Shanghai Convention & Exhibition City

Intex Shanghai

Shanghai is a very accessible city for international visitors. As one of the international metropolitan cities, Shanghai is readily accessible by sea, land and air. It is connected with more than 400 cities in the world by air links and ocean shipping routes.

Shanghai is a very safe city, conveniently laid out and is a compact destination with one of the world's easiest and least expensive public transportation systems. Everything in Shanghai is within reach via taxies, buses, metros, trams and ferries.

Everbright Convention & Exhibition Center

Due to the dynamic growth of the past decade, millions of dollars have been pumped into local infrastructures. Shanghai prides itself with having almost every famous hotel brand name, a modern international airport, a variety of convention and exhibition centers as well as other new facilities that are of world standard.

Shanghai has organized many regional and international events due to its high standards of professional service, its convenient transportation networks, its varied activities and attractions and its modernized communication systems. The successful hosting of events has put Shanghai on the map for the MICE market in the world. The emerging meeting, incentive, convention and exhibition (MICE) segment in Shanghai has become an integral part of urban tourism

Shanghai Exhibition Centres  

International Convention Centre

- Intex Shanghai, (Shanghai International Exhibition Center) 88 Loushanguan Road, Tel: 86-21-62755800, Fax: 86-21-62757210, Email: intex@public.sta.net.cn, Website: www.intex-sh.com

- Shanghai Everbright Convention & Exhibition Center, 66 Caobao Road, Tel: 86-21-64842500, Fax: 86-21-64845958, Email: seec@secec.com, Website: www.secec.com

- Shanghai International Convention Centre, 2727 Riverside Avenue, Pudong, Tel: 86-21-50370000, Fax: 86-21-58879707, Email: hotel@shicc.net, Website: www.shicc.net

Shanghai Mart

- Shanghai Mart, 2299 Yan'an Road (W), Tel: 86-21-62366888/6313, Fax: 86-21-62360181, Email: hans@shanghaimart.com.cn, Website: www.shanghaimart.com.cn

- Shanghai New International Expo Centre, 2345 Longyang Road, Pudong, Tel: 86-21-28906666, Fax: 86-21-28906777, Email: info@sniec.net, Website: www.sniec.net

- Shanghai Exhibition Center, 1000 Yan'an Road (C), Tel:86-21-62476776, Fax: 86-21-62476980

Venues

New International Expo Centre

- The Oriental Pearl Radio & TV Tower, 1 Century Avenue, Pudong, Tel: 86-21-58791888, Fax: 86-21-68871199, Email: dfmzt@online.sh.cn

- Shanghai Art Museum, 325 Nanjing Road (W), Tel: 86-21-63272829, Fax: 86-21-63272425, Email: sh-artmuseum@mail.online.sh.cn, Website: www.sh-artmuseum.org.cn

- Shanghai Grand Theatre, 190 Huangpi Road (N), Tel: 86-21-63868686, *2800, 2828, Fax: 86-21-63721277, Email: sgtacms@online.sh.cn,  website: www.shgtheatre.com

Shanghai Exhibition Center

- Shanghai Science & Technology Museum, 2000 Century Avenue, Pudong, Tel: 86-21-6862200, Fax: 86-21-68543044, Email: scimuseum@sstm.org.cn, Website: www.sstm.org.cn

- Ruijin Hotel Shanghai, 190 Huangpi Road (N) Tel: 86-21-63868686, *2800, 2828, Fax: 86-21-63721277, Email: sgtacms@online.sh.cn, Website: www.shgtheatre.com  

- Shanghai Library, 1555 Huaihai Road (C), Tel: 86-21-64455307, Fax: 86-21-64452008, Email: wwwlkchen@libnet.sh.cn, Website: www.libnet.com

- Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Center, 100 Renmin Da Dao, Tel: 86-21-63184477, -264, 353, Fax: 86-21-63180519, Website: www.supec.org

- Super Brand Mall, 168 Lujizaui Road (W), Pudong, Tel: 86-21-68877888, 86-21-58888229, Fax: 86-21-68871199, Email: info@superbrandmall.com, Website: www.superbrandmall.com

- Xintiandi Shanghai, Lane 181, Taicang Road, Tel: 86-21-63368833, Fax: 86-21-63268111, Email: event@shuion.com.cn, Website: www.xintiandi.com

Run For Fun in Muswellbrook

A Spring Fun Run is being held in Muswellbrook on 25 September to cater for all ages – Kids, youth, parents, grandparents... everyone. The whole family is welcome to participate.

