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SCMP Reporter

Exhibitions

Flowers for Tomorrow, The Pursuit of Materials

Japanese flower arrangement exhibition by teachers of the Sogetsu Teacher Association. Today, 10am-6pm, Pao Galleries, HK Arts Centre, 2 Harbour Rd,  Wan Chai. Inquiries: 2582 0255. Ends today

Muse Gaze

Seven female photographers (Fung Wai-Yan, Vik Lai, Lam Wai-Kit, Beatrix Pang,  Sandy, Ki Wong and Janet Fong) focus on subjects close to their hearts. Today, 2pm-8pm, 1a space gallery,

Unit 14, Cattle Depot Artists Village,  63 Ma Tau Kok Rd, To Kwa Wan. Inquiries: 2529 0087. Ends today

The Red Curtain: Zhu Wei

Zhu Wei's Utopia series shows surreal paintings of crowded figures and faces in China. Mon-Tue, 10am-6.30pm, Plum Blossoms Gallery, G6 Chinachem Hollywood Centre, 1 Hollywood Rd, Central. Inquiries: 2521 2189. Ends Tue

You Are All Different Like Me

Marie-Madeleine Gautier's  full-bodied sculptures with far-reaching limbs.  Mon-Wed, 10am-6.30pm, Kwai Fung Hin Art Gallery, 20 Ice House St, Central. Inquiries: 2580 0058. Ends Wed

Red Babies II

Yu Chen  paints Mao-like chubby babies with playful or menacing expressions. Mon-Sat, 10.30am-6.30pm, Schoeni Art Gallery, 21-31 Old Bailey St, Central. Inquiries: 2869 8802. Ends Dec 21

Gay Artists; Gay Art?

Exhibition of contemporary gay artists. Artists include Erwin Olaf  and Paul Blanca  (The Netherlands), Patrick Lee  and Norman Yip (HK),  Jerome Maigret  and Pascal Lievre (France),  and David Lehmann (Australia).  Mon-Sat, 10.30am-7.30pm, Art Statements, G/F, 5 Mee Lun St, Central. Inquiries: 2122 9657. Ends Dec 24

Of Tea I Sing, of Tea I Drink

Li Xinping's impressionist paintings of tea production and tea making. Mon-Sat, 10.30am-7.30pm, Sun, noon-5pm, Osage Gallery, Lower Ground Shop 1, 45 Caine Rd, Central. Inquiries: 2537 0688.  End Dec 28

Anniversary Celebration

Collection of 20th century Oriental and Vietnamese paintings including works by Pham Luan,  Do Quang Em and Tran Luu Hau.  Mon-Sat, 9.30am-6.30pm, Sun, 10.30am-6pm, Arch Angel Art, G/F, 58 Hollywood Rd, Central. Inquiries: 2854 4255. Ends Dec 31

Assembly HallsHusband and wife team Shao Yinong  and Mu Chen  photograph places used in the Cultural Revolution as assembly halls, including old barns.  Tue-Fri, 11am-7pm, Sat, 11.30am-6pm, 10 Chancery Lane Gallery, G/F, 10 Chancery Lane, SoHo. Inquiries: 2810 0065. Ends Jan 14

Essence of Purity

Exhibition to Commemorate the 100th Birthday of Chao Shao-an

A retrospective of painter Chao Shao-an (1905-1998) known for his works featuring birds, landscapes and feathers. Mon-Sat, 10am-6pm, Sun,  10am-7pm, (closed Tue), HK Heritage Museum, 1 Man Lam Rd, Sha Tin, $5, $10. Inquiries: 2180 8188. Ends Jan 2

Chinese Paintings from the  CP Lin Collection

Chinese art collected from the  past 30 years, including master-pieces by Wu Changshuo  (1844-1927), Qi Baishi  (1864-1957) and Huang Binhong (1865-1955). Daily, 10am-6pm (closed on Thu), HK Museum of Art, 10 Salisbury Rd, TST, $5, $10. Inquiries: 2721 0116. Ends Jan 8

Inspired by Jean Cocteau

Works inspired by filmmaker, artist and writer Jean Cocteau, including musician Anthony Wong's song, choreographer Yuri Ng and video artist Maurice Lai's ballet collaboration, Yank Wang's paintings, Julian Lee's photographs and caricaturist TatTat Wing's sketches, writer Michael Lam and screenwriter Jimmy Ngai's writings, Henry Lau's costumes, Oscar Ho's sculptures and mixed media artist Wu Wing-yee's 3-D art pieces. Daily, 10am-8pm, (closed Thu), HK Film Archive, Exhibition Hall, 50 Lei King Rd, Sai Wan Ho. Inquiries: 2739 2139. Ends Feb 5

