Other than the highlighted events below, the Hong Kong Arts Festival will bring an array of world-renowned shows. Advanced booking packages are available from now until August 20 for selected programs, and a full list of programs will be announced in early October 2012.

As one of the headline events, the San Carlo Theatre in Naples, which exemplifies the style of the Neapolitan School of 18th Century opera, is coming to Hong Kong with three productions: Viva Verdi, Verdi's La Traviata and Cimarosa's II Marito Disperato, featuring music by Italian masters of opera. Charming, delightful and passionate, this Italian Opera House promises not only great musicality, but also tremendous fun.

The American Ballet Theatre (ABT), one of the world's leading classical ballet companies, is bringing us the world's greatest love story: Romeo and Juliet. With the size, scope and outreach of this dance company, this show promises to be one of ABT's grandest productions. ABT also offers two dance shows bringing a delightful selection of some of the world's greatest choreographies.

The Chicago Symphony Orchestra, with the legendary music director Riccardo Muti, is bringing their shimmering brass, virtuosic woodwind and sonorous strings. They are performing Brahm's Fourth and final symphony, Beethoven's Eroica Symphony, as well as orchestral scores by Italian masters, including Busoni's Suite from Turandot.

Visit www.hk.artsfestival.org for more information.