 10am-8pm. Hong Kong City Hall, 7/F, Upper Tower. Inquiries: 2540 4772 or www.kyfineart.com.

Art Chat on Harbour

Paintings, photographs and installations by 40 artists based on the possible future of Victoria Harbour. Tue-Fri, 2pm-8pm. Museum 63, Artist Commune, Unit 12 Cattle Depot Artist Village, 63 Ma Tau Kok Rd, Kowloon. Inquiries: 2104 3322. Ends Fri

Women of All Seasons

Eight international female sculptors who live and work in Italy present their work.  Daily, 11am-6pm. The HarbourSide, Union Square, 1 Austin Rd, West Kowloon. Inquiries: 2577 6262. Ends Fri

Spring Exhibition of Antique Maps

Original antiquarian maps from the late 16th to mid-20th century. Highlights include Ortelius' map of the East Indies, China by Speed, and Asia by Mercator, Hondius and de Wit. Tue-Sat, 11am-6pm. Picture This, Suite 603B, 6/F, Office Tower, 9 Queen's Road, Central. Inquiries: 2525 2820. Ends May 8

Contemporary Chinese Art

Limited-edition prints by Wu Guanzhong inspired by the artist's love of nature. Daily, 11am-7pm. Lee Gardens, Office Lobby, 33 Hysan Avenue, Causeway Bay. Inquiries: 2830 5140. Ends May 9

Discovery of the Soul - Hoang Hai Anh

The Hanoi artist uses bold brush strokes and rich, thick paint to create arresting self-portraits,  simple nudes and flowers. Mon-Sat, 9.30am-6.30pm; Sun, 10.30am-6pm. Arch Angel Art, 38 Peel St, Central. For further details, call 2854 4255. Ends May 13

Travel Agency

Nika Spalinger, a Swiss multimedia artist and professor at the Lucerne school of Art+Design, presents a site-specific  installation exhibition inspired by the tourism industry. Wed-Sun, noon-7pm. Para/Site Art Space, G/F, 2 Po Yan Street, Sheung Wan. Inquiries: 62517 4620.

Ends May 16

Huizhou Vernacular Architecture

Designer Lo Kai-yin has donated intricately carved lattice windows and doors, railings and window panels from her collection to showcase the architectural and decorative arts from Anhui province. Mon, Wed-Sat, 10am-6pm; Sun and public holidays, 10am-7pm. HK Heritage Museum,

1 Man Lam Rd, Sha Tin. $10. Inquiries: 2180 8188. Until Jun

Chinese Medicine  and Chinese herbs

An exhibition to introduce the public to traditional Chinese medicines and explain similarities and differences with western medicine. Tue-Sat, 10am-5pm; Sun, 1pm-5pm. Hong Kong Museum of Medical Sciences, Caine Lane, Mid-Levels. For further information, call 2549 5123. Ends May 30

Performing Arts

The Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra with Lang Lang

Chinese star pianist Lang Lang, whose Carnegie Hall debut sold out in 2001, will play Rachmaninov's Third Piano Concerto and Tchaikovsky's Symphony No 5. Conducted by Gunther Herbig. Fri and Sat, 8pm. Hong Kong Cultural Centre Concert Hall. Urbitx. $180-$580. Inquiries: 2312 6103

Know Your Brass Instruments

The Hong Kong Sinfonietta gives a performance with demonstrations, explanations and a question-and-answer session. Presented and conducted by Yip Wing-sie. The programme includes pieces by Vivaldi, Saint-Saens and Bach. In Cantonese with English programme notes. May 2, 3pm. Hong Kong City Hall Concert Hall. $90-$160, Urbtix. Inquiries: 2836 3336

Into the Woods

A musical based on a Grimms' fairytale about a couple who are cursed to be childless by a witch. To reverse the spell, they must perform certain tasks, and learn the pitfalls of greed, pride and foolishness on the way. Performed by Bloody Offal Productions. In English. For children over eight. May 6-7, 7.30pm; May 8, 2.30pm and 7.30pm. Shouson Theatre, HK Arts Centre, 2 Harbour Rd, Wan Chai. $180, $200, HK Ticketing. Inquiries: 2511 6192

