The Planner

Published: 12:00am, 2 Jan 2005

Exhibitions

Contemporary Japanese Architecture 1985-1996

Photographs of contemporary Japanese architecture, between 1985 and 1996, showing how design in cities, suburbs, and the countryside has been influenced by the period's economic gains and subsequent slump. Mon-Sat, 9.30am-6pm, Sun, 1.30pm-5.30pm. Closed Fri afternoon and on public holidays. University Museum and Art Gallery, HK University, 94 Bonham Rd, Mid-Levels. Free. Inquiries: 2241 5512. Ends today

Meditations

Paintings in ink and colour on paper by calligrapher Katherine Xiao Kejia. Mon-Sat, 10am-7pm, Sun noon-6.30pm, Galerie du Monde, 328 Pacific Place, 88 Queensway. Inquiries: 2525 0529.

Ends tomorrow

Asian Travel

Paintings inspired by regional travel, by Caroline Bouquet. Gecko Lounge and Wine Bar, Ezra Lane, Lr Hollywood Rd, Central.

Inquiries: 2537 4680. Ends Mon

Li Guijun Exhibition

New works by the Beijing-based artist who paints only modern adolescent girls. Mon-Sat, 10.30am-6.30pm, Schoeni Art Gallery Ltd, 21-31 Old Bailey Street, Central. Inquiries: 2869 8802.

Ends Wed

Christopher Ku

Paintings inspired by the intangibility of the imagination by the Hong Kong artist. Mon-Fri, 10am-6.30pm, Sat, 10am-6pm. Hanart TZ Gallery, 202 Henley Building, 2 Queen's Road, Central. Inquiries: 2526 9019. Ends Wed

Flip: Chinese Contemporary Book Design

The brainchild of local designers Kan Tai-keung and Freeman Lau, this latest instalment of the Hong Kong Heritage Museum's Design 8 exhibition series presents the most innovative book designs from Hong Kong, Taiwan and the mainland. Mon, Wed-Sat, 10am-6pm, Sun, 10am-7pm, Hong Kong Heritage Museum, 1 Man Lam Road, Sha Tin, $10. Inquiries: 2180 8188.

Ends Jan 24

Portraits of Silence

German artist Silvia Willkens exhibits acrylic and chalk on canvas paintings featuring serene portraits of Renaissance-like women. Open Fri, then Mon-Sat, 10am-6.30pm.

Kwai Fung Hin Art Gallery, 20 Ice House St, Central. Inquiries: 2580 0058. Ends Feb 6

Facade Facade

Mixed-media works by Shanghai artist Huang Yuanqing. Daily, 10am-11.30am and 3pm-6.30pm, Brasserie on the 8th, Conrad hotel, Pacific Place, Queensway, Admiralty. Inquiries: 2559 5141. Ends Feb 9

Hunting and Rituals - Treasures from the Ancient Dian Kingdom of Yunnan

Excavations of Dian burial sites from 1955 onwards led to the discovery of more than 30 sites of the Dian Kingdom, which reached its peak between the Warring States period and the Western Han dynasty. The exhibition includes bronze figurines, containers, and a replica of the gold seal of the Dian King. Mon and Wed-Sat, 10am-6pm; Sun, 10am-7pm. Special Exhibition Gallery, HK Museum of History, 100 Chatham Rd South, TST. Inquiries: 2724 9042. Ends Feb 21

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

Tricky Wonderland

The secrets behind the special effects in a range of successful films are revealed in this exhibition. The show also features mirror tricks and the rebuilding of Stanley Kubrick's spaceship used in the 1968 film, 2001: A Space Odyssey. The effect of walking in the spaceship was achieved by building a 38-metre rotating Ferris wheel. The actors stood at the bottom while the set rotated around them. Not to be missed by film buffs. Exhibition Hall, Hong Kong Film Archive, 50 Lei King Rd, Sai Wan Ho. For further information, call 2739 2139 or go to website www.filmarchive.gov.hk, free.

Ends Mar 6

Building Hong Kong Red White Blue

An exhibition inspired by the ubiquitous red, white and blue striped plastic shopping bag, with two and three-dimensional contributions by 20 artists, designers and student groups.