The first race starts at 8am, and there are various distances to choose from - 2.5 klm, 5klms and the big one - 10 klms. This event is open to all, so if people are unable to run they are welcome to walk. Entry Fees are: under 18 years—$5, adults—$10—with a late fee of $5 charged on the day.

The Fun Run will commence at the Weeraman Fields located in Theiss Drive, (off Common Road) Common Theiss Drive, Muswellbrook, NSW. Australia.

The fun run is being oraganised by the Org: Muswellbrook amateur Athletics Club.For information contact Mark Bowditch 0265 434 208, Colin Duck 0265 425 201 or Ian Richards 0265 479 200, or see the web site: www.muswellbrookcarnivale.com.au

Octoberfest Beer Festival Opens in Munich

Octoberfest Munich

The 178th Oktoberfest opened in Munich, Germany, on Saturday 17th September with the arrival of the tent patrons in a parade through Munich. The traditional tapping of the first keg of beer was done by Munich's mayor, Christian Ude, shouting "O'zapft is!" ("It's tapped!"). The Bavarian festival takes place over 17 days, and some 6 million people are expected to attend.

Last year, visitors drank more than 7 million one-liter mugs of beer. Attendance is free, but the beer will costs about  $12 a mug at any of the tents this year.

Oktoberfest is the world's largest annual fair attracting people from all around the world. It began way back in1810 as a celebration of the marriage of Prince Ludwig of Bavaria and Princess Therese of Saxe-Hildburghausen, and has since grown to become one of the world's most renowned annual festivals celebrating  beer.

Octoberfest Munich

Octoberfest Facts

- Seats in the festival halls: approx. 100,000
- Visitors: 6.4 million
- Beer: approx. 7,100,000 litres (1,875,621 gallons)
- Wine: 89,259 liters (23,579 gallons)
- Chicken: 505,901 units
- Pork sausages: 119,302 pairs
- Fish: 40,850 kg
-  Pork knuckles (haxen): 69,293 units
- Oxen: 119 units

Major Munich Breweries represented with tents at this years festival:include Augustiner Bräu, Spaten, Hacker-Pschorr, Hofbräu München, Paulaner, and Löwenbräu.

Munich's Mayor, Christian Ude,tapping first keg of beer

Opening Hours

Saturday 17 September – Monday October 3rd, 2011.
Beer Serving Hours Weekdays: 10am - 10:30pm, Saturdays, Sundays and holidays: 9am - 10:30pm

Daily Tent Closing Time: 11:30pm
The "Käfer Wiesn-Schänke" and the "Weinzelt" are open until 1am. Last call for alcohol: 12:15am.

Sales Booths (souveniors etc.)
Monday - Thursday: 10am - 11:30pm, Friday: 10am - 12am (midnight), Saturday: 9am - 12am, Sundays and holidays:9am - 11:30pm

Carnival and Rides
Monday - Thursday: 10am - 11:30pm, Friday, Saturday: 10am - 12am, Sundays and holidays: 10am - 11:30pm

Traditional Costume Parade

Highlights at This Years Octoberfest:-
- Traditional costume parade through Munich, Monday 19 September 12.00 a.m.
- Special lunch for senior citizens in the big tents, Tuesday 20 September 12.00 a.m. - 6.00 p.m.
- Family day: with all rides and performances at reduced prices, Thursday 22 September 10.00 a.m.
- Traditional religious Oktoberfest mass in the Hippodrom-tent, Sunday 25 September 11.00 a.m.
- Traditional concert of the Oktoberfest brass-bands at the feet of the Bavaria, Monday 26 September 6.00 p.m.
- "Rosa Wiesn" in the  Fischer Vroni tent, Tuesday 27 September 12.00 a.m. - 6.00 p.m. 2.

