The Hong Kong Arts Festival 2013 is coming to the Asian metropolis next month. CNN reported that it will feature 145 performances.
However, with the popularity of the festival, 85 percent of seats are sold out.
The festival launched in 1973 and is a major annual festival. "Each year the Festival offers a broad spectrum of programmes, ranging from classical fare to cutting-edge productions. In 2012, the Festival presented over 1,500 artists in over 170 performances, including 12 world premieres and 10 Asian premieres," says the festival's website.
The Hong Kong Arts Festival showcases a spectrum of events and has a selection of concerts, ballet, orchestras, opera, dance and more.
"Highlights of the Festival are Viva Verdi, La Traviata and II Marito Disperato (The Desperate Husband) by San Carlo Theatre, Naples; Dance Gala and Romeo & Juliet by American Ballet Theatre," reports Discoverhongkong.com.
The festival's website states that there are close to 100 Festival PLUS programs are organized annually and include "lecture demonstrations, masterclasses, workshops, symposia, backstage visits, exhibitions, meet-the-artist sessions, play-reading, guided tours, film screenings and other events."
They take place in multiple venues including bookstores, parks, churches, malls and even street alleys in Hong Kong.
"The Festival also puts considerable effort and resources into promoting young people's interest in the arts. Launched in 1992, its Young Friends (YFS) has in the past two decades reached out to nearly 650,000 students and about 120,000 Young Friends members. YFS members enjoy special access to Festival events and performances, together with year round activities," says the festival website.
Some highlights include The Australian Chamber Orchestra throwing a live concert to accompany the film premiere of "The Reef" in Hong Kong. That occurs on March 16th at the Hong Kong City Hall Concert Hall.
A concert to celebrate Benjamin Britten's 100th birthday will take place at the Nan Lian Garden. Britten,an English composer passed away in 1976 and the concert will feature pieces such as "The Company of heaven" and "Serenade for Tenor." The Nan Lian Garden is beautiful and part of the Chi Lin Nunnery where patrons can enjoy a vegetarian meal before the show.
"The Festival is a non-profit organization. About 30% of its annual income is covered by government funding, about 40% by box office revenue, and the remaining 30% comes from sponsorships and donations from corporations, individuals, and charitable foundations," states the festival's website.
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