For Your Diary: what’s on in Hong Kong for January

A brand new year is officially here… which can only mean a whole new load of events, exhibitions, shows and concerts to load into your diary! Come check out our top selection of what’s happening in the ‘Kong this month…

Happy Birthday HK Phil!
It’s the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra’s 40^th Anniversary, and they’ve got a special Heritage Concert to celebrate. With former music director David Atherton and pianist Chen Sa making a triumphant return, you can expect some beautiful Beethoven and Tchaikovsky pieces to celebrate the orchestra’s 40 great years of HK music-making. Don’t miss this one if you’re a classical music fan!

When: 10 & 11 January, 8pm
Where: Hong Kong City Hall Concert Hall, 5 Edinburgh Place, Central, Hong Kong
How much: $16o-480; tickets available via www.urbtix.hk, 2111 5999

Puppet power!
Australia’s premier contemporary puppet theatre, Terrapin Puppet Theatre, is coming to Hong Kong with their Sleeping Horses Lie show – a different night out to put in your diary! Ideal for the young (or simply the young of heart!), this light-hearted, energetic show featuring innovative puppet technology will definitely fire up the imagination.

When: 10-12 January, 8pm
Where: Cultural Activities Hall, 3 Tuen Hi Road, Tuen Mun Town Hall; Auditorium, North District Town Hall, 2 Lung Wan Street, Sheung Shui; Auditorium Tai Po Civic Centre, 12 On Pong Road, Tai Po, Hong Kong
How much: $130-180; tickets available via www.urbtix.hk, 2111 5999

Make a difference
Have you heard of MaD (Make a Difference)? Founded by the Hong Kong Institute of Contemporary Culture, MaD aims to inspire creativity, compassion and collaboration in young people in Hong Kong. They’ve got a great ethos that we love here at Sassy, so if you’re interested in finding out more about what they’re up to, you should check out the annual MaD 2014: The Fifth Direction. This two-and-a-half day event features talks from interesting change-makers and interactive activities, including the founder of The Issue (take a look at the full list of speakers here) – so get involved and get inspired!

When: 10-12 January
Where: Hong Kong Kwai Tsing Theatre, 12 Hing Ning Road, Kwai Fong, Hong Kong
How much: $550-$1,800; see here for further ticket details and to register

Hear me roar
The World Luminous Dragon Dance & Lion Dance Championships 2014 is happening this January in the ‘Kong! That’s right, our favourite Hong Kong traditional cultural entertainment is getting competitive, in a showdown of cymbal banging, dragon dancing and a whole lot of colour and sound! This should be a great one to take out-of-towners to, for a unique taste of our city’s cultural heritage.

When: 11 January, 1pm & 12 January, 7pm
Where: Hong Kong Coliseum, 9 Cheong Wan Road, Hung Hom, Hong Kong
How much: $10-150; tickets available via www.urbtix.hk, 2111 5999

You’re beautiful…
Everyone’s favourite Brit crooner, James Blunt, is coming to Hong Kong to perform songs from his new album, Moon Landing. Gracing the stage of the Asia-World Expo, this is your prime opportunity to get to know his new stuff as well as singing along to his best cheesiest hits likes You’re Beautiful, Goodbye My Lover and Wisemen. One for the romantics!

When: 12 January, 8pm
Where: Asia-World Expo Arena, 1/F, Asiaworld Expo, Chek Lap Kok, Lantau Island, Hong Kong
How much: $580, $780 & $980; tickets available via www.hkticketing.com, 3128 8288

Designer threads
Hong Kong fashion fans, we’ve got a treat for you – the legend that is Eddie Lau has a fantastic exhibition dedicated to his designs at the Hong Kong Heritage Museum, and you’ve only got one week left to catch it before it’s gone! This vast fashion collection includes Eddie’s own archive of designs, sketches and photographs, as well as fabulous stage costumes and haute couture gowns created for the likes of Anita Mui and Michelle Yeoh. His influence on Cantopop, the local fashion scene and Hong Kong culture is evident in this comprehensive exhibition… so come have a gander for some HK fashion inspiration!