Suitman Hong Kong Invasion

Young Kim takes travel photographs of himself as Suitman as well as random people in his black suit and yellow-tinted glasses. Tue-Sun, noon-8.30pm, Agnes B Librairie Galerie, 22 Elgin St, Central. Inquiries: 2869 5505. Ends Feb 12

Optical Illusion

Collection of illusions that fool visitors' eyes and brains and challenge their common conceptions. Mon-Fri, 1pm-9pm, Sat-Sun and public holidays, 10am-9pm (closed Thu). HK Science Museum, 2 Science Museum Rd, Tsim Sha Tsui East. Inquiries:  2732 3232. Ends March 26

Performing Arts

The Explosive Live Concert

Singer Sukhwinder Singh  who has sung on more than 50 Bollywood albums, performs with Amrita Arora  and Neha Dhupia.  Today, 6.30pm, Queen Elizabeth Stadium, Wan Chai, $250-$500 Urbtix. Inquiries: 9232 1340

Bian Bian Bian

Eman Lam Yee-man  and Ellen Joyce Loo, who make up the Canto-pop duo at17,  perform songs from their latest album Bian Bian Bian.  Today, 3pm and 8pm, Shouson Theatre, HK Arts Centre,  2 Harbour Rd, Wan Chai, $180, $280 Urbtix. Inquiries: 2959 1580

2005 Hong Kong Youth Music Interflows Symphony  Orchestra Contest

Sixteen symphony orchestras from primary and secondary schools participate in the contest, including Alliance Primary School, Tai Po Old Market Public School and Sha Tin Methodist College. Today,  10am (primary school class), 2pm (secondary school class),  HK Cultural Centre, 10 Salisbury Rd, TST, $20 Urbtix. Inquiries:  2582 5334

48th Street Live and Loud Concert Series

Hard Rock Cafe presents local rock  bands. The line-up includes Tommy and the all Blues,  Dumb Melon Quartet  and Spodac.  Tomorrow, 9.30pm, Hard Rock Cafe, G-1/F, Silvercord, 30 Canton Rd, TST, free. Inquiries: 2375 1323

Funny Thing Called Love

A drama about a young Indian couple who defying religion and caste to be together. Starring television and film actors Vijoo Khote,  Smita Jaykar  and Liladhar Kambli.  Wed, 7.30pm, HK Polytechnic University, Hunghom, $100-$300. Inquiries: 2368 2947

A French Affair

Violinist and winner of the Solo Instrumentalist of the Year at a French award show, Renaud Capucon,  performs with the Hong Kong Sinfonietta in a repertoire of Roussel's The Spider's Feast and Chausson's Poeme. Thu, 8pm, HK City Hall, Concert Hall, Edinburgh Place, Central, $100-$220 Urbtix. Inquiries: 2836 3336

A Poem before Christmas

A rooftop poetry reading by poets and authors including Eddie Tay,  Salah Elewa,  Alan Jefferies,  Zheng Danyi  and Martin Alexander.  In Arabic, Chinese and English. Thu, 8pm, YWCA Swimming Pool, 6/F,  1 Macdonnell Rd, Central, $100, includes one drink and canapes. Inquiries: 3476 1340

Back Home

Hong Kong and New York artists explore new forms of dance in the Dance Wide HKNY project. Artists include Abby Chan,  Allen Lam,  Andy Wong,  Yeung Wai-mei,  Julian Barnett,  Maura Donohue,  Rebecca Jung  and Christopher Morgan.   Fri-Sat, 8pm, HK Cultural Centre, Studio Theatre, 10 Salisbury Rd, TST, $90, $110 Urbtix. Inquiries: 2584 8753

Top Local Jazz Musicians

Local musicians Eugene Pao,  Ted Lo,  Sylvain Gagnon  and Jun Kung  perform jazz together. Fri,

9pm, Innonation, Room 402, One Hysan Ave, Causeway Bay, $80. Inquiries: 3188 2466

