Beijing

Penetrating voice

Zhou Bichang, one of the most popular young singers is having her concert this June. The 28-year-old rose to fame after participating in the hit talent show Super Girl, Chinese version of Pop Idol, in 2005, with her strong and penetrating voice. She won second place with popular votes. Her concert will feature her latest album, Unlock.

7:30 pm, June 8, MasterCard Center, 69 Fuxing Road, Haidian district. 400-610-3721

Cultural relics

To commemorate the 20th anniversary of the establishment of the Arthur M. Sackler Museum of Art and Archaeology in Peking University, the museum is unveiling an exhibition featuring the cultural relics from the Song Dynasty (960-1279).

9 am-4:30 pm, until Aug 11. Arthur M. Sackler Museum of Art and Archaeology, Peking University, 5 Yiheyuan Road, Haidian district. 010-6275-9784

Illustrator retro show

Rick Meyerowitz, the American artist and writer, is presenting his illustrated exhibition Signs of Life in Beijing. With works from major magazines, selected illustrated advertisements and sketches, the retrospective show was originally planned for the Norman Rockwell Museum in Massachusetts. Beijing will have a condensed version to show how Meyerowitz gets inspirations from observing the world.

10:30 am-5:30 pm, until June 18. The Museum of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Xueyuan Road, 37 Haidian district. 010-8231-7658

Shanghai

Anniversary show

The Philadelphia Orchestra will stage a concert in Shanghai, under conductor Donald Runnicles. Program list includes Tannhauser Overture by Wagner, Capriccio Italien by Tchaikovsky, and Symphony No 2 by Brahms. In 1973, the Philadelphia Orchestra was the first American orchestra to perform in China at the request of late US president Richard Nixon. This year marks the 40th anniversary of that tour.

7:30 pm, June 2. Shanghai Oriental Art Center, 425 Dingxiang Road, Pudong New Area. 021-6854-1234

Urban farming

Children can play gardening games at the open space of Life Hub@Jinqiao shopping mall compound in June. They can collect waste batteries and plastic bottles to trade for seeds at the L Zone, and plant the seeds in the O Zone. They can also do handicraft and design their own vase in A Zone, watch documentaries about recycling at H Zone, and visit a mini botanic garden at S Zone.

10 am-10 pm, until June 30. Life Hub@Jinqiao, 3611 Zhangyang Road, Pudong New Area. 021-5038-8378

Colorful landscapes

Artist Zhou Wenwen is holding her first solo exhibition, featuring colored ink paintings of landscapes. Zhou was born in Shanghai and studied advertising and designing in Hong Kong and Australia. About 40 pieces are presented, including collaborative works with her father, established artist Zhou Zhigao.

9 am-5 pm, until June 4. Zhu Qizhan Art Museum, 580 Ouyang Road. 021-5671-0742

Hong Kong

Diva plus trio

Singapore's King of Swing Jeremy Monteiro will tickle the ivories this weekend accompanied by a bevy of sultry international jazz songbirds. Monteiro - a singer, composer and educator - will be joined by American Nancy Kelly, US-based Brit Eileina Dennis and Singaporean Melissa Tham. The three ladies will cover favorite standards while tossing gospel, R&B and soul into the mix.

8 pm, June 8 and 9. Grappa's Cellar, Jardine House, 1 Connaught Road, Central. 852-2521-2322

Opera in tents

Sha Tin will see the arrival of The Traviata Story hosted by actress Louisa So (pictured). The Foundation for the Arts and Music in Asia and Hong Kong's Leisure and Cultural Services Department bring five free daily screenings of the 90-minute documentary, held in a purpose-built tent designed for novices to enjoy an intimate operatic experience. The film includes excerpts from productions of La Traviata held at Milan's La Scala and London's The Royal Opera House.

9 am-6 pm, until June 16. Sha Tin Town Hall Plaza, 1 Yuen Wo Road, Sha Tin. 852-2579-5533

Macao

More than dance

This year's Macao Arts Festival showstopper features some of the United Kingdom's most avant-garde performers taking the stage to showcase the anatomy-defying choreography of Wayne McGregor. The performance includes a score by Brian Eno collaborator Ben Frost and backdrops comprising of a computerized pin board with 3,200 LED lights.

8 pm, June 2. Grand Auditorium, Macao Cultural Centre, NAPE. 853-2855-5555

China Daily

(China Daily 06/02/2013 page15)