Exploring the concept of imitation in Chinese art. Today, 1.30pm-5.30pm, University Museum Gallery, University of Hong Kong, 94 Bonham Rd, Pok Fu Lam. Inquiries: 2241 5512. Ends today

Under the Umbrella:

A New Look at the Past

Fang Shao Hua paints western-inspired images such as Van Gogh with and nudes in the rain and within archways. Tomorrow-Thu, 10am-6pm, Kwai Fung Hin Art Gallery, 20 Ice House Street, Central. Inquiries: 2580 0058. Ends Thu

Matter and Memory

(Part I: Director's Choice)

Eclectic collection of mainly one-piece bronzes, photographs, inks, paintings and mixed media from each of the 16 artists including Andy Warhol, Tracy Tracey Emin, Diego Giacometti, Robert Mapplethorpe, Helmut Newton, Elsworth Ellsworth Kelly, Daniel Richter, Mahomi Kunikata and Ju Ming. Tomorrow-Sat, 10am-6.30pm, G6, Plum Blossoms Gallery, 1 Hollywood Rd, Central. Inquiries: 2521 2189.

Ends Sat

40 Years of Video Art - Digital Heritage

Installation on the cultural heritage of video art with videos by Marina Abramovic, Joseph Beuys, Rebecca Horn, Christian Jankowski and Nam June Paik. Mon-Fri, 9am-9pm, Sat, 2pm-6pm, 14/F Goethe-Institut Hongkong, HK Arts Centre,

Ends Jan 15

Dr Sun Yat-sen

in Paper-cut Silhouette

Paper-cut artist Lu Xue demonstrates his handiwork with images of the Chinese revolutionary, including a 6-foot

cut-out. Mon-Sat, 10am-6pm, Sun, 10am-7pm, (closed Tue), Foyer, Museum of History, 100 Chatham Rd South, TST East, free. Inquiries: 2724 9042. Ends Jan 15

Absence of Reality

In Li Yau Mang's latest series, he groups together The State of Existence, The Newly-born Generation and Transformation of Animals that confront the traditions and values of society. Daily, 10am-7pm (closed Tue), UMA G, G/F 12 St. Francis St, Wan Chai. Inquiries: 2528 3669. Ends Jan 17

EDITOR'S PICK

Beyond Beijing

Egg-shell installations, steel-plate sculptures and paintings by 16 contemporary artists, including Chen Wenbo, He Jie, Hua Qing, Weng Peijun and Wang Dongsheng. Tue-Sun, 10am-7pm, Osage - Kwun Tong, 5/F Kian Dai Industrial Bldg, 73-75 Hung To Rd, Kwun Tong. Inquiries: 2793 4817. Ends Jan 26

Venice Biennale International Architecture Exhibition

EDITOR'S PICK

Robot Dream Exhibition

Showcasing dozens of realistic-looking and technologically advanced robots from Japan. Daily, 10am-9pm, Skydome Atrium, L1 Discovery Park, Shopping Centre, Tsuen Wan. Inquiries: 2750 0031. Ends Feb 25

Mission Earthling - Unveiling the Secrets of the Human Body

On a journey through the body's sensory, reproductive, digestive and circulatory systems, the exhibition of games and challenges explores inside the human body, how the body works and how well our body has adapted to life on earth. Mon-Fri, 1pm-9m (closed Thu), Sat-Sun and public holidays, 10am-9pm,

HK Science Museum, 2 Science Museum Rd, TST East, HK$12.50, HK$25. Inquiries: 2732 3232.