Annie

Hong Kong Chorus Society presents a story about a depression-era orphan determined to find her parents. Fri-Sun, 7.30pm (Sat-Sun also at 2.30pm), HK Cultural Centre, Grand Theatre, 10 Salisbury Rd, TST, $150-$380 Urbtix. Inquiries: 2411 6203

Piano Recital by  Helen Lam-Winther

The award-winning pianist plays a repertoire including Czerny, Liszt, Schubert and Chopin. Fri, 8pm,  HK City Hall, Theatre, Edinburgh Place, $80, $120 Urbtix. Inquiries: 2268 7321

The Conqueror

City Contemporary Dance Company presents a tragic tale based on the battles between the Chu and Han kingdoms. Concept and choreography by Willy Tsao  and starring Yang Yuntao. Fri-Sat, 8pm, Kwai Tsing Theatre, Auditorium,  12 Hing Ning Rd, Kwai Chung, $120-$1,000 Urbtix. Inquiries:  2329 7803

Zheng Music of Henan and Yanbian

Chinese zheng (plucked instrument)  performance by  Cao Yong'an, Li Bian, Cao Yang and Chen Xiyao, with soloists Jin Lizi,  Li Yingliang  and Zhang Yange. Sat, 8pm, HK City Hall, Theatre, Edinburgh Place, Central. Dec 11, Tuen Mun Town Hall, Cultural Activities Hall, 3 Tuen Hi Rd, Tuen Mun. $90, $150 Urbtix. Inquiries: 2268 7321

White Christmas

Kassia Men's Chorus debut concert of festive numbers including White Christmas (Bing Crosby), Winter Wonderland (Perry Como) and The Little Drummer Boy. In English. Dec 12, 8pm, Fringe Theatre, Fringe Club, 2 Lower Albert Rd, Central, $120 (members), $150 HK Ticketing. Inquiries: 2521 7251

A Piano and Cello recital by Vladimir Krainev  and  Alexander Rudin

The Chopin Society of Hong Kong presents Krainev on piano and Rudin on cello in a programme of Beethoven, Chopin, Debussy and Shastakovich. Dec 12, 8pm, HK City Hall, Concert Hall, Edinburgh Place, Central, $100, $150 Urbtix. Inquiries: 9027 1429

The State Symphony  Capella of Russia

Valeri Polansky  conducts a choir in  Russian folk songs,  choral pieces and Christmas carols. Dec 23, 8pm, HK City Hall, Concert Hall, Edinburgh Place, Central. Dec 24, Sha Tin Town Hall, Auditorium, 1 Yuen Wo Rd, Sha Tin. $80-$200 Urbtix. Inquiries: 2268 7321

Extra-curricular

Art Fair

Art fair showcasing paintings, ceramics, photography, sculptures and mix-media by artists, teachers and students. Today, 11am-8pm, 10/F White Tube, HK Arts Centre,  2 Harbour Rd, Wan Chai, free. Inquiries: 9169 0319

Hopers Action walkathon@artscentre

Fundraising activity and walkathon where participants walk from the ground floor to the rooftop and back. Also features lucky draw prizes. No prior enrolment is necessary. Today, 11am,   HK Arts Centre, 2 Harbour Rd, Wan Chai, donation. Inquiries: www.hopersAction.com

Operation Santa Claus: Toy Run

As part of the Operation Santa Claus charity, motorcyclists are invited to join a toy and bike parade with the Mad Dogs Motorcycle Club. Today, run starts at 11am, Queen's Pier, Central to the New Territories, ending in the Handle Bar, Wan Chai, $100 and bring a toy. Inquiries: www.mdmchk.com

Vivienne Picciotto

The Jewish Historical Society of Hong Kong hosts Shanghai-borne Vivienne Picciotto who talks about how being Jewish saved her from being sent to an internment camp in the 1940s. Today, 7pm, Jewish Community Centre, One Robinson Place, 70 Robinson Rd, Mid-Levels, $50 (donation), reservations required. Inquiries: 9102 5410

UBS Hong Kong Open

Pro-golfer Padraig Harrington  tries to reclaim his crown against defending champion Miguel Angel Jimenez  in the UBS Hong Kong Open. Other activities include a golf simulator and 'beat the pro' game for spectators. Today, The Hong Kong Golf Club, Lot No 1, Fan Kam Rd, Sheung Shui, $100-$250, $350 (four-day pass), tickets: 2111 5333. Inquiries: www.ubshong kongopen.com