- Family day: all rides and performances at reduced prices, Wednesday 28 September 12.00 a.m.  
- Senior showman meeting in the Hippodrom, Monday 3 October 12.00 a.m.
- Traditional gun-salute on the steps of the Bavaria monument.

Beer Tents at Octoberfest

Of course the big attraction of Octoberfest is the beer tents. At this year’s Octoberfest there will be 34 different beer tents. Some of the most popular beer tents at

.

1. Schottenhammel Tent

Schottenhammel Tent

Dating back to 1867, Schottenhammel is the oldest tent at Oktoberfest - and some say, the most important one. At 12 p.m. sharp on Oktoberfest's opening day, Munich's Mayor kicked off the festival by tapping the first keg of beer at the Schottenhammel tent. Schotenhammel is the largest Oktoberfest tent with 10.000 seats and the place to party for young people. Beer Served: Spaten Franziskaner

2. Hippodrom.Tent

This colorful beer tent is one of first tents you will see when entering Oktoberfest. It is one of the hippest tents at the festival and attracts young crowds and local celebrities. Besides Oktoberfest beer, you can also sip on Sekt (champagne). Weekends and evenings are notoriously crowded and it might be difficult to get in - but you can also have a great time on a weekday afternoon at Hippodrom.

Beer served: Spaten Franziskaner

Hofbräu Beer Tent

3. Hofbräu Beer Tent

The famous beer hall Hofbräuhaus in Munich's old town has its own beer tent during Oktoberfest. With Bavarian Oompah bands and many guests dressed in traditional costumes, the Hofbräu beer tent is very popular among international Oktoberfest visitors, and you'll find many American beer lovers here.

Beer served: Hofbräu

4. Augustiner Beer Tent

A great option for families, the Augustiner beer tent offers a friendly and relaxed atmosphere; Tuesday is "Kid's Day", and small guests can eat and drink for less. The music is very traditional, and many Muenchner consider this to be the best tent at Oktoberfest.

Beer served: Augustiner

5. Hacker Pschorr Beer Tent

Hacker Pschorr Beer Tent

With almost 10.000 seats, Hacker is one of the largest tents at Oktoberfest. Its ceiling is painted with blue skies and white clouds; and because blue and white are also the colors of the Bavarian flag, locals like to call this tent "Himmel der Bayern" (Heaven for Bavarians).If you need a break from traditional brass bands, the Hacker tent is the right choice for you: in the evening, a rock band gets people dancing on the wooden benches.

Beer served: Hacker Pschorr

6. Käfer's Wies’n-Schänke

Want to spot some celebrities? Your chances are pretty good at the Käfer's Wies’n-Schänke. With 3000 seats, it is one of the smaller Oktoberfest tents; the atmosphere is less hectic and loud compared to other tents, and the tent is famous for its gourmet food. Longer than any other Oktoberfest tent, the Käfer's Wies’n-Schänke is open until 12:30 a.m., although it is pretty difficult to get in after 11 p.m.

Beer served: Paulaner

Bräurosl Beer Tent

7. Bräurosl Beer Tent

The Bräurosl beer tent has been around since 1901, and it is still owned by the same family. The tent was named after Rosl, the daughter of the original brewery owner. Alongside Oompah bands, the Bräurosl is proud to have its own authentic Bavarian yodeler.

Beer served: Hacker Pschorr

9. Weinzelt – the Wine Tent

Graving a glass of wine at Oktoberfest? Then visit the wooden Weinzelt, where you can enjoy an extensive wine and champagne selection. Besides traditional Oktoberfest dishes, the wine tent also has seafood and even Thai delicacies on its menu. The tent is not as crowded as other Oktoberfest venues, and you'll find many families among the visitors. Wine and Beer served: more than 15 different wines and champagne (e.g. Nymphenburger); Paulaner Weissbier

9. Löwenbräu

Löwenbräu Beer tent

The 15-foot lion sitting above the entrance of the Löwenbräu tent is hard to miss; every now and then it lets out a majestic roar and takes a sip from its beer. No wonder that the soccer players of the local team TSV 1860 and their fans like to come here - their nickname is "The Lions".