When: Until 13 January, closed Tuesdays
Where: Thematic Galleries 1 & 2, Hong Kong Heritage Museum, 1 Man Lam Road, Sha Tin, Hong Kong
How much: $10, free on Wednesdays

Ready, set, style!
This is one for the fashionistas… Asia’s biggest fashion event, HKTDC Hong Kong Fashion Week & World Boutique, is back for the 45^th time. With around 1,500 exhibitors from 15 different countries and regions and 560 world-renowned fashion brands, this fair is sure to have all the latest AW trends for you to eye up! In addition to areas dedicated to denim, jewellery and menswear, there are also three new zones (Activewear, Packaging & Design, and Wool & Cashmere) to offer up even more fashion variety for all you trendsetters. Don’t forget to check out the Hong Kong Young Fashion Designers’ Contest 2014 catwalk to get a sneak peek at some of the new upcoming creative talent our city has to offer. Work it, baby!

When: 13-16 January
Where: Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, 1 Expo Drive, Wan Chai, Hong Kong
How much: Free entry

The Sevens are coming!
It seems like the Hong Kong Rugby Sevens were only here ten minutes ago… but believe it or not, ticket registration has already started for the 2014 tournament! This year, only 3000 tickets are being made available to HK residents for each day of play, so make sure you put your name in the public ballot here before it’s too late!

When: Ticket registration ends 15 January, 5pm
Where: Hong Kong Stadium, 55 Hospital Road, Son Kon Po, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong
How much: $200 or $650, register for the public ballot here

Chamber fans
If you’re a chamber music fan, then you’ll be excited for the 5th Hong Kong International Chamber Music Festival! Showcasing some of the best chamber music ever written, this is the place to come to if you want to listen to top-class music performed to the highest international standard. With a number of different concerts to catch, don’t miss this wonderful musical and cultural event that celebrates master musicians and their talent.

When: 15-23 January, see full schedule here
Where: Concert Hall, Hong Kong City Hall, 5 Edinburgh Place, Central, Hong Kong
How much: $120-800; tickets available here

Young at heart
ABA Productions are bringing us the third annual KidsFest, the largest English theatre festival for children in Hong Kong! It might say it’s just for kids… but who doesn’t love the adorable hairy Gruffalo, the hilarious antics of the Horrible Histories gang or the touching story of Private Peaceful? If you know any little ones or just fancy getting in touch with your inner big kid, check out this whole season of fantastic book adaptations, brought to life on stage.

When: 15 January-16 February; see full schedule here
Where: Drama Theatre, Hong Kong Academy of Performing Arts, 1 Gloucester Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong
How much: $195-355; tickets available via www.hkticketing.com, 3128 8288

Risen from the ashes
Grammy award-winning French band Phoenix are performing in HK for one day only! If you’re a fan of these alternative rockers (who headlined Coachella last year), then you can’t miss this one-off concert at Asia World-Expo. Rock on!

When: 19 January, 7pm
Where: Hall 10, AsiaWorld-Expo, Lantau Island, Hong Kong
How much: $780; tickets available via www.hkticketing.com, 3128 8288

So good at being in trouble
Another one night only concert for you musos – American-New Zealand band Unknown Mortal Orchestra will be playing in HK! If you like alternative indie-rock and are looking for a place to chill out, then head over to Grappa’s Cellar for this cool gig.

When: 21 January, 8pm
Where: Grappa’s Cellar, Jardine House, 1 Connaught Place, Central, Hong Kong
How much: $300 including one drink; tickets available here

Thick as thieves
Looking for a night at the theatre that’s criminally good? Then check out Den Of Thieves, which tells of the story of smalltime shoplifter Maggie and her ragtag criminal crew who decide to plan the heist of their lives… and what happens when they get caught! This screwball comedy is certain to bring in a few laughs this January.

When: 22-25 January, 8pm (plus 2pm Saturday matinee)
Where: McAulay Studio, Hong Kong Arts Centre, 2 Harbour Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong
How much: $220; tickets available via www.urbtix.hk, 2111 5999

Time to say goodbye
World famous classical music crossover artist, Sarah Brightman, is hitting up the stage in Hong Kong with her new Dreamchaser World Tour this January. The only artist to have simultaneously topped both the Billboard dance and classical music charts, and with over 30 million records sold worldwide, this is one concert you won’t want to miss! We’re waiting for that angelic voice to belt out Time to Say Goodbye… sniff, sniff!

When: 23 January, 8pm
Where: Asia-World Expo Arena, 1/F, Asiaworld Expo, Chek Lap Kok, Lantau Island, Hong Kong
How much: $580, $780 & $1180; tickets available via www.hkticketing.com, 3128 8288

You’ve been tango-ed
Divino Tango is a passionate performance by two dance superstars that will bring the magic of the Argentine Tango right here to HK! Tango duo Erica Boaglio and Adrian Aragon not only perform exquisitely, but they also created, choreographed and directed this elegant and sensuous production too (talk about multi-talented!) – perfect for bringing a shot of hot fiery passion into these cold January days, we reckon!

