The 37th Hong Kong Arts Festival 2009 officially opens today Over 88% of all seats already sold
Febuary 06th, 2009
The Hong Kong Arts Festival (HKAF) is pleased to announce that the 37th HKAF opens today with a performance of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra under the baton of maestro Bernard Haitink. Response to the Festival has been exceptionally strong: over 50% of all performances are sold out. As a result of demand, three extra performances have been added. As of today more than 88% of tickets for the 121 performances are sold. Ticket sales will continue during the Festival period, from 6 February to 8 March 2009*.
The opening ceremony of the 37th Hong Kong Arts Festival was held at 7:40pm today on the 4th floor of the Hong Kong Cultural Centre. The Honourable Mr Donald Tsang, the Chief Executive of the HKSAR and Patron of the Hong Kong Arts Festival, officiated at the opening ceremony together with Mr Charles Lee, GBS, JP, Chairman of the Hong Kong Arts Festival; Mr John C C Chan, GBS JP, Chairman of The Hong Kong Jockey Club; Mr Tsang Tak-shing, Secretary for Home Affairs; Mr Vincent Cheng, Chairman of the Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited; Mr Thomas Chow, JP, Director of the Leisure and Cultural Services Department; and Ms Tisa Ho, Executive Director of the Hong Kong Arts Festival.
This year the HKAF will present over 180 performances and events, including four free performances, eight world premieres and eight Asian premieres, the Festival symposium, masterclasses, workshops and other Festival Plus events. As an annual international event, the HKAF provides a focus for the best of international performing arts along with a vibrant contribution from Hong Kong's creative talent. It also includes a strong regional Asian component, and serves as a showcase for the best contemporary and traditional performing arts from China.
For further enquiries, please contact Ms Katy Cheng, Marketing Director, at tel: 2824 3555.
* Pygmalion will open on 5 February, one day before the official opening. The final performance of Lisa Ono – A Celebration of 50 Years of Bossa Nova will be on 9 March, one day after the official closing.
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