bodyType

customContents

entityId

entityUuid

articlePageQuery

filter

article

articleBaseAdvertisingInfoArticle

articleListArticle

articleSeoArticle

helpersCheckIsPostiesArticle

hooksArticleAcknowledgementGateOverlayArticle

hooksTrackPageViewArticle

hooksContentInterestArticle

articleLinkingDataContent

articleSchemaContent

liveArticle

advertZone

sentiment

contentLock

topics

types

sections

moreOnThisArticles

urlAlias

commentCount

sponsorType

authorLocations

authors

paywallTypes

corrections

displaySlideShow

multimediaEmbed

printHeadline

seriesContainer

socialHeadline

headline

flag

firstTopic

glossary

flattenTypeIds

publishedDate

additionalInfoBoxes

images

image

relatedLinks

relatedNewsletters

__typename

createdDate

sponsor

factSheets

series

disableOffPlatformContent

published

updatedDate

summary

subHeadline

body

keywords

copyrighted

customTimezone

liveContents

SCMP Reporter

Exhibitions

Mark Roberts - Chinese Temples and the Sea

The artist paints watercolours of temples around Hong Kong and Cheung Chau, plus coastal waters and seascapes. Today-tomorrow, 10am-7pm, Rotunda, Exchange Square, Central. Inquiries:  2817 8464. Ends tomorrow

EDITOR'S PICK

The Land Gives Me Rice, Rice Gives Me Life

To raise awareness of food safety and sustainable agriculture work in the mainland, Greenpeace China presents a photography exhibition of landscapes, everyday village life, traditional festivals and powerful portraits by five rice farmers from Yunnan province. Proceeds go to charity. Today-Sat, noon- 7pm, State-of-the-Arts Gallery, G/F, 194 Hollywood Rd, Sheung Wan. Inquiries: 2526 1133.  Ends Sat

Hong Kong and China Trade Pictures c.1830-1931

Collection of oils, watercolours gouache paintings, lithographs and engravings by Chinese and western artists. Today-Sat, 10.30am-6pm, Wattis Fine Art, 2/F, 20 Hollywood Rd, Central. Inquiries: 2524 5302. Ends Sat

Travelling Through 3700 Years

Kinsan Chung, whose works have been exhibited at the Hong Kong Art Biennial Exhibition, creates a world of ancient times from the Shang dynasty to Hong Kong 40 years ago. Today-Sat, 10am-7pm, Wan Fung, G/F Cityplaza Three, Taikoo Shing. Inquiries: 2736 9623. Ends Sat

Mystique

Vibrant glass art by Janice Yeung, who was a semi-finalist of the Philippe Charriol Foundation 20th Anniversary Art Competition. Today-Sat, 12.30pm-7.30pm,  TOO Art Gallery, Shop B, 2/F  HK Arts Centre, 2 Harbour Rd, Wan Chai. Inquiries: 2834 0123. Ends Sat

EDITOR'S PICK

Immagini dalla Toscana

Massimo Cruciani, known as the Craftsman of Colour, reinterprets medieval architecture with misty-toned colours in glass art paintings. Mon-Sat, noon-8pm, Economist Gallery, Fringe Club, Lower Albert Rd, Central. Inquiries: 2505 1011.  Ends Dec 27

Body Gesture: Part Two

Artist Ho Siu-kee  explores the body and its gestures through sculpture. Daily, 10am-8pm, Pao Gallery, 4-5/F  HK Arts Centre, 2 Harbour Rd, Wan Chai. Inquiries: www.hkac.org.hk Ends Dec 28

Gallery Soho

The gallery's (formerly John Batten Gallery) inaugural exhibition featuring three dimensional artwork pieces from local Asian and European artists, who work in marble, stone, bronze and other metals, plus porcelain by Jakie Koon-Ming Leung. Opening reception today, 6.30pm-8.30pm. Wed-Sat, noon-6pm, Gallery Soho, 64 Peel St, Central. Inquiries: 2530 9122. Ends Dec 30

Fragments - A Visual Reflection

Xue Song's paintings of calligraphy and famous personalities.

