Guide to Opera and Ballet in Hong Kong in 2024/5

Hong Kong's cultural landscape in 2025 is brimming with exceptional opera and ballet performances. Here's a curated guide to the standout productions and venues this year:

Opera Highlights:

• Jonas Kaufmann Opera Gala
  Dates: 19 and 22 February 2025
  Venue: Hong Kong Cultural Centre Concert Hall
  Details: Celebrated as one of the world's most significant tenors, Jonas Kaufmann makes his Hong Kong debut, performing arias from operas such as Tosca, Aida, Carmen, and Turandot.

• Bizet’s Carmen
  Dates: 27–30 March 2025
  Venue: Hong Kong Cultural Centre Grand Theatre
  Details: Experience a revival of Bizet's classic opera Carmen, presented with the original 1875 mise-en-scène, offering a vivid tableau and a first-rate cast.

• The Dream of a Concubine
  Date: 8 March 2025
  Venue: Hong Kong City Hall Concert Hall
  Details: This contemporary orchestral piece by Qu Xiaosong reimagines the tragic love story of Xiang Yu and his consort Yu Ji, exploring themes of war and longing for peace.

Ballet Highlights:

• The Wizard of Oz
  Dates: 30 August – 1 September 2024
  Venue: Hong Kong Cultural Centre
  Details: Join Dorothy and her friends on a fantastical journey to the Emerald City in this inventive production by Septime Webre, featuring immersive arts technology.

• The Butterfly Lovers
  Dates: 18–27 October 2024
  Venue: Hong Kong Cultural Centre
  Details: Experience the world premiere of Hu Song Wei Ricky's interpretation of the classic Chinese legend, blending inspiring dance with contemporary aesthetics.

• Frida
  Dates: 4–6 April 2025
  Venue: Hong Kong Cultural Centre
  Details: Delve into the life of renowned artist Frida Kahlo through Annabelle Lopez Ochoa's visually stunning ballet, capturing the essence of her surrealist art and personal journey.

• Giselle
  Dates: 30 May – 8 June 2025
  Venue: Hong Kong Cultural Centre
  Details: A timeless tale of love, betrayal, and redemption, this new production by Charla Genn and Septime Webre brings fresh life to the classic ballet.

• The Nutcracker
  Dates: 13–29 December 2024
  Venue: Hong Kong Cultural Centre
  Details: Celebrate the festive season with this beloved Hong Kong-themed rendition of The Nutcracker, enchanting audiences with its opulent sets and captivating performances.

For enthusiasts of traditional Cantonese opera, the Sunbeam Theatre remains a cornerstone, offering regular performances that celebrate this enduring art form. Located at 423 King's Road, North Point, the theatre has been a cultural landmark since the 1950s.

To stay updated on the latest performances and ticketing information, consider visiting the official websites of the Hong Kong Ballet and the Sunbeam Theatre. These platforms provide detailed schedules, ticket bookings, and insights into upcoming shows, ensuring you don't miss out on any cultural highlights in Hong Kong this year.