That’s Guangzhou takes a look at the best events of the month:
Dec 5-8: Notre Dame de Paris Musical
Image via Guangzhou Opera House
The bell of Notre Dame de Paris will be ringing in Guangzhou this December, as the internationally acclaimed French musical comes to town. Following its debut in 1998, the original production of Notre Dame de Paris was so popular that it actually set a world record. The story, adapted from French novelist Victor Hugo’s namesake book, follows the love of a hunchbacked bell-ringer for a gypsy girl. Having celebrated its 20th anniversary last year, a special edition of the play has been created and will be staged in Canton this December for the enjoyment of Guangzhouers.
Thu-Sun Dec 5-8, 2pm, 7.30pm; RMB280-1,280. Guangzhou Opera House. See event listing. Tickets.
Dec 6-9: Art Canton – Contemporary Art Fair
Image via organizer
Art Canton, a large-scale art fair widely recognized by collectors and academia, will be held at Guangzhou Liuhua Exhibition & Trade Center. This year, more than 60 art institutions and galleries and nearly 100 artists from China and abroad will participate in the Art Canton – Contemporary Art Fair, where visitors can expect a great number of artworks representing the creme de la creme in the contemporary art sphere.
Fri-Mon Dec 6-9, 10am-6pm; RMB35 early bird, RMB50 at the door, RMB100 multiple days. Guangzhou Liuhua Exhibition & Trade Center. See event listing. Tickets.
Dec 7: AmCham Winter Ball
Image via organizer
AmCham’s signature ‘Winter Ball’ is back! With over 20 glorious years of history, AmCham Winter Ball is a blockbuster evening and is billed by the chamber as their ‘most glamorous signature event.’ Attended by consuls general and the city’s business elite, this event is the perfect opportunity to network and rub shoulders with the who’s who of Guangzhou. Themed ‘Peace & Love’ (cue the That ’70s Show theme), guests can expect classic Motown tunes to whisk you back to a time when everything was ‘cool’ and ‘groovy.’
Sat Dec 7, 6pm-late; RMB850-2,000. LN Garden Hotel, Guangzhou. See event listing. Tickets.
Dec 8: TedxZhujiang New Town 2019
Guangzhou, as a fast-developing metropolis, has been boosting its economic and cultural diversity for longtime residents and newcomers alike. Kicking off on December 8 at Rosewood Guangzhou, this year’s edition of TEDxZhujiang New Town will focus on the theme of diversity. This event will nurture your creative thinking, with inspirational talks delivered by eight speakers from a variety of fields ranging from autonomous driving and sustainable fisheries to journalism and migration and ethnic studies. Simultaneous translation from Chinese to English, and vice versa, will be provided at the event.
Sun Dec 8, 1.30-6pm; RMB288-688. Rosewood Guangzhou. See event listing. Tickets.
Dec 12-15: Titanic the Musical
Image via Guangzhou Opera House
Direct from London, this musical takes on the tragic sinking of the world’s most famous ship and brings passengers’ stories to the stage. The original production of this musical came earlier than the film, placing a focus on the personal narratives of the ship’s passengers rather than a love story. On April 14, 1912, the ‘unsinkable’ RMS Titanic departed with thousands of travelers aboard, all unaware that many of them were heading to a watery grave. Follow characters based on real people as they navigate the journey of their lives.
Thu-Sun Dec 12-15, 2.30pm, 7.30pm; RMB80-880. Guangzhou Opera House. See event listing. Tickets.
Dec 13-15: Guest Chef Pam at Imperial Springs, Guangzhou
Image via Imperial Springs, Guangzhou
A Thai guest chef, Pam, will be spicing up the culinary offerings at Imperial Springs, Guangzhou. Having worked in an array of dining establishments over the course of her career, including a Michelin three-star restaurant in New York, Chef Pam is popular in her home country. She is an expert at creating appealing and creative Western dishes.
Fri-Sun Dec 13-15. Imperial Springs, Guangzhou. See event listing.
Dec 13-18: Evita
Image via Broadway.com
Directed by legendary Broadway director Hal Prince, Evita embarks on an international tour this year. The musical charts the story of Eva Peron, second wife of Argentine dictator Juan Peron, from her humble beginnings to the extraordinary wealth, power and status that ultimately led her to be heralded as the ‘spiritual leader of the nation’ by the Argentine people. Featuring some of the most loved songs in musical theater, including ‘Don’t Cry for Me Argentina’ and ‘On This Night of a Thousand Stars,’ this is one show you do not want to miss.
Fri-Wed Dec 13-18, 2.30pm, 8pm; RMB280-1,080. Guangzhou Baiyun International Convention Center. See event listing. Tickets.
Dec 15: Caspian China Tour 2019
Image via Caspian/Facebook
New Noise is proud to end this year with an eight-date China tour for American post rock band Caspian, who will be performing works from their upcoming album. Through passionate songwriting, the band carves through the darkness and allows all to be bathed in light. Even when the band is at their heaviest, there are still feelings of peace and catharsis that hang in the air. Caspian transcend post rock norms to create some unique music that is emotive, well-written and utterly enthralling.
Sun Dec 15, 8.30pm; RMB220 presale, RMB260 at the door. T:union. See event listing. Tickets.
Dec 15: Spanish Ballet of Murcia – Flamenco Carmen
Image via 247 Tickets
Since its inception in 1985, the Spanish Ballet of Murcia has been striving to bring Spanish dances, most notably flamenco, to the world’s audiences. Their choreographic recreation of Carmen, a timeless tale of love, jealousy, death and individuality, is acclaimed for its choreography, stage effects and skilled dancers.