Ends Apr 8

Performing Arts

The Joy of Music Festival

The Chopin Society of Hong

Kong present a series of concerts, from string and wind chamber ensembles to solo piano and guitar recitals by local and international musicians, including the following three performances. Shows at 8pm, various venues, HK$150 (day pass), HK$1,000 (festival pass) Urbtix. Inquiries: 2734 9009. Ends Dec 20

LCO Chamber Group

and Pascal Roge

Pianist Pascal Roge joins the London Chamber Orchestra Group in a programme of Chamber works by Mozart (piano quartet ), Franck (the piano quintet ) and Bruch's pieces for piano, clarinet and viola. Today, 8pm, HK Cultural Centre,Salisbury Rd, TST, HK$150 Urbtix. Inquiries: 2734 9009

LCO Chamber Group

Beethoven's duo for clarinet and bassoon, septet for winds and strings; and Dvorak's string quintet performed by The London Chamber Orchestra Group. Tue, 8pm, HK City Hall, Concert Hall, Edinburgh Place, Central, HK$150 Urbtix. Inquiries: 2734 9009

LCO and Ilya Rashkovskiy

The London Chamber Orchestra Group and pianist Ilya Rashkovskiy tackle Nielsen, Berwald and Schubert. Wed, 8pm, HK City Hall, Concert Hall, Edinburgh Place, Central, HK$150 Urbtix. Inquiries: 2734 9009

EDITOR'S PICK

Coco's Lunch

Performance by award-winning Australian a cappella group with five female singers. Today, Thu-Dec 25, 2.15pm, 3pm, 6.45pm; also at various other times today-Dec 26. Oval Atrium, Level 1, IFC Mall, Finance St, Central, free.

Inquiries: 2295 3308

Paula Tsui

Concert by the veteran Canto-pop singer. Today-Wed, Sat-Dec 26, 8.15pm, HK Coliseum, 9 Cheong Wan Rd, Hung Hom, HK$100- HK$400 Cityline. Inquiries: 2734 9009

Sarah Kane

On and On Theatre Workshop presents works by controversial playwright Sarah Kane (1971-1999) who committed suicide in 1999 at the age of 28. The production includes Kane's last two plays, Crave and 4.48Psychosis. In Cantonese. Today-tomorrow, 8pm, Cattle Depot Theatre, No7 Cattle Depot Artist Village, 63 Ma Tau Kok Rd, To Kwa Wan, HK$100-HK$150. Inquiries: 2503 1630

EDITOR'S PICK

The Nutcracker

Hong Kong Ballet stages the Christmas-time ballet set to Tchaikovsky's music. Choreography by Stephen Jefferies. Accompanied by the Hong Kong Sinfonietta. For ages three and above. Today, 2.30pm; Tue-Thu, Sat-Dec 25, 7.30pm; (Sat-Dec 26 also at 2.30pm), HK Cultural Centre, Grand Theatre, 10 Salisbury Rd, TST, HK$100-HK$300 Urbtix. Inquiries: 2105 9724

To Love U More

Dancing Andy Creative Workshop present musical dance theatre about all kinds of love. Guests include Steven Ip, Su Shu, Frankie Lui, Carol Wong and Dancing Angels. Wed-Sat, 8pm, (Sat also at 3pm), Fringe Club, 2 Lower Albert Rd, Central, HK$120 (members), HK$150 HK Ticketing. Inquiries: 2521 7251

St Petersburg Chamber Choir

Nikolai Kornev leads the Russian choir in an all-Russian repertoire including Bach's sacred compositions, 19th century works and contemporary music. Wed, Sha Tin Town Hall, 1 Yuen Wo Rd, Sha Tin. Thu, HK City Hall, Concert Hall, Edinburgh Place, Central. Shows at 8pm. HK$100-HK$250 Urbtix. Inquiries: 2268 7321

The 82 & Friends:

Infinitely Addicted

The 82 perform some of the world's most famous songs. In Cantonese and English. Fri-Sat, Fringe Club, Lower Albert Rd, Central, HK$60 (members), HK$70 HK Ticketing. Inquiries: 2521 7251

Les Miserables

Metal... Stone... Being...Cracked

Recital by Alan Chan who composes chamber music and art songs. Musicians include members of the Hong Kong City Chamber Orchestra, Yuki Ip, Apollo Wong, Lin-lin Chang (Taiwan) and artist Gino Ng (US). Sat, noon, HK City Hall, Edinburgh Place, Central, HK$200 Urbtix. Inquiries: 9042 4090

Magical Christmas Piano Seven

An ensemble of seven pianists and one percussionist from Switzerland perform jazz with influences of tango, classical and circus music. Dec 25, 8pm, HK Cultural Centre, Concert Hall, Salisbury Rd, TST, HK$120-HK$300 Urbtix. Inquiries: 2268 7321

Oliver!