When: 23 & 24 January, 8.15pm; 26 January, 4pm
Where: Auditorium, Tsuen Wan Town Hall, 72 Tai Ho Road, Tsuen Wan (23-24 Jan); Auditorium, Tuen Mun Town Hall, 3 Tuen Hi Road, Tuen Mun (26 Jan)
How much: $140-300; tickets available via www.urbtix.hk, 2111 5999

Flower power
One of my mum’s favourite things to do is go to Victoria Park and spend hours gazing at, choosing and buying various plants and flowers for the New Year. Kick off 2014 with an auspicious blossom or two, or simply spruce up your home with some flowery touches from the Lunar New Year Flower Markets 2014. From bright purple orchids to twisty bamboo sticks (and plenty of horse shaped cuddly toys for the new Chinese Zodiac Year!), all the colours and greenery are sure to put a smile on your face. Brave the crowds on the last day to snag yourself some green-fingered bargains!

When: 25-31 January, noon-midnight
Where: Fifteen parks and playgrounds all over Hong Kong including Victoria Park in Causeway Bay, Hong Kong Island and Fa Hui Park in Mong Kok, Kowloon.
How much: Free!

What’s up, Doc?
Now this is the kind of orchestra we like to see! Bugs Bunny and his Looney Tunes friends are infiltrating the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra for one night only, with the Warner Bros presents Bugs Bunny at the Symphony 2 concert! A collection of hilarious Looney Tunes cartoons, starring the one and only Bugs, will be projected onto the big screen, accompanied by the original music scores performed by a live orchestra. Cartoons just got a whole lot more sophisticated!

When: 28 & 29 January, 8pm
Where: Hong Kong Cultural Centre Concert Hall, 10 Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong
How much: $140-400; tickets available via www.urbtix.hk, 2111 5999

Starting over
If you haven’t seen local artist Vivian Ho’s exhibition, We Could Start Over, you’re in luck – because it lasts until the end of the month! This is a great Hong Kong exhibition that features works depicting our city’s vibrant energy and the everyday life of us HKers. Inspired by filmmaker Wong Kar Wei, Ho captures the erratic emotions and surreal aesthetic of his films using painterly techniques that create an almost nostalgic feel.

When: Until 30 January, Tues–Fri 10am-7pm, Sat 11am-7pm; closed on Sundays and Mondays
Where: Artify Gallery, 10F, Block A, Ming Po Industrial Centre, 18 Ka Yip Street, Chai Wan, Hong Kong
How much: Free entry

Galloping through
We’re only just recovering from New Years Eve, and it’s already time to think about New Year’s number two… Chinese New Year! 2014 is the Year Of The Horse and it’s time for the annual International Chinese New Year Night Parade to celebrate. Thousands of spectators will be lining the streets of TST for some fabulous cultural performances, flamboyant parades and a giant street party… fun! P.S. Keep an eye out for Sassy’s Chinese New Year roundup of all HK’s hottest horsey happenings nearer the time!

When: 31 January
Where: Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong
How much: Free to attend (or watch on tv!)

Sound and vision
Videotage, Asia’s Media Art Organisation, is presenting a cool exhibition by Kenny Wong called Squint – a kinetic light installation consisting of 50 mirrors that’s sure to create some interesting plays on light. Amongst the flickers and shimmers, you can also catch audio recreations of the sounds of Kowloon City, thanks to sound artist Dennis Wong; with additional workshops and guided tours also available, this looks set to be a great way to get involved with a different kind of art.

When: Until 31 January, 12-7pm; performance 18 January, 7.15-8.30pm
Where: Videotage, Unit 13, Cattle Depot Artist Village, 63 Ma Tau Kok Road, To Kwa Wan, Hong Kong
How much: Free entry

Framed!
If you haven’t heard of Ai Wei Wei, where have you been hiding?! This controversial artist from China has curated a fantastic exhibition, Framed: Ai Wei Wei and Hong Kong Artists at the coolest art (and recent Michelin star winning!) venue in town, Duddell’s. Don’t miss the opportunity to see work from fantastic Hong Kong artists and a few contributions from the man himself in this cohesive and thought-provoking exhibition.

When: Until 15 February
Where: The Salon, Duddell’s, Levels 3 & 4, Shanghai Tang Mansion, 1 Duddell Street, Central, Hong Kong
How much: Free entry