Mon and Wed-Sat, 10am-6pm; Sun and public holidays, 10am-7pm. Hong Kong Heritage Museum, 1 Man Lam Rd, Sha Tin, $10, free on Wed. Inquiries: 2180 8188. Ends Apr 18

Visual Dynamic - HK International Poster Triennial 2004

An exhibition of more than 400 award-winning posters from 40 countries and regions, created as art works, promotional posters and brand images. Mon and Wed-Sat, 10am-6pm, Sun and public holidays, 10am-7pm. Hong Kong Heritage Museum, 1 Man Lam Rd, Sha

Tin, $10, free on Wed. Inquiries: 2180 8188. Ends Jun 27

Archery Traditions of Asia

Featuring 200 pieces of historical bows, arrows and figurines, all on loan from a private collection. The exhibits include ancient bows and arrows, archery equipment, bow-making tools, and the star exhibit: a 2,000-year-old Chinese single-wood self-bow, one of the earliest examples of Chinese bows. Fri-Wed, including public holidays, 10am-5pm, Museum of Coastal Defence, 175 Tung Hei Rd, Shau Kei Wan, $10, free on Wed. Inquiries: 2569 1500. Exhibition continues indefinitely

Performing Arts

Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra: New Year Gala

The HKPO perform a programme reminiscent of a Viennese New Year ball, with works including Blue Danube Waltz and Pizzicato Polka. Featuring young Australian soprano Amelia Farrugia. Today, 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. Until Tue, 7.30pm, Grand Theatre, HK Cultural Centre, TST, $120-$680 Urbtix. Inquiries: 2268 7321

Chinese Folk Song Troupe

The troupe will perform a selection of regional songs. Jan 15, 8pm, Tsuen Wan Town Hall, Jan 16, 8pm, Auditorium, Yuen Long Theatre, $80-$150 Urbtix. Inquiries:

2268 7321

Jazz Up: Dianne Reeves

The Grammy award-winning singer draws on influences from Brazil, Africa and the Caribbean as well as gospel and R&B. Jan 19, 8pm, Sha Tin Town Hall, $150-$400 Urbtix. Inquiries: 2268 7321

The Singing Violin

Benjamin Schmid on violin and the Hong Kong Sinfonietta perform a programme of Respighi, Mozart, Paganini and Mendelssohn. Jan 21, 8.15pm, Lyric Theatre, HK Academy for Performing Arts, 1 Gloucester Rd, Wan Chai. $50-$200 HKTicketing. Inquiries: www.hksl.org

Fragrance Through the Generations

The Red Star Dance Company of the People's Liberation Army Academy of Art perform a selection of award-winning Chinese ethnic and modern dance pieces. Jan 21, 8pm, Tseun Wan Town Hall; Jan 22, Auditorium, Sha Tin Town Hall, $80-$160 Urbtix. Inquiries: 2268 7323

Piano Concert with One to Many Hands

Award wining pianists Angela Cheng, Alan Chow and Alvin Chow perform works by Chopin, Milhaud, Brahms, Ravel and others. Jan 23, 8pm, Auditorium, Sha Tin Town Hall, 1 Yuen Wo Rd, Sha Tin, $80-$140 Urbtix. Inquiries: 2268 7321

Sting: Sacred Love World Tour

Jan 26, 8pm, HKCEC Hall 3.1 Harbour Rd, Wan Chai, $458-$988 HK Ticketing.

The Theban Plays

A tribute to the plays by ancient Greek writer Sophocles, who wrote a series of plays retelling the classic tragic story of the royal House of Thebes. Performed by Performance Exchange. In English. Jan 27-29, 7.30pm, Fringe Studio, Fringe Club, 2 Lr Albert Rd, Central, $80-$99 HK Ticketing.

Inquiries: 2521 7251

Classics and Beyond

The Hong Kong Ballet perform extracts from Swan Lake, Sleeping Beauty, Don Quixote and new works. Jan 28-29, 7.30pm, Jan

30, 2.30pm, HK City Hall Theatre, $70, $100 Urbtix. Inquiries:

2105 9724

Extra-curricular

Mystic Mondays

Tarot-card reading with Carolyne Borel. Margaritas half-price all night. Every Mon, 7pm, Bohemian Lounge, 3-5 Old Bailey Street, Central, $100 for a 10-15-minute reading. Inquiries: 2526 6099

Latin Tuesday

Salsa, cha cha and other latino moves. Every Tue. Class from 7.30pm-8.30pm, followed from 9pm by dancing to the sounds of latin band, Azucar Latina. Bohemian Lounge, 3-5 Old Bailey St, Central, $150 includes lesson, one drink and light buffet. Inquiries: 2526 6099

