Wednesday's top pick

AFTERLIFE OF THE TANG NOBILITY

This exhibition features 7th- to 9th-century artefacts, such as horses, camels and and tomb guardians.

Where: Alliance Francaise, SG Private Banking Gallery, 1 Sarkies Road MRT: Newton When: Wed - May 8, 11am - 7pm (Mon - Fri), 11am - 5pm (Sat), closed on Sun & public holidays Admission: Free Tel: 6833-9314

Art

BEYOND SIMPLICITY

The new abstract works of Singapore artist Simon Wee who is known for his minimalistic calligraphic strokes.

Where: Mulan Gallery, 02-33 Tanglin Shopping Centre, 19 Tanglin Road MRT: Orchard When: Wed - April 22, 11am - 6pm (Mon - sat), 1 - 6pm (public holiday), closed on Sun Admission: Free Tel: 6738-0810 Info: www.mulangallery.com.sg

ZOO LA LA! IN SINGAPORE: ANIMALANIA WORKS OF CHRISTIAN TAMONDONG

The Filipino artist's works feature doodles and acrylic drippings that convey a child-like sense of play.

Where: Art Space, Royal Plaza Hotel on Scotts, 25 Scotts Road MRT: Orchard When: Till Wed, 11am - 8pm daily Admission: Free Tel: 9734-4839 Info: www.ArtSentralAsia.com

FROM DESERT TO SALTWATER COUNTRY

A showcase of the paintings of the Yuparija people of Australia.

Where: ReDot Gallery, 11 Everton Road MRT: Outram When: Wed - May 16), noon - 7pm (Tue - Sat), by appointment on public holidays and other times Admission: Free Tel: 6222-1039 Info: www.redotgallery.com

RENEWED ACQUAINTANCES - SINGAPORE IN THE 60s

Featuring paintings of street and kampung scenes of 1960s Singapore as well as landscapes, figures and bronze sculptures inspired by the travels of 77-year-old Waldon Aw Tee Hong of Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts (Nafa). Part of the sales proceeds go to Nafa.

Where: Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts (NAFA) Galleries 1 & 2, Campus 1, 80 Bencoolen Street MRT: Bugis When: Till May 5, 11am - 7pm (Tue - Sun), closed on Mon & public holidays Admission: Free Tel: 6512-4043 Info: Visit www.nafa.edu.sg and Aw's revamped website - www.awteehong.com

Book

CAREER GUIDE 2009

Get a copy of the latest Cats Recruit Career Guide which is packed with information, including salary benchmarks, job profiles and tips from experts. A collaboration between the Ministry of Education and Singapore Press Holdings.

Info: Available at major bookstores and newsstands at $6.80 a copy Tel: 6319-5917

Classical

STRING ENSEMBLE: ACJC STRING ENSEMBLE

The Anglo-Chinese Junior College String Ensemble perform String Sinfonia No. 5 In B by Felix Mendelssohn and Serenade For Strings In C Major Op. 48 by Peter Tchaikovsky, among others.

Where: Esplanade Concourse MRT: City Hall When: Wed, 7.15 - 7.45pm, 8.15 - 8.45pm Admission: Free Tel: 6828-8377

MUSIC PLATFORM

Be inspired by classical music at this series of classical music recitals by the Diploma and BA (Hons) students from the Department of Music, Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts.

Where: Lee Foundation Theatre, NAFA Campus 3, Bencoolen Street MRT: Bugis When: Wed ): 12.30pm (Tung Hwa Univesity (Taiwan) Students Concert), April 15: 12.30pm (Woodwinds Concert) & April 22, 12.30pm ( Vocal Students' Concert) Admission: Free Tel: 6512-4179 Info: E-mail music@nafa.edu.sg and visit www.nafa.edu.sg for updates

IN ANXIOUS TIMES

Enjoy Haydn's greatest choral masterwork, Mass In Times of Distress, at this concert by the Singapore Symphony Orchestra which will perform with the Singapore Symphony Chorus, Singapore Bible College Chorale, Hallelujah Chorus and The Philharmonic Chamber Choir.

Where: Esplanade Concert Hall MRT: City Hall When: Sat, 7.30pm Admission: $12 - $63 Tel: 6348-5555 Info: Haydn created his masterwork, also known as Mass in D minor 'Nelson Mass' in honour of Lord Nelson, the British admiral who defeated the French fleet at the Battle of the Nile, off Egypt, in 1798.

