[Hong Kong – 16 October 2009] It’s never too early to think about Christmas, and while the festive traditions may have survived, Christmases in our world today may have lost its luster a little. So why now begin a new tradition by experiencing one of the evergreen holiday-musts: The Nutcracker? If you and your family had never been a part of this magical event, there’s no better time to start.
The Hong Kong Ballet’s long-running, annual Christmas production of The Nutcracker will open at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre from 18 to 27 December. Tickets are available at all URBTIX outlets now, so this is the time to book to ensure your best seats
Set to Tchaikovsky’s whimsical music and based on a traditional tale adapted by the French writer, Alexandre Dumas, The Nutcracker ballet was first performed at St Petersburg’s Mariinsky Theatre in December 1892. It has since become a magical part of Christmas tradition for adults and children all over the world.
The enchanting music of Tchaikovsky will be performed by the Hong Kong Sinfonietta, under the baton of Ormsby Wilkins. With the sumptuous set and costumes making a delightful spectacle, the show is a magnificent ballet, a must-see holiday show for the whole family.
Over the past 12 years, The Hong Kong Ballet production of The Nutcracker has entertained nearly 220,000 audiences. Besides the much-loved performances, a series of Programme Plus activities has been arranged to bring everyone that special holiday mood. These include Make A Christmas Wish, pre-performance talk and workshops.
For further information, please visit The Hong Kong Ballet’s website: www.hkballet.com.
About The Nutcracker
The story opens with a fabulous Christmas party, centering on Clara and an enchanted Nutcracker doll. The sparkling Christmas tree, which grows to dazzling height, hints at the magic and fantasy to come.
Clara witnesses to an exciting battle between rats and toy soldiers, and the death of the Rat King breaks the spell on the Nutcracker. With the Nutcracker returning to being the Prince of Bonbon Land once more, he travels with Clara to the Ice Palace through the Lands of Snow and Flowers, visiting the Sugar Plum fairy on the way.
The Nutcracker will be performed at the Grand Theatre of Hong Kong Cultural Centre from 18 to 27 December 2009. Tickets from $120 to $600 & $1000 VIP tickets are available at all URBTIX outlets now (Tel. 2734 9009; website: www.urbtix.com). For registration and enquiries, call 2105 9724 or email marketing@hkballet.com.
The Nutcracker is a programme of Cheers!, presented by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department.
Programme Details
18-19, 23-26.12.2009 (7:30pm)
19-20, 25-27.12.2009 (2:30pm)
$1000 (VIP), $600, $400, $260, $140
20,22.12.2009 (7:30pm)
$580, $480, $320, $220, $120
Grand Theatre, Hong Kong Cultural Centre
Tickets available at all URBTIX outlets NOW
Choreography: Stephen Jefferies
Children Dance: Rashna Homji
Chinese Dance: Sheng Pei-qi
Music: Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky
Set & Costume Design: Peter Farmer
Lighting Design: Leo Cheung
Re-lit: Wayne Wong
Conductor: Ormsby Wilkins
Live Accompaniment: Hong Kong Sinfonietta
Reservation: 2734 9009
Credit card booking: 2111 5999
Internet booking: www.urbtix.hk
Enquiries : 2105 9724 / marketing@hkballet.com
Programme Plus
Pre-performance Workshop
A creative workshop designed for 4 to 8 years’ old in learning about ballet through storytelling, pantomime and handicraft. All Children (with or without ballet experience) are welcome to join one of the following workshops:
Group 1: 19.12 Sat (12:00pm – 1:00pm)
Group 2: 20.12 Sun (12:00pm – 1:00pm)
GR2, 8/F, Grand Theatre Backstage, Hong Kong Cultural Centre
Quota: 35 for each group
Fee: $60 each
For enquiries and registration: Education & Outreach Department: 2105 9743 / 2105 9744
Pre-performance Talk
18.12 Fri ( 6:50pm)
Level 4 Foyer, Hong Kong Cultural Centre
- The programme is about 20 minutes
- Conducted in English with Cantonese translation
Admission with The Nutcracker tickets
Make a Christmas Wish
What are your wishes for Christmas? Whatever they are, jot it down and show it on our sparkling Christmas tree located at Level 2 Foyer from 19th to 25th December. May all your dreams come true!
19-20, 22-25.12 (7:00 – 10:00pm)
19-20, 25.12 (2:00 – 5:00pm)
Level 2 Foyer, Hong Kong Cultural Centre
Admission with The Nutcracker tickets
Christmas Funny Make-up
26.12 (Sat after matinée performance)
Level 2 Foyer, Hong Kong Cultural Centre
Admission with The Nutcracker tickets
*For age 3 to 12. Places are limited and are available first-come-first-served.
Enquiries: 2105 9724 / email: marketing@hkballet.com
About The Hong Kong Ballet
Celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2009, The Hong Kong Ballet is one of the premier classical ballet companies in Asia. It is also becoming internationally recognized as a world-class institution with an identity that fully reflects the unique vitality of Hong Kong.
The Company’s artistic team originates from 12 countries and regions, performing a repertoire that combines 19th and 20th century classical masterpieces, acclaimed contemporary works and new commissions. Since 1997, The Hong Kong Ballet has raised its international profile and has concluded over 20 tours. Another integral part of the Company’s activities are its extensive educational and community outreach programmes, which bring the art of ballet to students as well as the wider community of Hong Kong.
For further information on The Hong Kong Ballet, please contact:
| Hiram To Marketing and Communications Manager The Hong Kong Ballet Tel. 2105 9716 hiram_to@hkballet.com |
Chloe Kwung Marketing Officer The Hong Kong Ballet Tel: 2105 9757 chloe_kwung@hkballet.com |
Photos
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| Dancers: Li Ming Photo: Mose Mak |
Dancers: Huang Zhen, Jin Yao Photo: Gordon Wong |
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| Dancers: Jin Yao Photo: Conrad Dy-Liacco |
Photo: Conrad Dy-Liacco | ||
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| Dancers: Kyoko Tomimura, Yuh Egami Photo: Conrad Dy-Liacco |
Dancers: Zhang Yao Photo: Conrad Dy-Liacco |