Augustin Dumay

The Paris-born  violinist  performs with the Hong Kong Sinfonietta. The programme includes Debussy's Prelude a l'Apres-Midi d'un Faune, Mendelssohn's Violin Concerto in E minor, Op 64, and works by Ibert and Schubert. May 8, 8pm. Hong Kong City Hall Concert Hall. $100-$300, Urbtix. Inquiries: www.frenchmay.com

Extra-curricular

Yoga Sutras of Patanjali

A series of discussions about the ancient text, which dates from 250BC and is the original yoga text book. By visiting monk and scholar Reverend Swami Damodarananda of the Ramakrishna Mission. In English. Free. Attendees should bring a copy of the book. Tomorrow,  May 3 and 10, 7pm-8.30pm. Sachananda Yoga Shala, 16/F, One Lan Kwai Fong, Central. For details, call 9669 4000

Expat and Export - the Relationship between George Chinnery and Lamqua

Dr Patrick Connor, author and art historian, questions assumptions about the artistic and business relationship of Chinnery and Cantonese artist Guan Qiaochang, known as Lamqua. In English. Tue, 4.30pm. Extension Activities Room, 8/F, City Hall High Block, Central. Free.  Details: 2813 7500

Film

Novel Drama Melodrama

As part of the film festival, the HK Film Archive screens Cantonese and Putonghua literary adaptations created in the 1950s and 60s.  Cantonese classics until Fri , followed by Putonghua classics from Sat.  Some films have English subtitles. 50 Lei King Rd, Sai Wan Ho. $30 Urbtix. Inquiries: 2734 2900 or www.lcsd.gov.hk/fp Ends May 30

Omnimax: Coral Reef Adventure

A film about coral reefs and the events that have led to their worldwide decline. The 46-minute story takes viewers from Australia's Great Barrier Reef to the Tahitian islands to see some of the world's largest and most beautiful, but endangered, coral reefs. Wed-Mon, 1.30pm, 5pm and 8.30pm. HK Space Museum, 10 Salisbury Rd, TST. $24, $32, Urbtix or Space Museum Box Office. Inquiries: 2721 0226.  Ends Jul 31

MACAU

XXIV Macau Schools Dance Competition

Macau Cultural Centre, Grand Auditorium. Organised by Macau Government's Education and Youth Affairs Bureau. Today,  9.30am and 2.30pm. Free. Inquiries: (853) 988 0734, or visit www.ccm.gov.mo

Ninth Macau Myanmar Overseas Chinese Water Festival

Host of activities today,  including a water festival carnival at the Nape Arts Garden in Macau's Outer Harbour and a photo exhibition at Macau's Unesco Centre. Free. For programme details: (853) 553 995 or www.macautourism.gov.mo

Two Years of Experiences

Drawing exhibition by 26-year-old Macau painter and fine-art teacher Tim Ip Wai-tou.  Wed-Mon, noon-7pm. Ox Warehouse, Old Ladies' House Art Space, Avenida do Coronel Mesquita (near the canidrome). For further information, call (853) 530 026, or visit www.olhartspace.org.mo.

Ends Wed

Yundi Li Piano Recital - Night of Chopin & Liszt

To celebrate the fifth anniversary of the Macau Cultural Centre,  the 22-year-old Chinese pianist, winner of the 2000 Warsaw Chopin Competition,  is making his Macau debut. Macau Cultural Centre, Grand Auditorium. Fri, 8pm. 120-380 patacas. Inquiries: (853) 700 699 or www.ccm.gov.mo

Labour Day Concert by Five Choirs from Four Cities

Choirs from Guangzhou, Zhonghan,  Hong Kong, and two from Macau perform. Macau Cultural Centre. Small Auditorium. Sat, 8pm. Free with tickets, call (853) 527 092 or www.ccm.gov.mo

Modern Ceramics in Macau: Five Artists

Exhibition by five Macau artists that  took Mother Nature as their subject. Tue-Sun, 10am-6pm. Taipa Houses Museum, Taipa Island, Avenida da Praia. Five 5 patacas. For more information, call (853) 827 103, or go to www.iacm.gov.mo. Ends May 2

national

BEIJING

Xiao Hong

A solo exhibition by the artist whose oil paintings feature bright colours and scenes of rich farmland and country scenes. Daily, 9.30am-7pm. Qin Gallery, 1-1E Enjoy Paradise, Huaweili, north of Beijing Curio City. Inquiries: (86 10) 8779 0458. Ends Wed