Meet at the English-Speaking Union

A monthly social gathering for ESU members and non-members to chat in English, and hear two guest speakers. This month's topic is cross-cultural communication. Tomorrow, 6.30pm, G04 The Center, 99 Queen's Road, Central. $75 ESU members, $90 non-members. Inquiries: 2186 8449

Pottery Courses

New courses for adults and children of all levels start from Thu. Courses take place on weekdays or weekends. The Pottery Workshop, The Fringe, 2 Lr Albert Rd, Central. Inquiries: 2525 7949 or www. ceramics.com.hk

Darts Competition

Every Wed from 7.30pm. The Globe, 39 Hollywood Rd, Central, free. Inquiries: 2543 1941

Asian Cultural Council - Call for Fellowship applications

The ACC supports cultural exchanges in visual and performing arts between the US and Asia. It's now accepting applications for fellowship opportunities in the US in 2005. Grants are available in archaeology, architecture (design, history and theory), arts administration, art criticism, art history, conservation, crafts, dance, film and video, museology, music, painting, photography, printmaking, sculpture, and theatre (not for undergraduate study). Deadline: tomorrow. Inquiries: 2895 0407 or www.asianculturalcouncil.org

The Rise and Fall of Social, Economic and Political Reforms in Hong Kong, 1930-1955

A talk by a former head of the Central Policy Unit, Professor Leo Goodstadt, about the steps Hong Kong took in the 1930s towards becoming a welfare state, and subsequent policy changes. Fri, 6pm, Lecture Hall, HK Jockey Club Museum, Happy Valley, free. Inquiries: Royal Asiatic Society on 2813 7500

Book event: Uneasy Partners

Author Leo Goodstadt meets readers to introduce his new book Uneasy Partners: The Conflict Between Public Interest & Private Profit in Hong Kong. Jan 13, 6pm-7.30pm, Bloomsbury Books Ltd, 2/F, Club Lusitano Building, Duddell St, Central. Reservations by Sat to [email protected]. Inquiries: 2110 9828

Confucianism and Democracy

Are Confucian values compatible with modernisation and western concepts of democracy and human rights? Professor William Theodore de Bary and Lu Xiaobo, both of Columbia University will share their views. In English. Jan 13, 6.30pm (reception), presentation 7pm. Followed by an optional dinner at 8.30pm. Helena May, Garden Room, 35 Garden Rd, Central, $150 Asia Society members and full-time students, $200 non-members (lecture only and drinks reception); or $450/$500 including three-course dinner. Inquiries: 2103 9508

Film

Aliens

James Cameron's 1986 science-fiction-horror film was the sequel to Alien (1979). A female space explorer and her team of marines end up trapped on a planet and besieged by armies of aliens and their high-tech fighting equipment. Sat, 7.30pm, HK Film Archive, 50 Lei King Rd, Sai Wan Ho, $40 Urbtix. Inquiries: 2739 2139 or www.filmarchive.gov.hk

Tricky Wonderland

Screenings of films famous for their special effects, including Stanley Kubrick's 1968 classic, 2001: A Space Odyssey, James Cameron's Aliens, and a recent film, The Twins Effect, by Dante Lam, winner of the 2003 HK Film Awards for special effects. Cinema, Hong Kong Film Archive, 50 Lei King Rd, Sai Wan Ho, $40 Urbtix. Inquiries: 2739 2139 or www.filmarchive.gov.hk. Ends Sat

French Cinema: From Classic to Contemporary

A selection of 26 films will be screened. Opens Fri, various times. HK Film Archive Cinema, 50 Lei King Rd, Sai Wan Ho, $40 Urbtix. Inquiries: 2739 2139 or www.filmarchive.gov.hk

Ends Feb 13

MACAU

Comedy of K

The City Contemporary Dance Company from Hong Kong give a theatre and dance performance inspired by the writings of Frank Kafka. Thu, 8pm, Macau Cultural Centre, Av. Xian Xing Hai, 100-200 patacas. Not for under 18s. Inquiries: (853) 555 555 or www.ccm.gov.mo

Alive in the Mortuary

Inspired by stories from Medicins Sans Frontieres volunteers, Macau's Theatre Farmers and Hong Kong's Chung Ying Theatre Company collaborate to stage this award-winning 80-minute drama. Fri-Jan 9, 8pm, Macau Cultural Centre, Av. Xian Xing Hai, 60-100 patacas. Inquiries: (853) 555 555 or www.ccm.gov.mo

Macau Handover Commemoration Gifts

A new three-storey museum showcases presents to Macau from national ministries, provinces and Hong Kong to commemorate the city's 1999 return to the mainland. Tue-Sun, 10am-7pm, Macau Museum for the Return of the Motherland, Av. Xian Xing Hai (adjacent to the Macau Cultural Centre and next to the Sands). Free admission until Jan 30. Inquiries: (853) 791 9814.

