The third round of "Guangzhou Tonight," an annual art performance that started in 2000, spins off in late April and will run year round.

The shows, performed either by top-notch foreign or home-grown art groups, include ballet, singing and dancing, spoken drama, Cantonese Opera, music concerts, acrobatics and puppet shows.

More than 100 performances are expected. Among those showcased is the innovative remake of "Turandot," a ballet version of the famed opera by the Guangzhou Ballet Company. Also featured is the frenetic comeback of acrobatics by the Guangzhou Acrobatics Group which translates thrilling traditional acrobatics into a modern show.

Cantonese Opera buffs will savor a number of new repertoires like "Flower Moonlight and Shadow," "Assassin," and "Princess," which are performed by local Cantonese performance groups.

Art groups outside Guangzhou will show their skills, among them are China Central Ballet, China Children's Drama Theater and the Shanghai Circus.

Imported performances include a pop violin concert by Vanessa Mae, the string quartet Bond from the United Kingdoms, James Last Orchestra and Broadway shows.

(China Daily April 3, 2002)