Swan Lake

The Russian National Ballet performs the perennial favourite.  Tue-Thu, 7.30pm. 60-500 yuan. Beijing Exhibition Theatre, 135 Xizhimenwai Dajie. For details, call (86 10) 6835 4455

Beneath the Surface

Photographic exhibition by Australian artist and Beijing resident Kinta Buck.  Daily, 10am-8pm. Imagine Gallery, Shangri-La Hotel, Feijiacun, Cuigezhang, Laiguangyingdonglu. Inquiries: (86 10) 6438 5747, or go to www.imagine-gallery.com. Ends Thu

Shadow and Shape

Black and white photographs focusing on the beauty of spring and nature in Beijing by Hungarian photographer Judit Stowe. Mon-Fri, 9.30am-5pm. Chenchangfen Gallery, Rm A211, Branch of National Library of China, 7 Wenjin St. Inquiries: (86 10) 6612 6999. Ends Fri

Monks of Shaolin Temple

Works by award-winning photojournalist Heiming. Tue-Sun, 10am-6.30pm. 798 Photo Gallery, 4 Jiuxianqiao Lu, Dashanzi Art District. For more information:

(86 10) 6438 1784 or 6437 5284. Ends Fri

Cats

The acclaimed Broadway show opens on Tue.  Daily, 7.30pm; Sat and May 2, also at 2pm. Great Hall of the People, 180-1680 yuan. Inquiries: (86 10) 6608 1188. Ends May 3

GUANGZHOU

Chinese Paintings by Lai Shaoqi

In  memory of the master Lai Shaoqi, the museum displays collections of his Chinese paintings. He was once regarded as one of the best artists in the world.  Daily, 9am-5pm. Guangzhou Art Museum 13 Lu Hu Lu, west of Lu Hu Park. 20 yuan. Inquiries: (86 20) 8365 9202. Ends Fri

Passageway, Overgoing

German contemporary artist Wolfgang Laib exhibits eight pieces made from materials  such as rice, marble and beeswax that relay a sense of unearthly peacefulness. Tue-Sun, 9am-5pm. Guangdong Museum of Art, 38 Yan Yu Lu, Ersha Island. Five-15 yuan. Inquiries: (86 20) 8735 1468. Ends May 16

Bronze Exhibition

Featuring more than 120 antique bronze pieces from Bao Ji in Shanxi province, regarded as the home of bronze culture. Most of the works are from the  Western Zhou dynasty.  Daily, 9am-5.30pm. Museum of the Western Han Dynasty Mausoleum of King Nanyue. five-12 yuan.

Inquiries: (86 20) 8666 0885.  Ends May 31

SHANGHAI

Mutation No 4

A performance project by the German Lubricat Theatre Company, based on a combination of film, exhibition, internet, discussion and lectures linked by the theme of globalistion.  Tue-Thu.  Free. BizArt Space, 4/F, Bldg 7, 50 Moganshan Lu. Inquiries: (86 21) 6277 5358

La Traviata

The Shanghai Opera House perform Verdi's dramatic and tragic opera. Thu and Fri, 7.15pm. 80-280 yuan. Shanghai Art Theatre. For further details, call (86 21) 6256 8400

Art of the Cultural Revolution

Propaganda posters,  mirrors and paintings from the Cultural Revolution era. Madam Mao's Dowry, Daily, 10am-6pm. 70 Fuxing Xi Lu. Inquiries: (86 21) 6437 1255. Ends Apr 30

Violin Concert

Swedish violinist Jan Stigmer  has performed with some of the world's most prestigious orchestras.  Fri, 7.15pm. Lyceum Theatre, 57 Maoming Nan Lu. 100-400 yuan. Inquiries: (86 21) 6272 7910

Contemporary Chinese Ink Paintings

Focusing on new blends of traditional and modern art styles.  A collection of furniture from the Ming and Qing dynasties is also on show. Daily, 9am-6pm. Annly's Gallery, No 68, Lane 7611 Zhongchun Lu. Inquiries:  (86 21) 6405 8771. Ends May 17

TAIPEI

Taipei Li-yuan Chinese Opera Theatre, Traditional Art Performance

Lee Bao-chuwen and members of his theatre will perform selections of Chinese Opera every Fri and Sat in April, 8pm. NT$880. EYE, 113, Zhongshan N. Rd, Sec. 2, Taipei. Inquiries: (886 2) 2568 2677 or www.taipeieye.com

