Lovers of all things arts-based in Hong Kong get pretty excitable during February and March every year when world-renowned orchestras, dance companies and theatre groups gather at the annual Hong Kong Arts Festival. While the actual festival is still about half a year away, a preview of the highlights has just been released and we reckon it should hopefully ease – if not increase – your craving for some first-class theatre experiences.

Under the programme, Europe’s oldest and most prestigious working theatre, the San Carlo Theatre of Naples, is set to present three of its celebrated productions, including Viva Verdi, which pays tribute to Italian composer Giuseppe Verdi, and comic opera II Marito Disperato, which tells the stories of a desperate husband. And, with Hong Kong being the only stop in Asia during their world tour, Philip Glass and Robert Wilson are ready to subvert everything (you think) you know about opera with their revolutionary four-act piece, Einstein on the Beach.

Catch The History Boys director Nicholas Hytner’s British wit in his new play, One Man, Two Guvnors, or get lost in translation with Tony-award-winning playwright David Henry Hwang’s beloved comedy Chinglish – soon to appear as a big-screen adaptation by film director Justin Lin. The young and up-and-coming jazz diva Esperanza Spalding from America is swinging her way into the SAR with her sensationally seductive voice, while the Australian Chamber Orchestra promises a mind-blowing and virtuous performance that links music, film and surfing.

Marking its 41st edition, HKAF is launching a new ‘early bird booking package’, from July 27 to August 20, and it’s making the booking game just a little more competitive if you don’t pay close attention. Special discounts of at least 10 percent will be offered to those who subscribe to three or more of the following selected performances: Riccardo Muti and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, American Ballet Theatre’s Dance Gala and Romeo and Juliet, as well as La Traviata by San Carlo Theatre. Take your pick.

Preview: John Yip

Hong Kong Arts Festival 2013 runs from Feb 21-Mar 22. For programme and booking details, visit hk.artsfestival.org.