House, Home, Family: The Chinese Way of Living and Being

The Oriental Ceramics Society of Hong Kong hosts speaker Kai-Yin Lo,  collector and socio-cultural historian of Chinese furniture, who will talk about the concept of house, home and family. Tomorrow, 7.30pm, email for venue, $100 (reservations required). Inquiries: ocs@orientalceramics.org.hk

The Highs and Lows of  a Novelist's Life

Novelists Peter Maize,  Elsie Sze  and Cecilie Gamst Berg  will read from their books and hold a discussion on the difficulties of writing a novel. Tomorrow, 6.30pm, Cellarmasters, 9/F World Trust Tower, 50 Stanley St, Central, $90, $140 (registration required). Inquiries: events@hkwips.org

Godspell - Audition Notice

Lindsey McAlister  Productions is holding auditions for actors, singers and dancers for Godspell, to be shown in May. Tomorrow and Wed, e-mail for appointment. Inquiries: lindsey_mcalister_productions  @hotmail.com

Film

S21 The Khmer Rouge  Death Machine Rithy Panh's documentary about the Khmer Rouge's horrific detention camp, Security Office 21.  In French and Cambodian with English subtitles. Tomorrow, 7pm, Mediatheque Alliance Francaise,   52 Jordan Rd, Jordan, free. Inquiries: 2730 3257

British New Wave

Selection of British films from the rebellious era of the 1950-60s. Today-Dec 18, various venues and times, $50 Urbtix. Inquiries:  2734 2900

The Loneliness of the Long Distance Runner

Filmmaker Tony Richardson's tale of a working-class boy sent to reform school who finds a talent for long-distance running. Starring Tom Courtenay  and Michael Redgrave.  Today, 4.30pm, HK Film Archive, 50 Lei King Rd, Sai Wan Ho. Dec 16, Lecture Hall, 10 Salisbury Rd, TST. $50 Urbtix. Inquiries: 2734 2900

A Kind of Loving

Director John Schlesinger's  semi-documentary on the illusions of love. Working-class Vic Brown (Alan Bates) marries his pregnant girlfriend, so he can do the right thing. Today,  7.30pm, HK Film Archive, 50 Lei King Rd, Sai Wan Ho. Dec 17, 9.15pm, Hong Kong Space Museum, Lecture Hall,  10 Salisbury Rd, TST. $50 Urbtix. Inquiries: 2734 2900

MACAU

Treasures from the Gilded Cabinet Historic Documents from China

Royal collections of the Qing Dynasty includes documents, calligraphy, essays and other treasures from the dynasties of Tang, Yuan, Ming and Qing. Tue-Sun, 10am-6pm, Macau Museum, Praceta do Museu de Macao, No. 112, 8-15 patacas Inquiries: (853) 357 911 Starts on Thu

Romantic Classic Series Concert 2

Everlasting Violin

Hungarian conductor Andras Ligeti  and violinist Marco Rizzi  join the Macau Orchestra for a night of romantic music. Fri, 8pm, Small Auditorium, Macau Cultural Centre, Av. Xian Xing Hai, 60-180 patacas. Inquiries: (853) 555 555 or www.icm.gov.mo.

Urban Skin

From traditional exhibits to electronic billboards, street signs, lamp boxes and road surfaces, Macau and Shenzhen artists find new ways to interpret metropolitan living. Daily, 10am-7pm, Avenida do Conselheiro Ferreira de Almeida, No 95, free. Inquiries: (853) 335 140 or www.macauart.net End Jan 15

National

BEIJING

Swan Lake

The National Academic Ballet Theatre of the Republic of Belarus performs the classic ballet. Tomorrow-Tue, 7.30pm, Beijing Exhibition Theatre, No 135 Xizhimenwai Street, Xicheng District, 80-880 yuan. Inquiries: (86 10) 6417 7845 or www.piao.com.cn

Luciano Pavarotti  Farewell Concert

The Italian tenor performs.  Sat, 7.30pm, Capital Gymnasium,  No 5 Baishiqiao Xizhimenwai,

Xicheng District, 380-2,680 yuan. Inquiries: (86 10) 6417 7845 or www.piao.com.cn

Michael Bolton in Concert

The Grammy award-winning American pop singer performs.  Dec 14, 7.30pm, Capital Gymnasium, No 5 Baishiqiao Xizhimenwai, Xicheng District, 120-1,500 yuan.