Club

ETC:: EASTER TREATY

Acclaimed British alternative rock 'n' roll duo Etc, unveils new songs as well as its own favourites plus some local classics at this watering hole.

Where: P.O.W - The Prince of Wales, 101 Dunlop Street MRT: Little India When: Thu, 9,30pm (two sets) Admission: Free Tel: 9076-5090 Info: http://www.last.fm/music.etc+etc/+albums

Contest

ROBOCUP 2010 LOGO COMPETITION

Students can win a total of $1,800 and see their designs transformed into robots.

Info: www.robocup2010.org. Entries close on Wed

SPH-NAC GOLDEN POINT AWARD 2009

Write a short story or poem in the four official languages here and win $4,000 cash, a trophy and a $6,000 enrichment grant. Held in conjunction with the Singapore Writers Festival 2009 (Oct 24 - Nov 1). Singapore Press Holdings and SPH Foundation are sponsors of the festival.

Info: www.singaporewritersfestival.com, www.nac.gov.sg or www.theartshouse.com.sg, e-mail nac_gpa@nac.gov.sg. The closing date: May 29.

Dance

JONATHON LIVINGSTON SEAGULL

It's Jonathan Livingston Seagull with a twist. This bestseller and movie about a seagull who sees a higher purpose to flying than searching for its next meal, is presented as a contemporary Indian dance drama by The Temple of Fine Arts with music by Neil Diamond and some English dialogue.

Where: Victoria Theatre, 9 Empress Place MRT: Raffles Place When: Fri - Sun, 7pm Admission: By invitation (Donations are welcome) Tel: 6535-0509 Info: Call Temple of Fine Arts for an invitation card or get one from its office at Chinatown Point B1-02, 133 New Bridge Road.

Easter

SIGNATURE PICASSO EGG

Surprise someone with the gift of a 15cm or 17cm sculpted Signature Easter Picasso Egg this Easter season. It comes with a gravity-defying chocolate feather swirl and a cloak of 100 per cent Valrhona dark or white chocolate sprinkled with gold dust.

Where: Hilton Singapore, Checkers Deli, Orchard Road MRT: Orchard When: Till Sun, 11am - 9pm daily admission Free entry Tel: 6730-3392 Info: Pay $36 for a 15cm sculpted Easter Picasso Egg or $48 for a 17cm Picasso Egg

EASTER CHAMPAGNE BRUNCH

Indulge in gourmet delights such as charcoal-grilled whole baby lamb crabmeat, Ikura caviar and more while kids can take part in activities such as face-painting at the kids' corner.

Where: Hilton Singapore, Checkers Brasserie, Orchard Road MRT: Orchard When: Sun, noon - 3pm Admission: $85, $115 with free flow of wine or three glasses of champagne or $165 with free flow of champagne. Children aged six to 12 pay $35 Tel: 6730-3390 Info: E-mail Checkers.Brasserie@hilton.com to book a place

EASTER SUNDAY CHAMPAGNE BRUNCH

Celebrate Easter by tucking into hearty roasts and stews at the 70-storey high Equinox Restaurant while enjoying classical and contemporary music by Eka and Eric. Children can enjoy treats such as an Easter Bunny cheese cake and receive balloon bunnies from a balloon-sculpting clown.

Where: Equinox Restaurant, Level 70, Equinox Complex, Swissotel The Stamford, Stamford Road MRT: City Hall When: Sun, 11am - 1.15pm (first seating) & 2 - 4.30pm (second seating) Admission: $128 with free flow of Moet & Chandon Champagne. Children aged eight and under pay $55 Tel: 6837-3322 Info: E-mail reservations@equinoxcomplex.com

Encore!

CHRISTIAN LACROIX: THE COSTUMIER

For the first time in Asia, you can view 80 spectacular costumes and 60 sketches from renowned Parisian designer Christian Lacroix. Part of Encore! The European Season In Singapore and Voilah! French Festival Singapore 2009.

Where: National Museum of Singapore, Exhibition Gallery 1 and The Canyon, Basement 1, 93 Stamford Road

MRT: Dhoby Ghaut When: Till June 7, 10am - 6pm daily Admission: $8 (adults), $4 (children aged seven to 12) & senior citizens (aged 60 & above) Tel: 6332-3659 Info: www.nationalmuseum.sg

VICKIE CRISTINA BARCELONA (FILM SCREENING)

This Spanish-American movie is about two young Americans who spend a summer in Spain and meet a flamboyant artist and his beautiful but emotionally unstable ex-wife portrayed by Penelope Cruz, who won an Oscar for Best Supporting Actress for her role. Part of Encore! The European Season In Singapore.