The Hong Kong Chorus Society present the original Broadway musical, adapted from the Dickens' novel and based on Lionel Bart's music and lyrics. In English with Chinese surtitles. Dec 28-31, 7.30pm (Dec 30-31 also at 2.30pm), Kwai Tsing Theatre, 12 Hing Ning Rd, Kwai Chung, HK$180-HK$340 Urbtix. Inquiries: 2411 6203

Nokia New Year's Eve

A global party in five cities - Mumbai, Berlin, Rio de Janeiro, New York and Hong Kong - with the Asian line-up including Atomic Kitten, DJ Jamaster, Eason Chan, The Grasshoppers, Hacken Lee, Joey Yung, Josie Ho, Jun Kung Paul Wong, Soler and Twins. Dec 31, 8.30pm, Ocean Terminal, Car Park, Harbour City, Canton Rd, TST, two free tickets with purchase of a Nokia phone (model N7362885300) at authorised dealers. Inquiries: 2136 6338

City Festival

Hong Kong Arts Festival

Extra-curricular

EDITOR'S PICK

45th Christmas Wedding Expo

Exhibitors showcase wedding products and services. Today, noon-8pm, HK Convention Centre and Exhibition Centre, Hall 5, 1 Expo Drive, Wan Chai, HK$20. Inquiries: 2591 9823

21st Annual Giant

Menorah Lighting

Chabad of Hong Kong and China organise a gathering for the Jewish community, featuring the lighting of a 15-foot Menorah, the symbolic candelabra associated with the festival of Chanuka. Today, 6pm, Chater Garden, Chater Rd, Central, free. Inquiries: 2523 9770

Drum Jam

4th Hong Kong Food Festival

With more than half a million visitors, the festival features hundreds of booths selling local

and overseas food products. Fri-Dec 25, noon-9pm, Dec 26, noon-7pm, HK Convention Centre and Exhibition Centre, Hall 2,

Expo Drive, Wan Chai, HK$10. Inquiries: 2591 9823

4th Hong Kong Mega Showcase

More than 500 booths showcase an extravaganza of cosmetic goods, high-tech products, toys and health food, with some items sold at factory prices. Fri-Dec 25, , noon-9pm, Dec 26, noon-7pm, HK Convention Centre and Exhibition Centre, 1 Expo Drive, Wan Chai, HK$10. Inquiries: 2591 9823

Say Your Piece!

Film

Merry Christmas

Based on a true story during the first world war when troops on the western front called a truce on Christmas Eve 1914. They laid down their rifles, shook hands, wished each other Merry Christmas and played football. In French, German, English with English and Chinese subtitles. Today, 12.15pm, Broadway Cinematheque, 3 Public Square St, Yau Ma Tei, HK$40. Inquiries: 2388 3188

Moving Spaces

Dr Strangelove or How I

Learned to Stop Worrying

and Love the Bomb

Stanley Kubrick's 1964 parody of the cold war. An insane general gives orders for a nuclear attack, but the Soviets set up a doomsday machine. Starring Peter Sellers playing three parts. In English. Sat, 7.30pm,

Jan 13, 7.30pm

Palace Stories: Celebrating the Grandeur and Wit in the Qing Dynasty Films of Li Hang-hsiang

A retrospective of the filmmaker who died 10 years ago. Including the following film. Various times, HK Film Archive, 50 Lei King Rd, Sai Wan Ho, HK$30 Urbtix. Inquiries: 2739 2139. Ends Dec 26

The Last Tempest

In the same oeuvre as Li's earlier film, The Empress Dowager, the script centres on the impending fall of the Qing dynasty as the Emperor's efforts for massive reforms are thwarted by the ruthless Empress. In Putonghua with Chinese and English subtitles. Dec 24, 2.30pm

MACAU7th Macau Handover

Anniversary Concert

Christmas Concert

World Press Cartoon - Sintra

Eternal Knowledge - Imperial Books, Art Works and

Culture of the Qing Dynasty

NATIONAL

BEIJING

A Christmas Carol

The Beijing Playhouse joins a cast of 20 to bring the Charles Dickens' tale to the stage, with Scrooge being taught the meaning of Christmas.

