AFRO-CONTEMPORARY DANCE Vincent Mantsoe is one of the brightest rising stars in the dance world from South Africa. The award-winning 32-year-old is spiritually inspired by his family of sangomas (shamans) who utilise dance to achieve spiritual transcendence. The one-man show reflects Mantsoe's choreography which is influenced by Asian dance, martial arts and tai chi as well as European and North American elements. The dance showcase is being staged from today to Sunday at 8pm in the Hong Kong Cultural Centre. Tickets cost $160 and $100, with half-price concessions for students, and are available at Urbtix on 2734 9009. TAIWANESE METAL Taiwanese metal band Seraphim will perform their debut Hong Kong concert today at 7.30pm in Ko Shan Theatre. Seraphim are frequently compared to their Finnish contemporary Nightwish for their skilful mix of metal and opera. The band took Taiwanese metal onto the international stage with their 2001 debut The Soul That Never Dies, which was followed by The Equal Spirit. Their music reflects Oriental influences such as Chinese opera. Asian musical instruments - including the sitar and koto - are featured in some of its songs. Local progressive metal bands Blackwine and Messiah will be the supporting acts. Tickets cost $230 and are available at Urbtix. PIANO CONCERT Brazilian pianist Cristina Ortiz will team up with Hong Kong Sinfonietta to perform master works by Mendelssohn, Schulhoff and Beethoven in the concert 'Piano Passion'. The performance, conducted by Tsung Yeh, will be staged today at 8pm, in the City Hall Concert Hall. Tickets - priced $250, $160 and $100 with half-price concessions for students - are available at Urbtix.