Beer served: Löwenbräu

10. Fischer Vroni

True to its name, Fischer Vroni is famous for its yummy fish dishes. Try the traditional "Steckerlfisch", fish on a stick. It is grilled right then and there on 50-feet long skewers.

Beer served: Augustiner

Why is the Munich Octoberfest held in September and not October? Apparently it is that little bit colder in October, so today the Munich Beerfest traditionally takes place during the sixteen days up to and including the first Sunday in October. Oktoberfest 2011 started on Saturday, 17th September. However in 2011 Oktoberfest goes until Monday the 3rd of October. Ann extra day just like in 2010.

The Art & About Free 10th Birthday Party in Sydney

The Art & About festival has its launch this Friday night, 23 September, in Martin Place, Sydney, NSW Australia from 5-9pm.

This will be a huge, free 10th birthday party and you were invited to be part of the celebrations

This will be the party of the year, with performances from Paul Mac (DJ set), Paris Wells, Ben Walsh, Women of Soul and FourPlay. There’s also a bar, food and the announcement of this year’s Sydney Life winner.

Paul Mac is a multi ARIA Award winner and a leading figure in Australian electronic music. A three time winner of Dance Artist of the Year in Rolling Stone’s Readers’ Poll, he has a successful solo career and has also recorded with artists such as Daniel Johns from Silverchair.

Paris Wells is a feisty singer/songwriter who flirts with alternative pop and electro-soul. Paris has made a name for herself playing at the Big Day Out, Meredith and Falls Festival, and touring with the likes of Lily Allen and Justin Timberlake.

Ben Walsh has earned himself a phenomenal reputation internationally, and is celebrated as one of Australia’s most accomplished percussionists and performers.

Women of Soul is a collaboration between some of Australia’s finest female vocalists starring Miss Min and Evie Willie.Inspired by a host of Motown, northern and modern Soul music icons.

Fourplay is an eclectic electric string quartet, whose repertoire includes covers of diverse artists such as the Beastie Boys, Jeff Buckley, Charles Mingus and The Strokes, and their own originals, inspired by the wide array of diverse music such as rock, dub, folk, gypsy, klezmer, electronica, post-rock, jazz and improv.

The night continues with our City’s cultural institutions joining in the party. The Art Gallery of NSW, the State Library, the Australian Museum, Powerhouse Museum, Customs House, Museum of Sydney, and the Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA) are opening their doors until late.

Bring your bike, take a walking tour or catch one of the free shuttle buses, to discover some of this years Art &About installations, explore a museum or gallery and see Sydney as you’ve never seen it before.

For more information see the website http://www.artandabout.com.au/

World's First Jewellery Gold Car Unveiled

The world’s first gold jewellery car was unveiled in Mumbai on Monday by Tata Group chairman Ratan Tata. The car incorporates beautiful designs, made with the precious stones of different colours, set on the gold and silver body of the car. The Tata Nano is an innovatively designed car made with the idea of bringing affordable cars to the Indian masses across rural and small-town India.

The car celebrates 5000 glorious years of jewellery making in India. Thirty devoted artisans have dedicated their time and expertise to create this masterpiece. About 80 kgs of 22 Karat gold, approximately 15 Kg of silver, gem stones including diamonds pearls, emeralds, rubies and beads worn by Hindu brides in a necklace. It showcases 14 techniques of Jewellery making – from the intricate Filigree work to the delicate and colourful Meenakari work, from the stunning Kundan to the traditional Naqashi work – all were incorporated to bring ‘HER’ to life.

Bhaskar Bhat, Managing Director, Titan Industries, said, “Since eternity jewellery made with gold and precious stones has been an integral part of the Indian woman’s life. Jewellery for Indians is an embodiment of culture and tradition and so over the years, craftsmen have meticulously used their unmatched skills to showcase this in their designs.

“Our brand Goldplus aims to offer a wide range of beautifully crafted jewellery with traditional and intricate designs. Paying homage to 5000 years of Jewellery tradition in India, we conceptualized to create ‘The World’s first gold jewellery car’ incorporating a variety of techniques.”

