What to see: The IFC International Contemporary art fair is returning, following last year's successful inaugural event, which drew several thousand amateur collectors. The fair features mostly pieces from European and Chinese artists and, best of all, everything is available at 'studio prices'. More than 50 artists or their representatives will be present to explain the works and you can flex your bargaining muscles too. Some of the names to look out for include Yvette Maniglier, who was a former student of Henri Matisse, furniture artist Pucci de Rossi, Francis Eck, who counts French President Jacques Chirac as one of his collectors, and Impressionist-style painter Slyviane Pelletier (above). Prices range from $500 to $50,000. Until January 28, International Finance Centre, 1 Harbour View Street, Central. 10am to 7pm. For information call 2824 5727.
What to see: Film and theatre industry golden boy Raymond To Kwok-wai is known for pulling heartstrings with his sell-out stage plays such as Sentimental Journey and Umbrella Story. For CityFestival 2002, To teams up with director Terence Cheng and dramaturge Benny Chia in presenting Three Women Of Hong Kong, a simple story about three women from three different eras. There is flamboyant expat Emily Hahn, famed Cantonese opera star Tang Bik-wan (right), and their version of Hong Kong's 'everywoman', a fictional character called Man Yuk-ying. Through their lives we witness the transformation of Hong Kong in a unique and atmospheric setting - the play is performed in a century-old Hakka family house in Sha Tin. February 6 to 9, 7.30pm and 9pm. Wong Uk, Tai Chung Kiu Road, Sha Tin. $60, $50 from Ticketek (3128 8288). For information and directions, call the Fringe Club at 2521 7251.
What to hear: You don't have to be high-brow to appreciate classical music. The Hong Kong Sinfonietta's forthcoming concert, Short-cut To Classical Music, is so user-friendly that by the end of the programme you will know Mozart from Mahler. The event includes a mini-lecture by conductor Yip Wing-sie (left), a question-and-answer session with the audience, and a performance of classical favourites heard in television adverts and movies. And for those who struggle to sit still for more than an hour, there is even a condensed version. A Very Short Short-cut To Classical Music, January 27, Yuen Long Theatre. $100, $60. Short-cut To Classical Music, February 5 to 6, Kwai Tsing Theatre Auditorium, $150, $90. Urbtix (2734 9009).
What to see: There is less than one month before the Hong Kong Arts Festival kicks off. And if you can see only one of close to 40 world-class shows, make sure it's the Bolshoi Opera's The Love For Three Oranges by Prokofiev. It's everything you wouldn't expect from an opera - slapstick comedy, grotesque characters, irreverent plot - and then some. The story revolves around a princess being turned into rats by witches and a prince dying of melancholy. It's not your traditional fairy tale, but the versatility of the performers of this Russian cultural institution will astound you. February 26 to 27, 7.30pm, Hong Kong Cultural Centre Grand Theatre. $170 to $880 from Urbtix (2734 9009).
