Renaissance

Paintings by French artist Katarina Monnier, who is best known for the eye-catching colour in her abstract compositions. Mon-Sat, 10am-6.30pm, Sun, 1pm-5pm, Zee Stone Gallery, G/F, Yu Yuet Lai Bldg, 43-55 Wyndham St, Central. Inquiries: 2810 5895. Ends Fri

Pattern & Senses: Ceramic Sculpture by Fiona Wong Lai Ching

Wong uses tribal dresses, shoes and wall hangings to explore the cultural relationship between so-called primitive societies and our modern-day environment. Mon-Sat, 11am-7pm, Grotto Fine Art, 2/F 31C-D Wyndham St, Central. Inquiries: 2121 2270. Ends Fri

Southeast Asian Masters at Arch Angel Art

A group exhibition by Vietnamese and Indonesian artists including traditional Balinese artists Ketut Kasta and Lesug, late Vietnamese artists including Bui Xuan Phai, Le Pho and Vu Cao Dam, and contemporary artists Tran Luu Hau, Pham Luan, Dinh Dung and Le Thanh Son. Ten per cent of sale proceeds go to Operation Santa Claus. Mon-Sat, 9.30am-6.30pm, Sun, 10.30am-6pm, Arch Angel Art, 38 Peel St, corner of Hollywood Rd, Central. Inquiries: 2854 4255. Ends Dec 30

Essence

Beijing-based artist Xue Mo exhibits oil paintings focusing on the essence of women. Mon-Sat, 11am-7pm, Sun, 1pm-7pm, Karin Weber Gallery, G/F, 20 Aberdeen St, Central. Inquiries: 2544 5004.

Ends Dec 31

The Omega Suite

Photographs of America's death chambers by Lucinda Devlin. Mon-Fri, 10am-8pm, Sat, 2pm-6pm, Goethe Gallery, Goethe-Institut, 14/F, HK Arts Centre, 2 Harbour Rd, Wan Chai. Inquiries: 2802 0088. Ends Dec 31

Bustling 'e' Age

Contemporary Chinese paintings by Wang Nengtao. The exhibition is shown at two venues: Art Beatus at Exchange Square, 301-302, Exchange Square I Podium, Central, Mon-Fri, 10am-7pm, Sat, 10am-3pm, and Art Beatus, 3/F, 138 Queen's Rd, Central. Mon-Fri, 10am-6pm, Sat, 10am-1pm Inquiries: Tel: 2522 1138. Ends Dec 31

Voices from Yunnan: A Photovoice Exhibition

Photographs taken by villagers in China's northwest Yunnan Province that provide a visual self-portrait of their lives and concerns. Daily, 10am-8pm, M1, New Extension, HK Convention and Exhibition Centre, Wan Chai. Organised by conservationist organisation, Nature Conservancy. Free. Inquiries: 2526 3334. Ends Feb 28

New Phase 2004: The Hong Kong Visual Arts Society 31st Annual Exhibition

The Hong Kong Visual Arts Society was founded in 1974 by some of the city's most prominent visual artists. This exhibition includes paintings, sculptures and mixed-media works by established artists who were at the vanguard of the local 1960s visual arts scene, and younger mid-career artists. Mon-Sat, 9.30am-6pm, Sun, 1.30pm-5.30pm. (Closed on afternoons of Friday and Dec 31 and public holidays), University Museum and Art Gallery, HK University, 94 Bonham Rd, Mid-Levels. Free. Inquiries: 2241 5512

Huang Yongyu at 80

Recent works by the artist known for his luxuriant colours and pioneering techniques. Fri-Wed, 10am-6pm, Special Exhibition Gallery 1, 2/F, HK Museum of Art, 10 Salisbury Rd, TST, $10, free on Wed. Inquiries: 2721 0116. Ends Mar 28

Performing Arts

Side A

A Christmas concert by the Filipino pop band. Today, Dec 19, 3pm, HK Coliseum, $100-$200 Urbtix. Inquiries: 2370 3782

The Sleeping Beauty on Ice

The Imperial Ice Stars, 23 champion skaters from around the world, perform the fairy tale on ice to the music of Tchaikovsky. For children aged three and over. Today, 2.30pm and 7.30pm, Lyric Theatre, HK Academy for Performing Arts, 1 Gloucester Rd, Wan Chai, $100-$495 HKTicketing