C.K. Venkataraman, COO Jewellery Division, said, “Indian jewellery has been an epitome of innovation and creativity and has carved a niche worldwide for itself for the intricacy of the designs crafted out of precious metals and stones. “Through this effort we wanted to showcase the expertise of diverse Indian Jewellery making proficiency. Nothing could have been better than a Tata Nano, as there is a perfect synergy between the two brands that cater to the common man.”

“We plan to take this ‘World’s first jewellery car’ to all Goldplus markets. With this celebration, we salute the craftsmen who gave everything to the art of Jewellery-making over the years,” said Venkataraman.

After its glittering launch in Mumbai Monday evening, the Goldplus Nano Car will travel during the next 6 months to all the Goldplus jewellery showrooms at 29 locations around India.  If you have dreams of adding this gold car to your jewellery collection, the sad news is this valuable and fully functional car is not for sale. The closest that a few lucky customers will get is to sit in it for photo.

When it comes to over-the-top marketing efforts, this gold car is not a first for Goldplus. A few years ago, it made the world’s largest bangle. That was a little over 6 feet in diameter and used up 25 kg of gold. It was displayed in Goldplus stores and brought in 300,000 customers to gawk, according to the company. The bangle was melted down – hopefully the car will live on.

Fat As Butter Festival 2011 - Great Music in Newcastle

Many music festivals have weird and wonderful names. The most unusual one I have heard of is the local Hunter "Fat As Butter Festival 2011"

"Fat As Butter" is returning this year to The Foreshore, Newcastle, NSW Australia for 2011. Drawing on a proud history and close ties with the local Newcastle community, the Fat As Butter Festival has become a focal point for music and entertainment in the Hunter Region. With three massive stages of acts covering rock, dance and hip hop There will also be  loads of market and food stalls, arts & crafts, films, rides and the best music around. Fat As Butter is busting at the seems with lots of good stuff.

With three sold out previous years under its belt, people are urged to make sure they get in early to purchase tickets and reserve their spot.

Over the past four years, the Fat As Butter Festival has grown into one of the…well… FATTEST musical and cultural events in Newcastle, and indeed the country. This year there will be bigger entry points and extended viewing areas to help everyone have the best day possible

This year's line up pulls together dance, hip hop and rock artists from Australia and across the globe to cater for your aural needs all day & night long! This year is set to exceed all expectations with a line up of local and international acts that is sure to send peoples musical taste buds into a fat frenzy!

Some of the musicians and bands to appear at this years "Fat As Butter Festival" include - Empire Of The Sun, The Living End, Flo Rida [USA], Naughty By Nature [USA], Sparkadia, Cloud Control, The Jezabels, The Herd, Sinden [UK], British India, Aston Shuffle [Live], Illy, Funkoars, Jonathan Boulet, Calling All Cars, Evil Eddie, Katalyst [Live], Flight Facilities, Lowrider, Zowie, Redcoats, Owl Eyes, Tenzin, Bombs Away, plus Triple J unearthed and Fabio Winners.

The Fat As Butter Festival 2011 will be held on Saturday October 22 at Camp Shortland, The Foreshore, Newcastle, NSW Australia. 

Check out these websites:-

http://www.fatasbutter.com.au/

https://www.facebook.com/fatasbutter

http://twitter.com/fatasbutter

Fat As Butter Festival 2011 is proudly presented by: Mothership Music 

For more information, contact Reckoning Entertainment  (02) 80842007

For print and television inquiries, contact: Alissa Cronau alissa@reckoningentertainment.com 0408 873 892

For online inquiries, contact: Michelle Mossfield

michelle@reckoningentertainment.com 0451 177 362

For radio inquiries, contact: Nik Tropiano

nik@reckoningentertainment.com 0433 566 997

The 13th Shanghai International Arts Festival To Open Next Month

The 13th Shanghai International Arts Festival will take place from 18 October to 18 November, featuring more than 50 stage performances from home and abroad of music, dance, and drama

The performing arts fair, arts forum, mass activities, and exhibitions will also be held during the festival.

"Grand Dance Drama Goddess And  The Dreamer" presented by Zhengzhou Song & Dance Theatre opens the festival while Chinese premiere Ballet "The Taming of the Shrew" by Bayerisches Staatsballett closes the festival.

