If you want to know more about the work of local contemporary artist Hon Chi-fun, do stop by the University Museum and Art Gallery at Hong Kong University on 24 January. Local artist and art educator Choi Yan-chi will conduct a guided tour in English where you will learn more about this charismatic self taught painter. Not to be missed, and it’s free.
In 1940’s, the Cantonese musicians introduced various Western instruments like violin, xylophone, saxophone and guitar. This type of westernized music with infusion of jazz element is called ‘Spirit Music’ and got popular in teahouses, dance halls and nightclubs at the time. There were so-called ‘Four Kings of Spirit Music’, namely Wan Chi-chung (violin), Lui Man-shing (yuehu), Ho Tai-so (electric guitar) and Ching Ngok-wai (jazz drums). Take a trip down memory lane in this concert A Tribute to Wan Chi-chung, Guiding Light in Cantonese Saloon Music in Hong Kong on 21 February at Yau Ma Tei Theatre and hear this music for yourself, tickets from URBTIX.
The Hong Kong Arts Festival kicks into high gear this week with the American Ballet Theatre. Not just a ballet company but a collaboration of dedicated, passionate people who come together to ensure commitment to the best in dance and movement is upheld, and available to all who seek it out.
In Dance Gala, Brace yourself for the thrill of the Asian premiere of Symphony #9, a new work by Alexei Ratmansky, ABT’s artist-in-residence and the world’s leading ballet choreographer today. Look out also for José Limón’s stylised and tension-filled take on Shakespeare’s Othello in The Moor’s Pavane and Mark Morris’ witty and virtuosic Drink to Me Only With Thine Eyes. Be captivated by the pas de deux from Balanchine’s Stars and Stripes, a spirited work with tongue-in-cheek humour, set to John Philip Sousa’s exhilarating 
marches, along with Black Swan pas de deux from Swan Lake. Dance Gala: Programme 1 on 21 February, Dance Gala: Programme 2 on 22 & 23 February at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre, tickets from URBTIX.
Then check out Sir Kenneth MacMillan’s Romeo and Juliet, arguably the best known and most beloved dance version of this enduring Shakespeare romantic tragedy. Visually sumptuous and rich in character, nuance and sensuality, this rendition to Sergei Prokofiev‘s score is regarded as one of ABT’s grandest productions. 27 February to 3 March at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre, tickets from URBTIX.
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