Where: Screening Room, 12 Ann Siang Road MRT: Outram/Tanjong Pagar When: Fri & Sat, 9.15pm Admission: $20 nett Tel: 6221-1694 Info: info@screeningroom.com.sg and www.screeningroom.com.sg

SINGAPORE INTERNATIONAL FILM FEST

Enjoy more than 200 films from more than 45 countries, including a tribute to Israeli film-maker Amos Gitai.

Where: Various venues When: April 14 to April 25, various times Admission: $10.50 (pay $33 for opening film Sincerely Yours), including a free copy of a collectible book and $21 for Milk, the closing film Tel: 6348-5555

Film

RUN AND RE-RUN

Enjoy movies such as Brick Lane and Tropa de Elite at this pre-festival event of the Singapore Writers Festival 2009 (Oct 24 - Nov 1). Sponsored by Singapore Press Holdings and SPH Foundation.

Where: The Arts House, Screening Room, Old Parliament House, 1 Old Parliament Lane MRT: Raffles Place When: Till Sat, various times Admission: $8.50 Tel: 6332-6919

SEA MONSTER MOVIE

Journey back to prehistoric times when long-necked plesiosaurs, giant turtles, enormous sharks and the 40-ft super predator Tylosaurus, or 'T-Rex of the Ocean', ruled. Also follow the adventures of Dolly, a dolichorhynchops as she negotiates the most dangerous oceans in history.

Where: Omni-Theatre, Science Centre, 21 Jurong Town Hall Road MRT: Jurong East When: Till August, 10am, noon, 2, 4 & 7pm (6pm on weekends, school & pubic holidays) Admission: $10 (adult), $5 (child aged three to 12) Info: www.omnitheatre.com.sg

Gig

CRAIG DAVID - GREATEST HITS TOUR

R&B singer-songwriter Craig David will perform the chart-topping singles from his four albums, such as Fill Me In, 7 Days, Walking Away, What's Your Flava? and his latest single, Insomnia.

Where: Zirca, The Cannery, Clarke Quay MRT: Clarke Quay When: Wed, 8pm Admission: $91 - $123 Tel: 6348-5555 Info: The first 600 $91 tickets will include a drink. Entry to those aged 18 and above.

SONGS OF LOVE, DESPAIR & HOPE

Be enthralled by songs and excerpts from operas and musicals from Handel to Purcell at this concert by Opera Viva, a newly-launched opera company here. The concert features Singapore-based singers such as Julia Abueva, R.J. Rosales, and Elena Wang with Noorlinah Mohammed as the song-weaver.

Where: Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts, Lee Foundation Theatre, Bencoolen Street MRT: Bugis When: Wed - Thu, 8pm Admission $28 Tel: 6348-5555 Info: http://www.operaviva.com.sg

Museum

KANGXI EMPEROR EXHIBITION

View 80 rare treasures from the Palace Museum in Beijing which are showcased for the first time in South-east Asia. The artefacts range from imperial robes to snuff bottles and furnishings.

Where: Asian Civilisations Museum, 1 Empress Place MRT: Raffles Place When: Till June 14: 1 - 7pm (Mon), 9am - 7pm (Tue - Sun), till 9pm on Fri Admission: $8 (adults), $4 (students aged seven & above & senior citizens aged 60 & above). Free for senior citizens on Mon Tel: 6332-3284

Lucky draw

WIN HELLO KITTY DIAMOND PENDANT

Buy $50 worth of Hello Kitty MyStamp products at any post office and you might win a Hello Kitty diamond pendant worth $1,200 in a lucky draw.

Where: All post offices as well as PoWee, SingPost's mobile post office at Terminals 1 and 3 MRT: Changi Airport When: Till April 30, usual opening hours Tel: 1800-741-4111 (toll free) or 6845-6756 (office hours) Info: www.singpost.com or e-mail sinstamp@singpost.com

Show

THE ODYSSEYS - INNER MONGOLIA AND ZHANG JIA JIE - A PHOTO EXHIBITION

Admire the exotic and relatively uncharted landscapes of Inner Mongolia and north-west Hunan province as seen through the lens of 23 Singapore photo enthusiasts who were there recently.