Mon-Sat, 10am-7pm, Sun, noon-6.30pm, Galerie du Monde, 328 Pacific Place, 88 Queensway. Inquiries: 2525 0529. Ends Jan 3

Herbarium Amoris

Exhibition by Swedish photographer Edvard Koinberg in memory of botanist Carl Linnaeus (1707-1778), who became famous for classifying flora and fauna. Daily, 9am-5pm, HK Park Conservatory, 19 Cotton Tree Drive, Central. Inquiries:

2521 1212. Ends Jan 4

Purple Series

The finalist of the 2003/2004 Sovereign Contemporary Asian Art Competition, Zhang Lin Hai, paints oils of a post-industrial arid wasteland depicting bald children in desolation, fear and sadness. Opening reception today, 6.30pm-8.30pm. Schoeni Art Gallery, 21-31 Old Bailey St, Central. Inquiries: 2869 8802.  Ends Jan 17

Venice Biennale International Architecture Exhibition

Eight Hong Kong works return from the Venice Biennale, including a video installation, walk-through tunnel, documentaries and reconstruction of common objects. Mon-Sat, 10am-6pm, (closed Thu), Sat-Sun and public holidays, 10am-7pm, HK Heritage Discovery Centre, Kowloon Park, TST. Inquiries: 2006@videotage.org.hk  Ends Feb 21

Winter 06/07

Featuring Bessmertny Konstantin, Caroline Cheng's miniature porcelain butterflies, Billy Lee's bronzes, Su Cheng's multilayered images on canvas, Danwen Xing's photographs of maquettes and Korean American artist Larry Yung. Wed-Fri, 11am-7pm, Amelia Johnson Contemporary, G/F 6-10 Shin Hing St, Central. Inquiries: 2548 2286. Ends Feb 24

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

Performing ArtsHong Kong Arts Festival

With advance sales breaking records and some shows already sold out, counter booking begins for performances starting on  Feb 27. Various venues and times. Inquiries: www.hk.artsfestival.org

Magnificat & Spanish Delights

Hong Kong Oratorio Society performs its Golden Jubilee Concert series with soloists

Petrus Cheung, Sam Kan, Ruth Lau, Edith Shih and Penny Chan in a programme including Bach's Magnificat in D, The Little Drummer Boy, White Christmas and carols. Accompanied by

the Singapore International

School Choir and the Shenzhen Symphony Orchestra. For

ages six and above. Today, 8pm, HK Cultural Centre, 10 Salisbury Rd, TST, HK$60-HK$160 Urbtix. Inquiries: 9463 5217

Coco's Lunch

Performance by award-winning Australian a cappella group with five female singers. Today, Sun, Dec 21-25, 2.15pm, 3pm, 6.45pm; also at various other times tomorrow-Dec 26. Oval Atrium, Level 1, IFC Mall, 8 Finance St, Central, free. Inquiries:  2295 3308

EDITOR'S PICK

Nocturnal Vista

Theatre du Pif presents a production based on Franz

Kafka's Metamorphosis.  In English with Chinese surtitles. Tomorrow-Sat, 8pm (Sat also at 3pm), Sun,

5pm, HK Cultural Centre,

Studio Theatre, 10 Salisbury Rd,

TST, HK$100, HK$160 Urbtix.  Inquiries: 2268 7323

Yan Liangkun & HKCO

Eighty-three-year old Yan Liangkun conducts the Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra in a programme of works by Peng Xiuwen and Guo Wenjing. Pipa musician Zhang Qiang accompanies. Tomorrow-Sat, 8pm, HK City Hall, Concert Hall, Edinburgh Place, Central, HK$100-HK$220. Inquiries: 3185 1679

Testimony

City Contemporary Dance Company collaborates with three-time Hong Kong Dance Alliance award winner Helen Lai, actor Lee Chun-chow and pianist Nancy Loo in dance theatre inspired by the life and music of composer  Dmitri Shostakovich. Tomorrow-Sat, 8pm, Kwai Tsing Theatre,  12 Hing Ning Rd, Kwai Chung, HK$120-HK$220 Urbtix.  Inquiries: 2329 7803

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. Tomorrow-Dec 18, 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. Tomorrow-Sat,  Dec 19-21, Dec 23-25, 7.30pm; (Sat-Sun and Dec 23-26 also at 2.30pm), HK Cultural Centre, Grand Theatre, 10 Salisbury Rd, TST, HK$100-HK$300 Urbtix. Inquiries: 2105 9724