In English. Today-Dec 24, 7.30pm, (Sun also at 2pm) Beijing City International School, Jian Guo

Road, (Da Wang Lu Subway),

Swan Lake

Shanghai

Elaine Paige

The Nutcracker

The Shanghai Ballet Troupe performs the Tchaikovsky Christmas classic. Fri-Dec 24, 7.15pm, Shanghai Majestic Theatre, 66 Jiangning Rd, 100-500 yuan. Inquiries: (86 21) 6217 2426

TAIPEI

Broadway Christmas Party with Welly Yang and Anthony Rapp

Welly Yang and Anthony Rapp (Mark Cohen from the musical Rent) perform a selection of Broadway musicals. Fri-Sat, 7.30pm, Dec 24, 2.30pm, National Concert Hall, l, 21-1, Zhongshan S. Rd, NT$400-2,500. Inquiries:

What is Man?

Director Edward Lim selects nine characters from classic Chinese literature and revises the outlaws into a modern drama. Starring Andy Lau, Sylvia Chang and Rene Lau. Sat, Dec 28-30, 7.30pm; Dec 24, 2.30pm; Dec 31, 9pm, National Theater, l, 21-1, Zhongshan S. Rd, Price: NT$400-2,000, Inquiries:

A-Mei Fall in Love With Carmen

Handel's Oratorio Messiah

Conductor Agnes Grossman leads two local musical groups - the National Symphony Orchestra and National Experimental Chorus, with soloists Donna Brown, Irene Yang, Fernando Wang and Wen-Hao Tsai. Wed, 7.30pm, National Concert Hall, l, 21-1, Zhongshan S. Rd,

Price: NT$300-800. Inquiries:

REGIONAL

BANGKOK

4th Bangkok Jazz Festival

Royal Treatment

Celebrations for the King's 60th year on the throne continue with an exhibition of the works by more than 30 artists, organised by painter Somsak Mongkolwong. Today, noon-6pm, tomorrow, 10am-7pm, Jamjuree Art Gallery, Jamjuree Bldg 8, Chulalongkorn University, Phayathai Road, free. Inquiries: (662) 218 3709. Ends tomorrow

Eric Clapton

Living Under the Crescent

Moon: Domestic Culture in the Arab World

Exhibition of Arab culture and civilisation through architecture, music and art. Tue-Sun, 10.30am-9pm, Gallery 2, Thailand Creative and Design Centre,

Singapore

Jack & The Bean-Sprout!

Christmas Concerts (SSO)

Mosaic: Hiromi

A Jazzy Christmas - Noel Asiana

African Art Exhibition

Old and traditional tribal African textiles and artifacts from the Anita Schroeder Collection, believed to have been woven in the 1920s. Today-Fri, 10am-9pm, Galerie Dauphin, 163 Tangling Road, free. Inquiries: (65) 6734 2137. Ends Fri

Tokyo

Ave Maria in Christmas

St Petersburg Chamber Ensemble with soprano soloists. Dec 24, 11.30am; Dec 25, 2.30pm and 7pm, Tokyo Opera City Concert Hall, Hatsudai, 4,000 yen. Inquiries: (81 3 3943 9999

Cheryl Bentyne

Jazz songstress and Manhattan Transfer member performs. Fri and Dec 25, 7pm and 9.30pm; Sat-Dec 24, 6.30pm and 9pm, 7,875-15,750 yen, Cotton Club, Marunouchi. Inquiries: (81 3) 3215 1555

Urbtix: 2734 9009

Urbtix/CityLine credit- card booking: 2111 5999

Fringe: 2521 7251

CityLine: 2317 6666

HK Ticketing: 3128 8288