Sun Dec 15, 8pm; RMB180-680. Guangzhou Arts Theater. See event listing. Tickets.
Dec 18-19: Swan Lake
Image via Guangzhou Opera House
Over the last 20 years, the Russian State Ballet Theater has remained one of the leading ballet companies in Russia, enjoying international acclaim. Its repertoire includes masterpieces of classical ballets as well as some of the world’s finest examples of modern choreography. With its elaborate costumes, vivid set and breathtaking stunts, Swan Lake promises audiences a world-class experience.
Wed-Thu Dec 18-19, 7.30pm; RMB180-880. Guangzhou Opera House. See event listing. Tickets.
Dec 25: Lisa Ono
Image via Lisa Ono's website
Japanese-Brazilian bossa nova singer Lisa Ono was born in Sao Paulo and started creating magical sounds with her natural voice and a guitar at the age of 15 before becoming a popular bossa nova singer in Japan. She’s been active on stage in New York City, Brazil and Asia. On Christmas Day, Ono will grace Guangzhou with a repertoire of melodic songs with a bossa nova touch, such as ‘La vie en Rose’ and ‘Quizas, Quizas, Quizas.’
Wed Dec 25, 8pm; RMB280-1,280. Xinghai Concert Hall. See event listing. Tickets.
Dec 27: Hand in Hand International Children’s Music Festival
Image via Hand in Hand's webiste
Hand in Hand International Children’s Music Festival is a music fest intended for the whole family. Disappointed in the lack of new children’s music in China, Chinese singer-songwriter and author Liu Jian and his American wife Rebecca Kanthor created Hand in Hand so that their children, and all kids in China, could have a chance to hear the best live music for families from around the world and learn about different cultures through music. Hand in Hand’s Guangzhou stop will feature Grammy and Emmy-winning husband and wife duo Lucky Diaz and the Family Jam Band, as well as Hippe Gasten from Holland.
Fri Dec 27, 7.30pm; RMB120-560. Guangzhou Beilei Theater. See event listing. Tickets.
Dec 29: 2019 Year in Review Pub Quiz
Image via Pixabay
Relieve the good, bad and downright bizarre happenings of 2019 at Morgan’s Public House’s first-ever Year in Review Pub Quiz, hosted by our very own editor-in-chief Matthew Bossons. There will be a wide range of categories to ensure this quiz is suitable for everyone, including: China in 2019, Sports in 2019, Music in 2019, Movies in 2019, Science in 2019 and The World in 2019, among others. As an added bonus, quiz participants can enjoy buy-one-get-one-free on Duvel for the duration of the event and Morgan’s legendary Sunday roast will also be available. Of course, as usual, there will be prizes for the top three teams!
Sun Dec 29, time TBD; free entry. Morgan’s Public House.
Dec 31: Traditional Chinese Music Concert
Image via Xinghai
At this New Year’s Eve concert, talented soloists will display the wonders of China’s homegrown instruments, including the pi-pa, the erhu and the suona. No idea what any of these are? There’s no better way to find out than to see them in action! Accompaniment will be provided by the Guangdong National Orchestra.
Tue Dec 31, 8pm; RMB280-1,280. Xinghai Concert Hall. See event listing. Tickets.
Jan 3: Richard Clayderman
Image via Richard Clayderman's website
Clayderman’s distinctive style has earned him superstar status all over the world. He has recorded over 1,300 melodies and clocked up a massive worldwide sales record of approximately 150 million as of 2006 (this number is presumably higher now). Come out to hear this distinguished ‘prince of piano’ while he’s in town.
Fri Jan 3, 7.30pm; RMB580-1,580. Guangzhou Opera House. See event listing. Tickets.
Various Dates: Holiday Celebration at Four Seasons Hotel Guangzhou
Image via Four Seasons Hotel Guangzhou
To help celebrate Christmas and ring in the new year, the luxurious Four Seasons Hotel Guangzhou will host a number of special dinners, buffets, afternoon teas and parties. The hotel will also be offering festive hampers. For more information, call 8883 3901.
Various times and prices. Four Seasons Hotel Guangzhou. See event listing.
Various Dates: Holiday Celebration at Langham Place, Guangzhou
Image via Langham Place, Guangzhou
The Christmas season is upon us once again. To mark the occasion, enjoy an array of festive food from the award-winning restaurants at Langham Place, Guangzhou. During dinner, be delighted by Santa Claus, live performances, a clown magic show and a fabulous lucky draw. And, don’t forget to pamper yourself at Chuan Spa. For more information, call 8916 3388.
Various times and prices. Langham Place, Guangzhou. See event listing.
Ongoing: Clay Pot Goodies at Wuu’s
Image via Wuu's
Straight out of Hong Kong, Wuu’s is a tea restaurant that serves one-of-a-kind hot pot as well as luscious Cantonese dishes and desserts. Its signature iced pineapple bun, with a freezing cold slice of butter stuffed inside, boasts a unique mouthfeel. Wuu’s also dishes out dim sum in the evening. For this winter, the eatery will have a variety of clay pot rice and dishes on offer. Pop in for their Cantonese culinary highlights served in a traditional Hong Kong setting.
Daily ongoing, 10.30-3am (Mon-Fri), 9-3am (Sat-Sun). Wuu’s Hong Kong Cuisine. See event listing.
Check out our weekly roundups for Guangzhou, released every Monday, for the latest event news.
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[Cover image via Guangzhou Opera House, Four Seasons Hotel Guangzhou, Imperial Springs, Guangzhou, Hand in Hand's website]
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