The festival will present 50 events (27 abroad, 23 home) featuring concerts by top orchestras such as Berliner Philharmoniker conducted by Sir Simon Rattle, eZurich Tonhalle Orchestra under the baton of David Zinman, Italian Conductor Ricardo Muti with Shanghai Symphony Orchestra, a recital by Violinist Itzhak Perlman.

Berliner Philharmoniker Concert

The Berliner Philharmoniker is one of the finest orchestras in the world. Founded in 1882, the orchestra had top conductors of the world as its principal conductor and art director, such as Nikisch£¬Furtwängler, Herbert von Karajan and so forth. Sir Simon Rattle is the chief conductor at present. The orchestra has a wide repertoire, including a large number of classical and modern works. The orchestra will bring to the Chinese audience Ravel's Alborada del Gracioso£¬Bruckner's Symphony No.9 in D Minor, and Hosokavwa's Concerto for Horn and Orchestra-Moment of Blossoming (Soloist: Stefan Dohr£¬Principal Horn).

Violinist Itzhak Perlman Recital

Undeniably the reigning virtuoso of the violin, Itzhak Perlman enjoys superstar status rarely for a classical musician. Due to the poliomyelitis he suffered when he was only four, he could only perform while sitting, which, however, didn't affect incomparable music of heaven made by his flexible hands. With rich music tone and unique style, he has his own understanding about music. He has garnered many awards, including Grammy Award for Best Chamber Music Performance, Best Instrumental Soloist Performance and so on.  The solo recital includes Mozart¡¯ Sonata for violin & piano in B-flat major, K. 454, Beethoven's Sonata for violin & piano No.7 in C minor(Eroica), Op. 30/2, and Saint-Saens'Sonata for violin & piano No. 1 in d minor, Op.75. In the recital, the piano accompanist will be Ron Da Silva.

Ricardo Muti with Shanghai Symphony Orchestra concert

World-renowned Maestro Ricardo Muti, together with Shanghai Symphony Orchestra, will present a concert of Mahler's vocal music to commemorate this romanticist master. Mahler's art songs and symphonies usually take advantage of folk songs and tales and feature vivid contents, emotions and images, thus rendering the light genre of art songs deep meanings. One of the most revered maestros in the European classical music world, Ricardo Muti is the artistic director of Chicago Symphony Orchestra and Rome Opera House. Boasting of a wide repertoire, he is not only accomplished in Italian works, but also erudite in German and Austrian classics and works of Mahler.  This concert will  include  Schubert's Symphony No. 8 in B minor, D. 759 (Unfinished), Mahler's Songs of a Wayfarer£¬Mozart's Symphony No.41 in C Major, and K551 (Jupiter) .

Dance features will include the Bejart Ballet Lausanne brings World Premiered for CSIAF "The Temptation of Life", the hejiang Hongyi Movie & Television Culture Company, the Hangzhou Theatre will premiere Chinese Original Musical Theatre "The Broken Bridge", the Shanghai Municipal Performing Co. Ltd. will premiere Grand Original Stage Theatre "The Nutcracker & the Dream on the Sea" and many more.

A Special Ballet World Premiered for CSIAF by Bejart Ballet Lausanne 

(The Temptation of Life, Dionysus Suite and Bolero)

The Bejart Ballet Lausanne is a top-flight ballet company based in Switzerland, which enjoys an international reputation. The founder Maurice Bejart is one of the greatest choreographers of our time known for his distinctive features and strong artistic influence. The current artistic director Gil Roman once won the highest honor of Monaco Dance Forum, the Nijinsky Award winner. A specially commissioned ballet The Temptation of Life would have its world premiere in the 13th CSIAF, which is filled with the explorations of interpretation, temptation and charm of life. In addition, the company will bring Bolero, the internationally famous classic of modern ballet, and Dionysus Suite, in which the costume is designed by the international fashion design master Versace.

The Taming of the Shrew by Bayerische Staatsballet

Founded in 1818, The Bayerische Staatsballet in Munich is the exclusive ballet of the M¨¹nchen Staatstheater. The company is well known for its excellent arts performances and its rich accumulation for repertoires. "The Taming of the Shrew" is one of the most successful ballet comedies in history, it is praised as: "A show which changes world theatrical ballet". It was created in 1969 by famous Choreography master John Cranko, a Bayerisches Staatsballett adaptation based on William Shakespeare's eponymous comedy; its music is a Kurt-Heinz Stolze adaptation from the original works of Domenico Scarlatti. The humorous and lively scene, ludicrous acts£¬well-rounded portrayal of characters and complicated plot made it a unique classic work on ballet stage, which is totally different with the aesthetical and romantic traditional ballet.  Under the artistic director Ivan Liska's guidance, the Bayerische Staatsballett has achieved more success than ever and gradually developed into a distinctive company characterized by the integration of 19th century classical ballet, modern ballet and avant-garde style. In 2007, the Bavarian State Ministry awarded Liska with the medal for special devotion he made for Bavaria in the European Union. And in 2008, he received the "Outstanding Contribution Prize for Cultural Exchange" by the Chinese Ministry of Culture for his contribution to the cultural exchange between China and Europe.

Grand Dance Drama "Goddess and the Dreamer" by Zhengzhou Song & Dance Theatre

Zhengzhou Song & Dance Theatre was established in 2004, the youngest of its kind in China. The original grand dance drama Goddess and the Dreamer has a production team comprised of national first-class artists and portrays Luoshen, the goddess of love and beauty, in the form of dance drama. Based on the 3rd century poet Prince Cao Zhi¡¯s well-known poetic prose Luoshen Fu, this drama presents two brothers' love stories and their struggle for power in the royal court, and the beautiful Zhen Mi. This drama is composed by Feng Shuangbai, the winner of the Cao Yu Opera Award and the Wenhua Grand Award and will be directed by Tong Ruirui, the winner of the Excellent Librettos of National Stage Work Program.

There will be many acclaimed drama performances at the Festival present by local Chinese and overseas drama companies.

German Drama Red Red Shoes by Consol Theater

Adapted from Hans Christian Andersen's The Red Shoes, the heroine Franvera of this story is a light-hearted and carefree child who always dreams of being a dancer. One day she gets a pair of very special shoes from her parents as a gift: red dancing shoes. Single-mindedly pursuing her dream, she barely sees the dark clouds gathering around her. Her parents whisper secretly and her best friend Anna is not allowed to play with her anymore. Mysteries befall Franvera one after another. Directed by Andrea Kramer, Red Red Shoes is the winner of many awards, including Lichtblicke 2007 from the Theatre Festival in Numnberg.

Opera Butterfly Lovers by the Sea of Blood Opera Troupe of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea

Following A Dream of Red Mansions, the Sea Blood Opera Troupe of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea produces and presents another Chinese classic, Butterfly Lovers. The Opera Troupe has been awarded the highest honor of the DPRK Kim Il-Sung's Medal of Honor. Adapted from the love story of Liang Shanbo and Zhu Yingtai, a tale known in every household in China for thousands of years, this opera version is of highest artistic quality in every aspect, from the stage design to the costumes, and combined with Korea's unique stereoscopic stage technology, musical style and singspiel. The director is Chae Myeong-Suk, a People's Artist who has directed the opera A Dream of Red Mansions, and the choreographer is Kim Mok-yong, another Peoples Artist who has choreographed the grand group calisthenics Arirang.

"The Magic Nutcracker" premieres 13th China Shanghai International Arts Festival

The Grand Stage Show "The Magic Nutcracker" by Shanghai Municipal Performing Co. Ltd will premiere at the newly established Culture Square in November as a great stage production in the 2011 13th China Shanghai International Arts Festival. Creative e producer is Ric Birch,  who has produced the Sydney, Barcelona and Los Angeles Olympic Game opening ceremonies. He also he acted as consultant for opening ceremony of Shanghai EXPO 2010. Based on Tchaikovsky's The Nutcracker, The Magic Nutcracker is about Mary, a girl of mixed Chinese and German descent who has a talent for dancing and keeps on her pursuit of and longings for love and dancing at her puberty. The show interprets and presents the original Nutcracker in a modern and colorful way by combining the Western and Eastern traditional forms of art such as magic, acrobatics and ballet, as well as by utilizing the stage setting and acoustic, optic and electric technology.

The preferential tickets will be on sale on Oct 9.

For more information see the website  http://www.artsbird.com/newweb13en/festival.php

Opera in the Vineyards

Dame Kiri Te Kawana

Concerts in vineyards are usually todays rock stars and blasts from the past. Something a little more refined is the Good Weekend Opera in the Vineyards. This will be a special night of opera, food and wine.under the stars on the banks of the Hunter River.

The star of the night will be legendary opera diva Dame Kiri Te Kawana, who will be supported by Phillip Rhodes (baritone).  There will be full orchestra conducted by Brian Castles-Onion.

This will be the 16th Annual Good Weekend in the Vineyards.

The concert starts at 6pm, but people are urged to arrive early to avoid traffic snarls and to indulge in fine local wines and gourmet treats at a food and wine fair. What better way to experience this beautiful music then

Dame Kiri gained legendary status almost overnight after her sensational debut as the Countess in The Marriage of Figaro at the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden in 1971. Since then she has sung on the great opera stages of the world, performed for royalty and top celebrities and inspired generations of opera singers around the globe.

Dame Kiri says, “I am very excited to be performing at Opera in the Vineyards and singing all my favourites by Puccini, Strauss and Gershwin, plus a few songs from Broadway. Hearing this magnificent music in a relaxed, open-air setting is the perfect way to spend a spring evening.”

Concert Promoter Paul Chesher is thrilled to be presenting one of the true stars of the opera world in such a stunning venue, the historic and award winning Wyndham Estate Winery in the Hunter Valley.

“This will be a really special and sublime concert event,” he says. “I urge people to book early to avoid missing out on this rare opportunity to hear one of the world’s great and beloved voices in this breathtaking setting.”

This historic Hunter Valley Wyndham Estate houses the Wyndham Estate Cellar Door and a relaxed cafe barbecue and picnic facilities on the banks of the Hunter River, as well as private function rooms. Australia’s oldest continually operating winery It is the only winery situated on the banks of the beautiful Hunter River, the site itself is of great significance to the Australian wine industry and the home of one of Australian winemaking’s founding fathers, George Wyndham.

The concert will be held on  Saturday 15 October 2011 7pm at the Wyndham Estate Winery, Hunter Valley, New South Wales Australia.

HRH Princess Sirindhorn’s Photography Exhibited at Central Festival

The Central Festival Pattaya Beach exhibited a collection of photographs taken by HRH Princess Sirindhorn to reflect her interactions with Thailand’s people, animals and nature.

Deputy Mayor Ronakit Ekasingh and Dumrong Thongsom, deputy director of the Office of Contemporary Art and Culture, opened the Sept. 2-9 exhibit at the beachfront mall. It was co-sponsored by owner Central Pattana Public Co. and the Royal Photographic Society of Thailand.

The photo exhibition was called “Light Color Gives Life,” and displayed 120 photos taken by the princess in 2010. They are unified by simple  themes reflecting her own experiences. Ronakit said the show would let people appreciate HRH the Princess’s talent with the camera. The photos portrayed different perspectives, with some filled with humor and others showcasing tradition, culture and ways of life for locals and foreigners.

Ansett Airlines 10th Anniversary of Collapse

This month marked the 10th anniversary of the collapse of Austrian Airline Ansett. On September 14 Australia's second biggest airline went into administration.

The airline's collapse a decade ago left 15,000 employees out of work and out of pocket, and while some have made a new life, others have never recovered from the fall of the Australian national icon.

10 years on from one of the most painful corporate failures in Australian history thousands of Ansett employees are still trying to comprehend the collapse of the company they loved. At reunions around Australia over the past month, former Ansett employees have got together to remember - and to cheer each other up.

They have also spared a moment for the colleagues who didn't make it through the collapse of their company – more than 40 Ansett employees suicided following the airline's failure.

Most of the former employees have moved forward.  They have all suffered in various ways but can be happy that they did their best, they loved their jobs, and their company.

It is to be hoped that the airline companies presently operating in Australia continue to operate, grow and prosper, and that new ones can add.