Sara Baras Brings Flamenco Spectacle Vuela to Hong Kong for Asian Premiere in December.

Flamenco superstar Sara Baras to present Asian premiere of "Vuela" in Hong Kong in December

The Leisure and Cultural Services Department has invited the world-renowned Spanish flamenco diva, Sara Baras, to visit Hong Kong and bring her company's latest production "Vuela" for its Asian premiere in December, marking Baras's first return to the city since 2015. The performance will, no doubt, deliver an unforgettable celebration of flamenco dance and music.

"Vuela" is a production created for celebrating the 25th anniversary of Baras's own dance company, Ballet Flamenco Sara Baras. She took the occasion to pay tribute to the Spanish guitar virtuoso and composer Paco de Lucía (1947 to 2014), who left a revolutionary influence on flamenco music with his work. "Vuela" (which means "fly" in English) was conceived from the respect, passion and love both artists shared. Since its premiere early this year in Spain, "Vuela" has toured Europe to critical acclaim.

The choreographic journey of "Vuela" is composed of 15 unique pieces within four acts, where each of them revolves around a specific word, thus creating flamenco language in motion with a strong narrative: "madera" (wood) which reminds oneself of the strength of roots, the warmth of being; "mar" (sea) which invites oneself to navigate in passion and be like water; "muerte" (death) is a way to explore human emotions from the deepest depths; "volar" (to fly) is the only way to escape without running, simply letting oneself be carried away by celebration and joy, an opportunity that only music, dance, and feelings can offer oneself.

Celebrated for her lightning-fast footwork, intricate movements of choreography and captivating stage presence, Baras is the foremost exponent of flamenco dance and one of the most prestigious and recognised Spanish representatives in the performing arts international scene. She was hailed by the online music magazine "Bachtrack" as "a superstar who transcends genres". Baras established Ballet Flamenco Sara Baras in 1998, and has since choreographed 17 productions. Over the years, she has won multiple awards and has been featured in an array of films.

"Vuela" by Ballet Flamenco Sara Baras will be held at 7.45pm on December 6 and 7 (Friday and Saturday) at the Grand Theatre of the Hong Kong Cultural Centre. Tickets priced at $260, $360, $460, $560 and $660 are now available at URBTIX (www.urbtix.hk). For telephone bookings, please call 3166 1288. For programme enquiries, please call 2268 7323 or visit www.lcsd.gov.hk/CE/CulturalService/Programme/en/dance/programs_1791.html.

A number of extension activities will be organised for this programme. A flamenco guitar recital will be held at 2.15pm on December 7 (Saturday) at the Lecture Hall of Sheung Wan Civic Centre. Keko Baldomero, music director and guitarist of the company, accompanied by May Fernández (vocal) and Rafael Moreno (percussion), will offer audiences a captivating journey of flamenco music. Tickets priced at $250 are now available at URBTIX. For details, please refer to the above-mentioned website.

The programme will also feature two flamenco dance workshops (conducted in Spanish with English interpretation) at the Podium Workshop of the Hong Kong Cultural Centre for beginners and advanced dancers respectively, where participants will experience a taste of the passion and rhythm of flamenco dance guided by a company dancer. The workshop for beginners (suitable for those aged 16 or above with some dance experience) will be held at 11am on December 7 (Saturday), while the one for advanced dancers (suitable for those aged 16 or above with flamenco dance training) will be held at 11am on December 8 (Sunday). Tickets priced at $200 are now available at URBTIX. For details, please refer to the above-mentioned website.

Discount schemes are available for the programme, including a group booking discount as well as package discounts for performance and guitar recital or dance workshops. An early-bird discount will be offered from now until November 7 (Thursday) for purchasing the tickets through any of the discount schemes. For enquiries about concessionary schemes, please call 2268 7323 or visit the above-mentioned website. This programme is one of the celebratory programmes of the 35th anniversary of the Hong Kong Cultural Centre.

Flamenco superstar Sara Baras to present Asian premiere of "Vuela" in Hong Kong in December Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Flamenco superstar Sara Baras to present Asian premiere of "Vuela" in Hong Kong in December Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Flamenco superstar Sara Baras to present Asian premiere of "Vuela" in Hong Kong in December Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Flamenco superstar Sara Baras to present Asian premiere of "Vuela" in Hong Kong in December Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

LegCo delegation begins duty visit to Japan

The following is issued on behalf of the Legislative Council Secretariat:

The Legislative Council (LegCo) delegation (the delegation), led by the President of LegCo, Mr Andrew Leung, began a four-day duty visit in Japan today (December 21) to strengthen ties with Japan and gain a deeper understanding of the latest situations and opportunities of the country in the areas of trade, culture and tourism, fisheries and agriculture, and food safety.

Upon arrival in Tokyo, the delegation had dinner and exchanged views with representatives of the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Tokyo. Members and the Principal Hong Kong Economic and Trade Representative (Tokyo), Miss Winsome Au, discussed issues such as fostering the bilateral economic and trade relations between Hong Kong and Japan, attracting investment, and promoting Hong Kong tourism. Members also gained insight into the latest developments of Japanese culture, and explored the opportunities for collaboration between Hong Kong and Japan’s cultural industries. Mr Leung expressed gratitude to the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Tokyo for their assistance in facilitating this duty visit.

The delegation will continue their duty visit in Japan tomorrow (December 22).

The delegation is led by Mr Leung. The Deputy delegation leader is the Chairman of the Parliamentary Liaison Subcommittee, Mr Tommy Cheung. Other participating Subcommittee members are Mr Jeffrey Lam, Mr Dominic Lee, Ms Nixie Lam, Ms Joephy Chan, Mr Tang Fei and Mr Yim Kong.

LegCo delegation begins duty visit to Japan Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases