Hong Kong Ballet Unveils its ‘Larger Than Life’ 2023/24 Season
Featuring The Great Gatsby, The Nutcracker, Swan Lake
International Gala of Stars and The Rule Breakers

[Hong Kong—9 August 2023] Hong Kong Ballet (HKB) proudly announces its ‘Larger Than Life’ 2023/24 Season showcasing eight beloved ballets. With delightful classic ballets, ground-breaking contemporary works and an exciting Beijing tour, HKB is taking over the city like never before! Audiences will be thrilled by an encore of HKB Artistic Director Septime Webre’s The Great Gatsby and The Nutcracker as well as a captivating new Swan Lake world premiere.

Webre shares, ‘Our artists are larger than life both on stage and in our community, leaving an impactful footprint in all corners of our vibrant city. This season we’ve got interactive free family activities, a bold series of mainstage productions and a lot to look forward to.’

In July, HKB had its world premiere of Sam and her Amazing Book of Dinosaurs with co-producer 59 Productions (UK), kicking off International Arts Carnival 2023 and HKB’s thrilling 2023/24 season. Fusing ballet with cutting-edge arts technology, the innovative production received critical acclaim, with RTHK Radio 4 Arts News enthusing, ‘The audience, especially the children, were immersed and inspired by the performance even without 3D glasses. The production allows young dancers to showcase their talents, fully demonstrating the vitality of ballet.’

2023/24 Season highlights include:
- Encores of Webre’s enthralling Roaring Twenties melodrama The Great Gatsby and festive family favourite The Nutcracker
- Principal dancers from great dance companies Marianela Nuñez, Daniil Simkin, Fang Mengying and Chen Zhuming
- A dazzling world premiere of Yuri Possokhov's mesmerising Swan Lake starring Matthew Ball from The Royal Ballet
- Carmina Burana in Beijing with over 300 artists from across China (Hong Kong, Beijing and Macau)
- Up to 15% discount on early bird tickets

In September, Ballet Carnival for Kids, a thrilling gala performance for younger audiences, features excerpts from beloved classics Swan Lake, Don Quixote and exciting contemporary works. Designed for families, this is the perfect introduction to the magical world of ballet, offering entertaining, age-appropriate insights on choreography, music and creativity.

The much-anticipated The Great Gatsby returns for eight performances in October after its sold-out 2019 debut, which was called, ‘another triumph for Asia’s premier ballet company’ and ‘a feast for the eyes’. Academy Award-winning designer Tim Yip’s original Art Deco sets and costumes delightfully capture the sound and exuberant energy of the Jazz Age, as Gatsby dreams of being reunited with his long-lost love.

Spotlighting HKB’s stellar artists alongside some of the world’s most talked-about international superstars like Marianela Nuñez (The Royal Ballet), Daniil Simkin (Berlin State Ballet), Fang Mengying and Chen Zhuming (National Ballet of China), the grand International Gala of Stars 2023 promises to be an enthralling must-see event with a glittering programme of thrilling masterpieces and stylish contemporary works in November.

During the holiday season, Webre’s heartwarming The Nutcracker returns to bring festive cheer in a wonderous celebration of early 20th century Hong Kong’s history and characters. Full of magic and lots of local cultural elements like a bun tower climbing competition, lion dance and blossoming bauhinias, the exuberant production has been described by critics as ‘full of vitality and freshness' and ’sure to be loved by locals and visitors alike for many years to come'. 

In January 2024, join HKB’s Beijing Tour with Carmina Burana, an extravagant feast for the senses, dancing through a journey which begins in medieval times and works its way to the present. More than 300 artists from across China will join forces, including the Macao Orchestra and over 150 singers from Beijing's China National Symphony Orchestra Chorus on dizzying eight-metre scaffolding that evokes a medieval cloister.

Get ready for an electrifying evening of contemporary works celebrating some of ballet’s most influential choreographers in The Rule Breakers in March 2024. This dynamic programme features William Forsythe’s ground-breaking work, In the Middle, Somewhat Elevated, Andonis Foniadakis’ thrilling world premiere ballet and HKB’s Choreographer-in-Residence Hu Song Wei Ricky’s ravishing The Last Song.

One of 2024’s most anticipated events in international ballet is the world premiere of a dazzling new Swan Lake from San Francisco Ballet Resident Choreographer Yuri Possokhov. An enchanting tale of love overcoming evil, this beloved classical ballet has delighted generations of ballet fans and is reimagined with Possokhov’s trademark energy and sophisticated choreography. We’re also thrilled to have The Royal Ballet’s charismatic principal dancer Matthew Ball joining HKB on this fabulous stage.

Get fabulous early bird discounts of 15% off for Friends of Hong Kong Ballet members and 10% off for non-members for the best available seats at The Great Gatsby, International Gala of Stars 2023, The Nutcracker, The Rule Breakers and Swan Lake. Friends of Hong Kong Ballet can also enjoy special discounts at the Sugar Plum Shoppe, which offers exclusive HKB merchandise like stylish t-shirts, tutus, gym bags, and brand new 2023/24 Season items.

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Ticketing and Information
Tickets of The Great Gatsby and International Gala of Stars 2023 are now available at Popticket.com during the early bird period from now on until 16 Aug 2023. After that period, tickets will be available at URBTIX from 28 Aug 2023.  
For ticketing information on other programmes, please visit hkballet.com for details. 

For further information, please contact:
Jerry Qiu | Communications & Programme Manager | T: 21059753 | [email protected]
Ruth Chung | Senior Marketing and PR Officer | T: 21059716 | [email protected]

About Hong Kong Ballet
Hong Kong Ballet (HKB) is internationally recognised as a world-class institution that represents Hong Kong’s unique character. Since its inception in 1979, HKB has evolved into a vibrant performing arts organisation with a dynamic repertoire, forward-thinking community engagement initiatives and an emphasis on excellence.  

With 50 dancers from all over the globe, HKB has restaged classical and neoclassical masterworks and dynamic original ballets created for HKB and about Hong Kong. Additionally, HKB performs works by some of today’s most sought-after choreographers as well as innovative new works by its Choreographer-in-Residence, Hu Song Wei Ricky, and numerous emerging Hong Kong choreographers.

In addition to almost 50 worldwide tours, HKB also maintains a full schedule of award-winning community programmes and crossover collaborations throughout Hong Kong to ensure ballet is accessible to all. HKB has also produced original videos and dance films that have collectively garnered over 5.2 million views online, connecting with ballet lovers worldwide.

Cover | Dancers (from left): Yao Zhenyuan, Ashleigh Bennett, Yang Ruiqi | Photography: SWKit | Courtesy of Hong Kong Ballet