Where: Loke Wan Tho Gallery, The Photographic Society of Singapore @ Selegie Arts Centre, 30 Selegie Road MRT: Little India When: Till April 19, 2 - 10pm (Mon - Fri), noon - 6pm (Sat & Sun) Admission: Free Info: www.pss1950.org

THE SEED THAT CHANGED THE WORLD

Find out the incredible story of rubber and the Sngapore Botanic Gardens' role in helping to spark the rubber industry in Asia at this exhibition held in conjunction with the 150th anniversary celebrations.

Where: Singapore Botanic GArden, Botany Centre, Cluny Road MRT: Orchard When: Till April 30, 9am - 6pm Admission: Free Tel: 6390-3345W

Talk

EMPLOYEE ENGAGEMENT DURING HARD TIMES

Employers can learn to find a balance between engaging their workers while being mindful of the bottom line at this human resource seminar.

Where: Singapore Press Holdings (SPH) Auditorium, 1000 Toa Payoh North MRT: Braddell When: April 16, 2-6pm Admission: Pay an early bird fee of $329 with GST (ST701 member) & $389.00 with GST (non ST701 member) by April 9, after that pay $389 with GST (ST701 member) & $459 with GST (non member). You can register as a ST701 member on ST701.com to enjoy the discounted seminar fees. Registration is free Info: To register and for information, visit jobs.st701.com (payment by credit card only). For inquiries, call 6319-5917 (office hours) or e-mail st701@sph.com.sg

ST701 PROPERTY SEMINAR 'BUYING SMART DURING HARD TIMES'

If you're thinking of buying a property, check out this seminar where you can learn about financial planning in the purchase of a Housing Board flat, using CPF for housing wisely and understanding your property contract. Organised by ST701.com, the e-marketplace of CATS Classified, Singapore Press Holdings.

Where: HDB Auditorium, 480 Toa Payoh Lorong 6 MRT: Toa Payoh When: April 18, 10am - 5pm Admission: Pay an early bird fee of $25 (ST701 member) & $35 (non-member) before Thu, After that pay $35 (ST701 member) & $45 (non-member) Tel: 6319-8636 (office hours)

EMPLOYEE ENGAGEMENT FOR LEADERS

Leaders of companies can learn how to lead the way to recovery during difficult times by improving their staff's attitude, and how fun at work can increase staff retention without compromising productivity. The trainer is Kevin Ryan who has worked with some of the largest recruitment firms in Australia.

Where: SPH Auditorium, 1000 Toa Payoh North MRT: Braddell When: April 29, 9am - 5pm Admission: Pay an early bird fee of $329 with GST (ST701 member) & $389 with GST (non-member) by Thu. After that pay $389 with GST (ST701 member) & $459 with GST (non-member) Tel: 6319-5917 (office hours) Info: Visit jobs.st701.com (payment by credit card only) or e-mail st701@sph.com.sg to register and for information

Theatre

THE ODYSSEY

Go on a fantastic voyage across time and space at this production of The Odyssey, a classic Greek epic by Homer. himself. By the award-winning ACSian Theatre, the drama club of Anglo-Chinese Junior College.

Where: Anglo-Chinese Junior College, Faith Centre for performing Arts, 25 Dover Close East MRT: Buona Vista When: Thu - Sat, 8pm Admission: $25 (free seating) Tel: 6775-0511

THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST

Glen Goei directs an all-male ensemble in bespoke suits, revealing new insights into the comedy about courtship, confused identities and the foibles of high society.

Where: Drama Centre Theatre, National Library Building, Victoria Street MRT: Bugis/City Hall When: Till Sat, 8pm (Tue - Fri), 3 & 8pm (Sat & Sun), no shows on Mon Admission: $41 - $72 Tel: 6348-5555

BEAR AND CHICKEN GO CAMPING

This play is about lovable characters Bear and Chicken who camp in the great outdoors. By The Little Company for children aged two to six.

Where: DBS Arts Centre, 20 Merbau Road, Robertson Quay MRT: Clarke Quay When: Till Sat , 10am (Mon - Fri), 11am & 2pm (Sat), no performance on Sun Admission: $19 (children & adults) for weekdays, $21 (children & adults) for Sat Tel: 6348-5555

Web

CHAT WITH STAR BLOGGERS

Want to know our star bloggers better? Chat with them from 9 to 10pm.

Info: Visit www.stomp.com.sg/starblog

Compiled by Magdalene Lum

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