Dance Photography of CCDC

Artist Ringo Chan exhibits the stage photographs taken for dance companies all over the world. Daily, 9am-9pm, Mon-Sun, Foyer, Macau Cultural Centre, Av. Xian Xing Hai, free. Inquiries: (853) 700 699 or www.icm.gov.mo

Timepieces from Palace Museum

A display of 120 timepieces and sundials assembled in Britain, Switzerland, France and the imperial workshops of the Qing Dynasty. Tue-Sun, 10am-6.30pm, 4/F, Macau Museum of Art, Av. Xian Xing Hai, 5 patacas, free on Sun. Inquiries: (853) 7919 888, or www.artmuseum.gov.mo

Nostalgia of Macau

A showcase of works by late Macau artist Lam Kan, including calligraphy, paintings and seal cutting. Tue-Sun, 9am-9pm, Pavilion, Lou Lim Ieoc Garden, Est. de Adolfo Loureiro No. 10. Inquiries: (853) 9884178, or www.iacm.gov.mo. Ends Wed

Under the Eyes of Kings and Emperors

An exhibition of documents from Portuguese national archives

in Lisbon that recorded Sino-Portuguese relations in the 18th and 19th centuries. Tue-Sun, 9am-9pm, Civic and Municipal Affairs Bureau, Av. Almeida Ribeiro 163. Inquiries: (853) 988 4178, or www.iacm.gov.mo. Ends Jan 23

Today and Tomorrow - Macau Contemporary Photography Exhibition

Local photographers capture Macau's disappearing landscapes, traditions and behaviour. Wed-Mon, noon-7pm, Old Ladies' House Art Space, intersection of Avenida do Cornel Mesquita and Avenida

do Almirante Lacerda, free. Inquiries: (853) 530 026 or go

to www.olhartspace.org.mo.

Ends Jan 23

Deng Xiao Ping Exhibition

Photographs of Deng Xiaoping's life, marking his 100th birthday and the fifth anniversary of the Macau SAR. Tue-Sun, 10am-6pm, Macau Museum, Praceta do Museu de Macao, No 112. 8, 15 patacas. Inquiries: (853) 357 911 or www.macaumuseum. gov.mo.

Ends Feb 27

National

BEIJING

Legend of the Great Archer

The Hong Kong Ballet performs its original work by Stephen Jefferies in aid of the China Children and Teenagers' Fund, which supports children's cultural nourishment. Tomorrow-Wed, Poly Theatre, No. 14 Dongzhimen South Avenue, East District, $180-$680. Inquiries: (86 10) 8402 6457/59

Dream Factory Rubbish Heap

Oil paintings that express the artist's mind through the unusual combinations of fish, insects, microbes and frogs. Tue-Sun, 10am-6.30pm, Beijing Tokyo Art Projects, 4 Jiuxianqiao Lu, Dashanzi Art District. Inquiries: (86 10) 8457 3245. Ends Feb 5

GUANGZHOU

Italian Renaissance Exhibition

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

Exhibition of Contemporary

Swiss Ceramic Masters

Philippe Lambercy exhibits his architectural works, and those of his students Philippe Barde and Jacques Kaufmann. Tue-Sun, 9am-5pm, Guangdong Museum

of Art, 38 Yan Yu Lu, Ersha Island, 15 yuan. Inquiries: (86 20) 8735 1468. Until Feb 22

SHANGHAI

Broadway

A song-and-dance performance featuring hits from some of Broadway's most popular musicals, including Grease, Mamma Mia and others. Ends today. Shanghai Centre Theatre, 1376 Nanjing Road, (inside the Portman Hotel), 180-800 yuan. Inquiries: (86 21) 6279 8663

Three Worlds

New and recent works by artists Wang Guangyi, Zeng Hao and Zhang Xiaoging are on show. Shanghai Gallery of Art, Three on the Bund. 3/F, No 3 Zhong Shan Dong Yi Road. Inquiries: (86 21) 6321 5757.