The Nutcracker

The Hong Kong Ballet performs their acclaimed Christmas time favourite. Choreography by Stephen Jefferies. Tchaikovsky's score is played by the Hong Kong Sinfonietta conducted by Yip Wing-sie. Suitable for ages three and up. HK Cultural Centre, Grand Theatre. Today, and Fri-Dec 26, 2.30pm, Tue-Sat at 7.30pm, $100-$300 Urbtix. Inquiries: 2015 9724

Lunchtime Recital

Performed by the Hong Kong Singers. Wed, 1.15pm-1.45pm, St John's Cathedral, Garden Rd, Central. Free. Inquiries: 2523 4157

Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra: New Year Gala

The HKPO perform a programme reminiscent of a Viennese New Year, with works including Blue Danube Waltz and Pizzicato Polka. Featuring young Australian soprano Amelia Farrugia. (Dec 30, 31 and Jan 2, 8pm, HK Cultural Centre Concert Hall, $140-$480 Urbtix, special packages available. Inquiries: 2721 2030

La Traviata

Verdi's opera, produced by Warren Mok and performed by the Hong Kong Sinfonietta, Opera Hong Kong Chorus and Hong Kong Dance Company. In Italian with Chinese and English surtitles. Dec 31-Jan 4, 7.30pm, Grand Theatre, HK Cultural Centre, TST, $120-$680 Urbtix. Inquiries: 2268 7321

Extra-curricular

ACCA Charity Fun Day 2004

The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants organise a fundraising family event. With a rickshaw parade and race, games, food and performances. Today, 10.30am-4pm, Chater Road Sunday Pedestrian Zone, Central. Free. All proceeds to support the HK Down's Syndrome Association, HK PHAB Association and the Intellectually Disabled Education and Advocacy League. Inquiries: 2524 4988

Hand to Eye

Creative writing and illustration workshops for children aged seven and up. Wed-Thu, or Dec 29-30, 10am-1pm, $660. Colour My World, 108 Aberdeen Marina Tower, 8 Shum Wan Rd. Inquiries: 2580 5028

Lecture: Man Booker Prize

An informal lecture by Father Alvaro Ribeiro on origins of the prize for literary fiction, the various books and authors associated with it, and the major influence it now wields in the publishing industry. In English. Thu, 6pm-8pm, Bloomsbury Books, 2/F, Club Lusitano Building, Duddell St, Central. Free. Inquiries: 2877 3161

Asian Cultural Council - Call for Fellowship applications

Film

27th French Cinepanorama

The Science of Climate

What is global warming and who are the culprits behind it? This film shows that recent climate changes are minimal compared to changes over longer periods before humans had the ability to have an impact. In English with Chinese subtitles. Dec 29, 3pm-3.30pm, HK Science Museum Lecture Hall, 2 Science Museum Rd, TST East, free. Inquiries: 2732 3232

Tricky Wonderland

MACAU

Fifth Anniversary of Macau SAR

Tomorrow, 8am, government officials attend ceremony at Lotus Square, Av. Amizade; 8.30am, Flag hoisting ceremony by People's Liberation Army at garrison camps, Rua de Luis de Gonzaga Gomes, 8pm, fireworks at Macau Tower. Inquiries: (853) 315566

Peter Pan - A Christmas Pantomime

Dance Photography of CCDC

Timepieces from Palace Museum

Ketchup

St. Dominic's Church Christmas Concert

Conductor Veiga Jardim and the Macau Orchestra performs Hadyn's masterwork The Creation. Dec 26, 8pm, St. Dominic's Church, St. Dominic's Square. Free but ticket required (distributed at door at 7pm). Inquiries: (853) 799 3132

Performance Arts Photographs

National

BEIJING

40 Centuries of Sculptures

Miniature recreations of world-renowned sculptures. In collaboration with the Louvre and the Musee d'Orsay in France. Carrefour Zhognguancun Shop. Inquiries: (86 10) 5172 1559. Ends tomorrow

French Philharmonic Orchestra

The orchestra will play a selection of works including Bizet's Carmen Suite No 1, The Blue Danube and Chinese Yao music. Sat, 7.30pm, Century Theatre. For tickets, call (86 10) 6466 9968. Inquiries: (86 10) 6466 3311, extension 3161