Shanghai

Luciano Pavarotti Farewell Tour

The Italian tenor performs. Tue, 7.30pm, Shanghai Grand Stage, Shanghai Stadium, Caoxi Bei Lu 1111, 500-3,200 yuan. Inquiries:  (86 21) 6374 8445

Two Asias, Two Europes

International contemporary art exhibition involving artists such as Qu Yan  and Jin Jiangbo  (China), Roger Bourke  (UK), Annik Larsson  (Sweden) and Lee Joong-keun  (Korea) who explore the continents' historical and societal similarities. Tue-Sun, 10am-6pm, Shanghai Duolun Museum of Modern Art, No 27 Duolun Rd, 5, 10 yuan. Inquiries: www.duolunart.org Ends Dec 28

TAIPEI

NSO Shostakovich Cycle V

Grammy-nominated violinist Robert McDuffie accompanies conductor Kek-Tjiang Lim  and the National Symphony Orchestra in a programme including Shostakovich's Symphony No 1. Sat, 2.30pm, CKS Memorial Hall, NT$300-1,500 Inquiries: www.artsticket.com.tw  or (88 62) 3392 9888

Pursuing Good Fortune: Taiwanese Folk Cultural Artefacts The exhibition explores a common thread among Taiwan's diverse religious groups. Tue-Sun, 10am-5pm, Museum of World Religions. 7F, 236 Zhong-shan  Rd, Yonghe, NT$150. Inquiries: www.mwr.org.tw or (88 62) 8231 6118. Ends Feb 10

REGIONAL

BANGKOK

Blackhead and Joey Boy

The hard rocker Blackhead teams up with Thailand's godfather of  rap, Joey Boy.  Tue, 8pm, Heineken Beer Park, Central World Plaza, Ratchaprasong, free. Inquiries: www.heinekenthai.com

King Carl

DJ Carl drops  techno with a funky flavour. Thu, 9pm, Club Astra, Royal City Avenue, 900 baht (includes one drink). Inquiries: (662) 662 5272 or www.club-astra.com

Louie Louie

He has been dubbed the Miles Davis of dance music for constantly reinventing himself. His  house album Nuyorican Soul revitalised the careers of Roy Ayers,  George Benson  and Tito Puente. Dec 11, 9pm, Flix, Royal City Avenue, Rama 9 Rd, 600 baht, 700 baht (door). Inquiries: (662) 203 0377

Eve Shaw Scottish artist and photographer uses a Polaroid camera to capture familiar objects in an often strange and disturbing light. Tue-Sun, 9.30am-4pm, Rotunda Gallery, The Neilson Hays Library, Surawongse Road, free. Inquiries: (662) 233 1731  Ends Dec 29

Singapore

Carlo Curley in Concert

One of the world's foremost concert organists plays seasonal classics like Under the Christmas Mistletoe  and Noel Suisse.  Thu,  7.30pm, Esplanade Concert Hall,  1 Esplanade Drive, $10-$25. Inquiries: (65) 6348 5555 or www.sistic.com

Gidon Kremer  and  Kremerata Baltica

Latvian violinist Gidon Kremer plays with his chamber orchestra the Kremerata Baltica.  Fri,  7.30pm, Esplanade Concert Hall, S$30-$120. Inquiries: www.sistic.com

Lexus Cup 2005

The  ladies team golf event will pit 12  international players against 12 leading players from Asia in a President's Cup-style match.  Fri,  9.30am, Tanah Merah Country Club, 153 Xilin Avenue, S$20-$50. Inquiries: www.sistic.com

ZoukOut Singapore 2005

Outdoor beach party and music festival returns for its fifth year, with acts including World Number 3 DJ Armin Van Buuren,  Way Out West's Nick Warren. and techno wizard Sven Vath. Sat, 8pm-8am, Siloso Beach, Sentosa, S$38. Inquiries: www.sistic.com

Tokyo

Ben E. King

American soul singer known for the song Stand by Me, performs today, 5pm and 8pm; Cotton Club, Marunouchi, 8,925 yen. Inquiries: (81 3) 3215 1555

Weezer

US alternative rock band play  Dec 20-22, 7pm, Studio Coast, Shin-Kiba 2-2-10, 6,800 yen. Inquiries: Creativeman (81 3) 5466 0777

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,

e-mail totallyhk@scmp.com



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