Ends Jan 9

Masterpieces of French Impressionists

As part of the Year in France in China, the Shanghai Art Museum presents more than 50 original masterpieces, mostly from the Musee d'Orsay in Paris. The works are by Manet, Cezanne, Degas and nine other French impressionist painters. Shanghai Art Museum, 325 West Nanjing Rd, People's Square. Inquiries: (86 21) 6327 4030. Ends Jan 19

The Phantom of the Opera

The long-running musical and winner of seven Tony awards arrives in Shanghai with the original cast from London. The cast are expected to perform 97 shows in Shanghai. Shanghai Grand Theatre, 300 People's Boulevard, 200-2,000 yuan. Inquiries: (86 21) 6386 8686. Ends Mar 5

TAIPEI

Bellini's Norma

Bellini's 1831 operatic tragedy telling the story of the druid priestess who sacrifices herself for love. The two-act opera was famously reprised in the 1950s by Maria Callas and is this time taken on by Taiwan's Chu Tai-li, who returns home after a 10-year absence. Today, 2pm, Tue, 7.30pm, National Concert Hall at CKS Memorial Hall, NT$400-2,000 Inquiries: www.ticket.com.tw

May Day Concert

May Day will perform Final Home, another wild concert from Taiwan's best live act. Sat, 7pm, Taipei Municipal Stadium, 5, Dun-hua Nth. Rd, NT$500-NT$1,500. Inquiries: (886 2) 3393 9888 or go to websitewww.artsticket.com.tw

Believe in Reality?

2004 Taipei Biennial

Barbara M.R Vanderlinden from Belgium and Amy Cheng Huei-hua from Taiwan exhibit their observations about personal identity and artistic creation under the influence of a global village. Tue-Sun, 9.30am-5.30pm, Taipei Fine Arts Museum, No181, Sec 3, Zhong-shan N. Rd, NT$ 30. Inquiries: (886 2) 2595 7656 or www.tfam.gov.tw. Ends Jan 23

Georg Jensen 100 Years

Taipei Fine Arts Museum exhibits selected paintings and artist Georg Jensen's silver art works and masterpieces from the National Denmark Museum. Tue-Sun, 9.30am-5.30pm, Taipei Fine Arts Museum, 181 Zhong-Shan N. Rd, Sec. 3, NT$30. Inquiries: (886 2) 2595 7656 or go to website www.tfam.gov.tw

REGIONAL

Bangkok

Bangkok Fringe Festival

The festival concludes with Bangkok Nutcracker, a cracked take on the Christmas classic that looks at the lives of rats, directed by the Witness Relocation Company of New York and performed by Patravadi Theatre. Patravadi Theatre, Soi Wat Rakang, off Arun-Amarin Road, Thonburi, 300-800 baht. Inquiries: (66 2) 412 7287 or www.patravaditheatre.com.

Ends tomorrow

Sting

The star performs live. Jan 12, 7pm, Impact Arena, Muang Thong Thani, Chaengwattana Rd, 1,000-4,500 baht. Inquiries: (66 2) 204 9999 or www.thaiticketmaster.com

Cloud Nine

Sakarin Krueon's solo exhibition draws inspiration from a pack of stray dogs in his neighbourhood, with the much-maligned 'soi dog' as his motif. He depicts doggy dreams of a better life via sculpture, animated video and 'participatory elements'. Thu-Sun, 11am-7pm, 100 Tonson Gallery, 100 Soi Ton Son off Ploenchit Road. Inquiries: (66 2) 684 1527.

Ends Jan 30

Heineken Beer Park

Live performances from Modern Dog, Groove Rider, Pru, Yokee Playboy, T-Hop and Crescendo and other bands. Daily, Central World Plaza, Rajprasong Intersection (Siam or Chit Lom BTS Skytrain stops). Daily until late Jan

SINGAPORE

Aladdin

The musical pantomime is hilarious take on the fairy tale by Wild Rice theatre. In this flamboyant retelling, Aladdin is a Far East Plaza street kid who is entrapped by the Wicked Wizard Abrabanana in the Batu Caves, while Princess Jasmine is an heiress locked up by her protective father, Sultan Mustacha in the Mustacha Centre. Tonight until Jan 9, 7.30pm (additional 2.30pm, Sat-Sun), Jubilee Hall, 1 Beach Road, S$45-$55. Inquiries: (65) 6348 5555 or www.sistic.com