Sylvia

The 19th-century French ballet about a love story between humans and other-worldly beings. Performed by The National Ballet of China and the Paris Opera Ballet. Tue and Wed, 7.30pm, Poly Theatre, 1/F, Poly Plaza, 14 Dongzhimen Nandajie, 100-680 yuan, call (86 10) 6417 7845. Inquiries: (86 10) 6500 1188 ext 5126

Ballet: Carmen

Performed by the Alberta Ballet of Canada with choreography by their artistic director, Jean Grand-Maitre. Thu-Sat, 7.30pm, Tianqiao Theater, 30 Beiwei Lu, 180-680 yuan, call (86 10) 800 810 1887. Inquiries: (86 10) 8315 6300

Ballet: Raise the Red Lantern

The tragic and touching love story based on the film by Zhang Yimou, and performed by The National Ballet of China. Fri-Sat, 7.30pm, Poly Theater, 1/F, Poly Plaza, 14 Dongzhimen Nandajie, 180-1,000 yuan, call (86 10) 6417 7845. Inquiries: (6500 1188 ext 5126

Chicago

The acclaimed Broadway musical, set against a backdrop of the prohibition, jazz age and flapper fashion of 1920s Amercia. Fri-Dec 26, 7.30pm, Great Hall of the People, 180-2,380 yuan, call (86 10) 6417 7845. Inquiries: (86 10) 6608 1188

GUANGZHOU

Christmas Organ Recital

The programme is performed by Hong Kong organist Ng Siu Wai, and includes works by Bach, Pachebel and a live performance of Christmas carols. Tomorrow, 8pm, Symphony Hall, Xinghai Concert Hall, Qing Bo Lu, Er Sha Island, 30-150 yuan. Inquiries: (86 20) 8735 2222, ext 312

Christmas Eve Concert

Seasonal favourites under the baton of Zhang Jiemin. Fri, 8pm, Symphony Hall, Xinghai Concert Hall, Qing Bo Lu, Er Sha Island. 80-180 yuan. Inquiries: (86 20) 8735 2222, ext 312

Italian Renaissance Exhibition

Sculptures, paintings and art works created during the 15th-century Renaissance period will be on display. Tue-Sun, 9am-5pm, Guangdong Museum of Art, 38 Yan Yu Lu, Ersha Island, 15 yuan. Inquiries: (86 20) 8735 1468. Ends Feb 20

SHANGHAI

Israel Philharmonic Orchestra

The orchestra perform a special New Year concert as part of their world tour. Dec 29, 7.30pm, Shanghai Exhibition Centre, 1000 Yan'an Xi Lu. 100-2800 yuan, call (86 21) 5288 0579. Inquiries: (86 21) 6279 0279

Vintage Shanghai Posters and Maps

Famous Shanghai landmarks including the Bund and Nanjing Road are portrayed in original vintage posters and maps. Daily, 10am-5pm. Propaganda Poster Art Centre, Rm BOC, 868 Huashan Lu. Inquiries: (86 21) 6211 1845. Ends Dec 30

Swan Lake

Russian Moscow Classical Model Ballet, the second largest ballet troupe in Russia performs the favourite in a follow-up to successful Beijing tours. Dec 29-30, 7.15pm. Majestic Theatre, 66 Jiangning Lu, 80-500 yuan, (6217 2729)

TAIPEI

Sadao Watanabe Jazz Concert

Kun Opera Liang and Chu, The Butterfly Lovers

Winter Love 2004 Christmas Party

Taipei Eye Choice Beijing Opera of the Season

REGIONAL

Bangkok

Bangkok Opera - Holiday Season Gala Concert

Film: Citizen Dog

Director Wisit Sasanatieng, toast of the Cannes film festival four years ago with his surreal Thai cowboy epic Fah Talai Jone, returns with more weirdness and a hefty dose of satire in his latest film. Inspired by slums and condominiums, socialites and stray dogs, the film examines 'Bangkokians with non-normal souls'. Stars Mahasamuth Boonyarak and Sangtong Ket-Utong as country bumpkins looking for love in the big city. Wisit's eye for the strange is given full rein with unorthodox camera techniques, computer graphics, puppetry and his signature colour dying technique. EGV cinemas. Inquiries: (66 2) 812 9999, 80-500 baht depending on time/cinema

