HONOURING ART IN HONG KONG
The 42nd annual Hong Kong Arts Festival will be held this year from February 18 to March 22. Launched in 1973, the Festival has grown to be reputed as one of Asia’s premier cultural festivals, attracting some of the world’s best artists and performers, from classical arts to never-before-seen productions. Last year’s Festival saw over 1,500 artists in some 140 performances – including opera, music, theatre and dance – from both overseas artists as well as from Hong Kong’s very own creative talents.
This year’s exciting line-up includes the Savonlinna Opera Festival from Finland, performing Lohengrin by Richard Wagner; Cantonese opera performances of The Gilded Fan and Wu Song the Tiger Killer, featuring emerging talents mentored by the original productions’ veteran artists; and the London Symphony Orchestra, widely considered as one of the world’s top orchestras. In addition to these performances, the Hong Kong Arts Festival also organises Festival PLUS programmes, which aim to bring artists and audiences closer together. Lecture demonstrations, workshops, symposia, backstage visits, film screenings and other events are held in performance venues and community locations across Hong Kong. For more information, visit www.hk.artsfestival.org/en/
HIGH FASHION FUN IN MELBOURNE
From March 17-23, fashionistas from all over the world will gather in Australia’s fashion capital for the annual Melbourne Fashion Festival, hosted this year for the first time by Virgin Australia. Every year, the Festival showcases some of the country’s most renowned designers as well as emerging talents.
Festival highlights include the National Graduate Showcase, an exciting runway presentation that allows guests a rare chance to see the work of Australia’s newest and brightest minds. Each year, the most promising graduates from the nation’s top design schools are hand-picked to present their original collections.
This year’s Marketing Breakfast explores the concept of sensory branding. Guest speakers include Dawn and Samantha Goldworm of 12.29 and Craig Smith, the Brand Communication Director of Ted Baker U.K.
This year’s festival also sees the introduction of the Grand Showcase, which celebrates Australia’s most successful and internationally renowned designers. This year’s debut of the Grand Showcase will feature Camilla Franks and her “And God Created Woman” collection, which should deliver her striking signature style in a vibrant and opulent one-off show. For more information, visit www.vamff.com.au