Kun Opera - The Peony Pavilion

Respected Chinese novelist Pai Hsien-yung and the Chinese Su-chou Kun Opera House present one of the most beautiful Chinese love stories in  the biggest cultural event in Taiwan this year.NT$500-2,000. Thu-May 2, 7.30pm. National Theatre. Inquiries: (886 2) 2343 1362 or www.artsticket.com.tw

Bond

Four beautiful, classically-trained violinists from Britain   play modern, latin, and eastern European fusion music.  Fri, 8pm; Sat, May 1 7.30pm. Taipei International Convention Center, 1, Sec. 5, Xin-yi Rd, Taipei. NT$1,000-NT$3,000. Inquiries:  (886 2) 2341 9898 or visit towww.ticket.com.tw

Reflections of the Seventies on Taiwanese Arts

Art pieces created in the 70s  by Taiwanese artists reflecting the  events  the island was facing  at that time. Tue-Sun, 9.30am-5.30pm. Taipei Fine Arts Museum, 181 Sec 3, Chung-shan N. Rd, Taipei. NT$30. Inquiries: (886 2) 2595 7656, or www.tfam.gov.tw. Ends May 9

REGIONAL

BANGKOK

Alone with Strangers

A three-man drama that explores loneliness and our inability to  communicate our  feelings. Written and directed by Wannasak Sirilar. Fri-May 2, 7.30pm (Sat and May 2, also at 2pm). Silom Galleria Theatre, Silom Rd. 250 baht. Inquiries: (66 2) 630 3496 or www.wannasak.com

Jessye Norman

If you like your opera sweaty, don't miss superstar soprano Jessye Norman's one-night Bangkok show - to protect her priceless pipes, the singer has requested the air-conditioner be turned off during her performance (programme is to be confirmed). May 2, 8pm. Thailand Cultural Centre, Ratchadaphisek Road. 800-2,500 baht. Inquiries:  (66 2) 254 4748

Carabao Made in Thailand Rearchitect concert

See the man behind the Red Bull energy drink do his thing in this weirdly named concert. Featuring folk singer Ad Carabao, who is now also a millionnaire drinks-tycoon after launching Red Bull rip-off Carabao Dang (Red Buffalo). May 14, 7.30pm. Impact Arena, Muang Thong Thani, Chaeng Wattana  Rd. 500-1,200 baht. Inquiries:  (66 2) 2204 9999 or go to www.thaiticketmaster.com

The Lotus Lander

American painter and sculptor Kevin Christison has spent  1 1/2 years in Thailand, thanks to a grant from the Fulbright Foundation.  See the fruits of his labours in an exhibition featuring an intriguing blend of realistic bronze sculptures and wildly abstract paintings based on the themes of spontaneity and improvisation. May 5-21. The Neilson Hays Library, Silom Rd. Inquiries: (66 2) 233 1731 or www.neilsonhayslibrary.com

SEOUL

Sasah Waltz Dance Company

The celebrated German modern dance choreographer, Sasah Waltz, brings Body to Korea. This work has won rave reviews in Europe.  Thu and Fri, 8pm;  Sat-May 2, 6pm.  LG Art Center, southern Seoul. 30,000-70,000 won. Inquiries:  (82 2) 2005 0114, or www.lgart.com

Art and Science Station

A digital art exhibition with works including Pedestrian by Paul Kaiser and Shelley Eshkar, Kunstbar by Steve Whitehouse and Teetering  by Dave Jones. Seoul Station. Inquiries: (82 2) 2121 906. Ends Fri

23rd International Modern Dance Festival

The festival continues with performances by Xavier Le Roy, Folkwang Tanzstudio and Brian Brooks. Closing the events is  Lee K Dance's international collaboration of R, choreographed by Lee Kyung-eun, one of Korea's leading young choreographers.  She will be dancing with Barbara Sarreau from France and Andreya Ouamba from Senegal. Times  vary. Korean Culture and Arts Foundation Arts Theater in Daehakro, northeastern Seoul. 20,000-50,000 won. Inquiries: www.modafe.org. Ends May 2

Tomorrow's Truth

Jonathan Barnbrook's solo exhibition ranges from large prints to experimental motion typography.  The graphic designer  tackles subjects such as globalisation, privatisation of basic services, American imperial power, brand worship and the treatment of workers in sweatshops of Asia. Hangaram Art Museum in the Seoul Arts Center complex, southern Seoul. 2,000 won. Inquiries: go to www.designgallery.or.kr. Ends May 4