Ghetto Fabulous

British DJ Bobby Friction heads

Bangkok Fringe Festival

SINGAPORE

An Evening with Timothy Reynish

Ana Caram Quartet

The Brazilian soul diva returns with her latest album Hollywood Rio , which fuses Brazilian music with sounds of the silver screen, creating a unique tribute to some of the greatest film music. Tue, 8pm, Esplanade Concert Hall, S$40-S$100. Inquiries: (65) 6348 5555

Italian Christmas Evening With Susanna Rigacci

The Italian soprano has appeared on the biggest stages around the world embracing the Mozart Coloratura roles. She will sing Rossini, Donizetti and Puccini, as well as Christmas songs. Wed, 8pm, Victoria Concert Hall, 11 Empress Place, S$20-S$60. Inquiries: (65) 6348 5555

T'ang Quartet Christmas Concert

The award-winning string quartet will perform classics by Mozart as well as works of composers who died at the hands of the Nazis such as Ervin Schulhoff and Pavel Haas. Joining them for the second half of the show will be guest pianist Albert Tiu. Wed, 7.30pm, Esplanade Concert Hall, S$20-S$50. Inquiries: (65) 6348 5555

The Sleeping Beauty on Ice

The Imperial Ice Stars, with 23 Olympic, World and European Championship skaters, presents a theatrical display with spectacular athleticism. Thu-Sun, 8pm, extra shows at 4pm on Sat and 2.30pm

on Sun, Esplanade Theatre, S$15-S$105. Inquiries: (65) 6348 5555

Crossing

A solo exhibition by Chinese-Canadian artist Lidia Meiying McEachern, who has devoted more than 20 years to studying Chinese brush painting. 12pm-8pm, Sunjin Galleries, DFS Galleria, 25 Scotts Road. Inquiries: (54) 6738 2317. Ends Feb 5

Christmas with Jessie Lim

The first woman to hold a solo exhibition at the National Museum of Singapore has spent the past

two years focused on ceramic sculptures. Also on display is her colourful Espana series, which is reminiscent of Spanish Flamenco dancers.Mon-Sat, 1am-7pm, Art-2 Gallery, MICA Building, 140 Hill St, free. Inquiries (65) 6338 8713. Ends Sat

Faces of Fame

Celebrity photographer Greg Gorman's exhibits shots of Hollywood stars, from Leonardo Di Caprio to Kim Basinger and Halle Berry. Mon-Sun, 1am-9pm, epSITE, Wheelock Place. Free. Inquiries: (65) 6736 4986. Ends Dec 31

TOKYO

Muscle Musical Christmas Special

Muscle Theatre performs with some of this year's Olympic medal winners. Athletic entertainment show. Muscle Theatre, 1-1 Kaigan-Dori, Naka-ku, Yokohama. 7,000 yen. Inquiries: (81 3) 3234 9999. Ends Dec 26

The Leningrad State Orchestra

Conducted by Andrey Anikhanov. Dec 26, 2pm, Tokyo Bunkai Kaikan and Dec 28, 2pm, Yokohama Minato Mirai Hall. 3,000-10,000 yen. Inquiries: (81 3) 3943 9999

Vladimir Mischouk

The Croatian pianist performs romantic music. Dec 28, 2pm, Tokyo Opera City Concert Hall. 3,500 yen. Inquiries: (81 3) 3943 9999

Wiener Johann Strauss Orchestra

New Year's concert. Jan 4, 7pm, Tokyo Geijitsu Gekijo; Jan 5, 6.30pm, Yokohama Minato Mirai Hall; Jan 6, 7pm, Suntory Hall; Jan 8, 2pm, Bunkamura Orchard Hall; call for prices. Inquiries: (81 3)

3552 3831

Vienna Opera

New Year's concert with works by Strauss and other composers. Jan 5, 7pm, Sumida Triphony Hall. 4,000-8,000 yen. Inquiries: (81 3) 5790 5560

Urbtix: 2734 9009

Urbtix/CityLine credit-card booking: 2111 5999

Fringe: 2521 7251

CityLine: 2317 6666

HK Ticketing: 3128 8288