EDITOR'S PICK

Marionettentheater

Schloss Schonbrunn

The  Viennese puppeteersbring a fantasy world of marionettes to life with Mozart's A Little Night Music and Johann Strauss' Danube Maid. Tomorrow, 8pm, Yuen Long Theatre, 9 Yuen Long Tai Yuk Rd. For ages three and above. Sat, 8pm, Sun 3pm, HK City Hall, Theatre, Edinburgh Place, Central, HK$90-HK$170 Urbtix.  Inquiries: 2268 7323

EDITOR'S PICK

Dynamic Korea -

We Love Hong Kong

As part of the Asia Ethnic Cultural Performances series, five performances group highlight Korean culture by staging traditional dance (Chongdong Theatre), music (Hanmaeum Samulnori), fusion percussion (Puripae Performing Art Group), martial arts (Korea National Taekwondo Demonstration

Team) and break dance (Gambler Crew). Sun, 2.30pm-5pm, HK Cultural Centre, Piazza, 10 Salisbury Rd, TST, free. Inquiries: 2591 1340

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. Dec 20, Sha Tin Town Hall, 1 Yuen Wo Rd, Sha Tin. Dec 21, HK City Hall, Concert Hall, Edinburgh Place, Central. Shows at 8pm.  HK$100-HK$250 Urbtix.

Inquiries: 2268 7321

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

Magic Beyond Belief by The Spencers

Known as the modern day Houdinis, Kevin and Cindy Spencer from the US combine theatrical elements with illusions, audience interaction, music and stage magic. Acts include Split  Personality, Rope Escape, Mind  Control and The Levitation.  Dec 25-28, various venues, 8pm, HK$90-HK$160 Urbtix.  Inquiries: 2268 7323

Oliver!

The Hong Kong Chorus Society present the original Broadway musical, adapted from Dicken's novel Oliver Twist 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

Tweaksters

The duo of Regan Patno and Julia Snyder from the US dance and jump around the stage in an array of skilful feats of strength and balance using flower pots, ropes and pipes. Dec 29, Tuen Mun Town Hall, 72 Tai Ho Rd, Tsuen Wan. Dec 30, Sheung Wan Civic Centre, 5/F, Sheung Wan Municipal Services Bldg, 345 Queen's Rd, Central. Dec 31, Sha Tin Town Hall, 1 Yuen Wo Rd, Sha Tin. Shows at 8pm. HK$80-HK$140 Urbtix. Inquiries: 2268 7323

Extra-curricular

EDITOR'S PICK

Postcolonial 'Imagined Communities'

David Wong and Stefan White give an anthropological talk on Singapore and Hong Kong, and how their history as former British colonies may attract cultural or heritage tourists. In English. Today, 7pm, HK Museum of History, G/F, Lecture Theatre, 100 Chatham Road South, TST East, free. Inquiries: 6010 0364

English-Speaking Union

The charity organisation offers a language clinic for English language problems. By appointment only. Today, 6.30pm-8.30pm, G04 The Center, 99 Queen's Rd, Central, HK$75 (members), HK$90. Inquiries: 2186 8449 (call between 9am-noon)

or esuhk@netvigator.com

EDITOR'S PICK

45th Christmas Wedding Expo

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

Nury Vittachi Book Signing

The author of the Feng Shui Detective series and Mr Jam children stories signs his books, The Shanghai Union of Industrial Mystics and Twilight in the Land of Nowhen. Sat, 2pm-4pm, Bookazine, Princes Bldg, 10 Chater Rd, Central, free. Inquiries: www.jam100.com

Young engineers' party

Joint Christmas party with a back-to-the '70s theme, dance and games by the Association of Engineering Professional in Society, the Hong Kong Women Teachers' Organisation, Institution of Civil Engineers Young Members Committee and the Institution of Engineering and Technology Hong Kong. Sat, 8pm-midnight, Rama's Greens, Shop 1, 1/F the Sanlitun, 28 Harbour Rd, Wan Chai, HK$250, includes drinks and snacks. Inquiries: 2006.xmas@gmail.com

Urbtix: 2734 9009

Urbtix/CityLine credit- card booking: 2111 5999

Fringe: 2521 7251

CityLine: 2317 6666

HK Ticketing: 3128 8288

Please e-mail performances and events to listings@scmp.com



Arts