S.H.E Concert 2005

The popular girl group has won many awards for their pop sounds and incorporates in their performance themes from the Middle East, Asia and Brazil. Sat, 8pm, Singapore Indoor Stadium, 2 Stadium Walk, S$68-$148. Inquiries: (65) 6348 5555

Stars of Asia: SSO 26th Anniversary Concert

Singapore's poster girl of classical music, Lee Huei Min, performs the rhapsodic violin solo in Butterfly Lovers Concerto. The Singapore Symphonie Orchestra will also perform Richard Strauss' Don Juan and Der Rosenkavalier's Suite. Sat, 7.30pm, Esplanade Concert Hall, 1 Esplanade Drive, S$11-$60. Inquiries: (65) 6348 5555

Russel Wong

One of Singapore's leading professional photographers presents a broad selection of his works on celebrities, from Jackie Chan to Zhang Ziyi and Isabella Rossellini. Until Feb 20, 10am-7pm Mon-Sun, Fri until 9pm, Singapore Art Museum, 71 Bras Basah Road. Inquiries (65) 6332 3222

Hot Shots

Jackie Chan, Joan Chen, Michelle Yeoh and Aishwarya Rai get a make-over in an exhibition exploring celebrity. From Sat until Jan 29, 10am-6pm Tue-Fri, 10am-8pm Sat. Monday by appointment only. Singapore Tyler Print Institute, 41 Robertson Quay. Inquiries (65) 6336 3663

Crossing

A solo exhibition by international renowned 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

Botero in Singapore

Best known for his paintings of voluptuously plump figures and whimsical animal sculptures, Latin-American artist Fernando Botero offers a comprehensive retrospective of his work spanning three decades. Daily, 10am-7pm, (Fri until 9pm), Singapore Arts Museum, S$3. Inquiries: (65) 6332 3222. Ends Feb 27

TOKYO

St Petersburg Chamber Ensemble

The players will perform a programme of music specially selected for the New Year. Today, 3.30pm, Jan 10, 12.30pm and 4pm, Tokyo Opera City Concert Hall 4,000 yen. Inquiries: (81 3) 3943 9999

Wiener Johann Strauss Orchestra New Year's concert

Tue, 7pm, Tokyo Geijitsu Gekijo; Wed, 6.30pm, Yokohama Minato Mirai Hall; Thu, 7pm, Suntory Hall; Fri, 2pm, Bunkamura Orchard Hall; call for prices. Inquiries: (81 3)

3552 3831

Hama-Rikyu Gardens

To celebrate the New Year, the gardens will host a display of fowl-handling skills, traditional crafts, a special New Year tea ceremony and servings of festive rice wine. Today and tomorrow, 9am-5pm, 1-1 Hamarikyu Teien, Chuo-ku. Nearest station: Shiodome, 150-300 yen. Inquiries: (81 3) 3541 0200

Swan Lake

The National Theatre Ballet company perform. Fri, 6.30pm, Sat, 3pm, Jan 9-10, 2pm, New National Theater, 1-1-1 Honcho, Shibuya-ku, from 1,500 yen. Inquiries: (81 3) 5352 9999

Traditional Music of Japan

A musical performance featuring nagauta, Edo kagura hayashi, and sastuma biwa. Jan 22, 2pm, Cerulean Tower Nohgakudo, 26-1 Sakuragaokacho, Shibuya-ku. from 4,000 yen. Inquiries: (81 3) 3477 9999

Momix

A group of dancers, contortionists and illusionists perform to the music of Peter Gabriel. Jan 18-23, various times,Tokyo International Forum Hall C. Inquiries: (81 3)

5280 9996

The Sound of Music

A stage version of the famous musical set in Austria before the second world war. Starring Jennifer Semrick and Jim Ballard. Opens Thu. Performances at various times, Tokyo Kouseinen Kinen Kaikan Great Hall. Inquiries: (81 3) 3490 4949. Ends Jan 23

Allegria 2

Artistry, acrobatics and visual sensations from Cirque de Soleil. Harajuku Shin-Big Top. For ticket prices and times, call (81 3) 5237 9330. Ends Jan 23

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 [email protected]

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