Carmen

Director Gian-Carlo del Monaco brings a cast from Spain to stage this production of Bizet's beloved opera about a passionate gypsy  and her possessive lover. Starring Josa Cura, Elena Zaremba. May 15-19, times vary. Jamsil Olympic Statdium. 50,000-300,000 won. Inquiries: www.carmenseoul.com

SINGAPORE

Solo Violin Recital by Massimo Quarta

An unaccompanied violin recital with works by Bach, Ysaye and Paganini.  Tue, 8pm. Victoria Concert Hall. S$16-S$66. Inquiries: (65) 6348 5555 or www.sistic.com

A Voice From Above - Sumi Jo In Concert

Called 'a voice from above' by the late conductor Herbert von Karajan,  the Korean soprano Sumi Jo's programme will include Waltz  Song from Gounod's Romeo and Juliet, arias from the master of bel canto Bellini and the most famous coloratura aria from Verdi's La Traviata. Opera conductor Gustav Kuhn will direct the Singapore Symphony Orchestra. Fri, 7.30pm. Esplanade Concert Hall, 1 Esplanade Drive. S$25-S$100. Inquiries: (65) 6348 5555

Slam

Stuart McMillan and Orde Meikle have been at the forefront of Glasgow's clubbing society since the 80s. As Slam, they have pushed their distinct sound through Soma, their label that discovered Daft Punk and plays home to Funk D'Void, Tony Thomas and Silicone  Soul, among many others. Sat,   $15 before 10pm, $23/$28 after. Zouk, 17 Jiak Kim St. Inquiries:

(65) 6738 2988

China Now!

Featuring a solo exhibition by Luo Qing and a group exhibition by six  leading contemporary Chinese artists. Mon-Fri, 11am-8pm; Sat, noon-7pm. Art Seasons. Free. Inquiries: (65) 6221 1800. Ends

May 15

TOKYO

Chameleon Man

A new work by dancer and choreographer Yukio Ueshima. Wed-Fri, 7pm; Thu,  also at 2pm. Spiral Hall, 3/F, 5-6-23 Minami-Aoyama, Minato-ku. 3,500-4,000 yen. Inquiries: (81 3) 5458 0548

Die Pratze: Mentally Shocking Arts Collection 2004

A festival in two venues show-casing Japanese theatre and performance. 2F, 1-26-6 Higashi-Azabu, Minato-ku (Azabu Die Pratze), 2-12 Nishi-Gokencho, Shinjuku-ku (Kagurazaka Die Pratze), 2,800-8,000 yen. Inquiries: (81 3) 5545 1385 for Azabu; (81 3) 3235 7990 for Kagurazaka. Ends May 5

Tokyo International Comedy Festival

A week-long festival of international comedy, featuring artists and performers from around the world, as well as the best of local talent. Fuji Television Headquarters, Mediage and Symbol Promenade Park, Odaiba waterfront, Thu-May 9, 10am-7pm. Inquiries and prices: (81 3) 5500 9015

Kimono Fair

A bargain sale of stunning traditional kimonos with slight defects. May 14-16, 10am-5pm. Makuhari Messe, Room 302 (Kaihinmakuhari Sta, JR Keiyo Line). Inquiries: Kyoto Kimono Plaza, (81 75) 352 2255

Japan Beer Festival 2004

The Japan Craft Beer Association and Beer Taster  hold their annual festival, which is expected to attract 50,000 beer drinkers to sample more than 100 types of beer. Jun 19-20. Ebisu Garden Hall. 3,200 yen. Inquiries: (81 797) 31 6911

Falstaff

Verdi's final opera is performed in a Jonathan Miller production. Bernd Weikl plays the lead, with Vladimir Chernov as Ford. Jun 25, 27, 29,  Jul 1 and 3. Various times. New National Theatre Tokyo Opera House. 3,150-21,000 yen. Inquiries: www.nntt.jac.go.jp

Urbtix: 2734 9009

Urbtix/CityLine

credit-card booking: 2111 5999

Fringe: 2521 7251

CityLine: 2317 6666

HK Ticketing: 3128 8288

For a complete listings service

visit totallyhk@scmp.com



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