Today the Hong Kong Arts Festival (HKAF) announces details of the forthcoming 43rd HKAF 2015. Featuring 49 international and local ensembles or solo artists, there are 137 performances running mainly from 27 February to 29 March. “I believe the Government, and indeed all our partners and stakeholders, understand and appreciate the value of the work of the Festival: not only as a highlight of the year for arts lovers, but also for the extensive educational and outreach work that is done to complement and extend the impact of the wonderful programmes presented and produced each year. We have a truly outstanding line up for the 43rd HKAF, including classics that have stood the test of time, and topical new work that is in and of today. We trust that all our audiences will find many performances of interest.” (The Hon Ronald Arculli, Chairman of the Hong Kong Arts Festival) “Great performances have a wonderfully humanising influence. They release us from everyday life to reconnect with a self that is more vibrantly aware, more centred and at peace; allowing us to be more in tune with fundamental human values shared across different convictions and beliefs. The state of civilisations and societies is captured and reflected in the arts. Participating in the arts is one way of taking an active part in the history of the community as it continues to unfold.” (Ms Tisa Ho, Executive Director of the Hong Kong Arts Festival) On the 40th anniversary of the United Nations International Women’s Year, the 43rd HKAF salutes and celebrates the indomitable spirit of women. This is a major component in the programming: in the great artists and ensembles featured as well as subject matter and characters portrayed in opera, theatre, music and dance. This year HKAF continues to present the world’s great artists, and sustains its commitment to staging new works and showcasing young talent. THE HONG KONG ARTS FESTIVAL Launched in 1973, the Hong Kong Arts Festival is a major annual international celebration of the performing arts and one of the region’s premier cultural events, held in February and March each year, serving an audience of over 150,000. Performances take place in over a dozen venues throughout Hong Kong, supplemented by about 250 Festival PLUS and arts education events. The Festival presents the world’s top artists as well as stars of tomorrow and gives equal importance to great traditions and contemporary creations. The Festival also commissions and produces work in theatre, chamber opera and contemporary dance; some Festival productions have toured to other Asian cities after their Hong Kong premiere. For more information, please visit: www.hk.artsfestival.org. The 43rd Hong Kong Arts Festival (2015) – Festival Highlights https://www.hk.artsfestival.org/tc/press/publications.html The 43rd Hong Kong Arts Festival (2015) – HOW TO BOOK https://www.hk.artsfestival.org/en/tickets/index.html The 43rd Hong Kong Arts Festival (2015) – PROGRAMMES https://www.hk.artsfestival.org/en/programmes/index.html#all