The 45th Hong Kong Arts Festival (HKAF) kicked off here on Thursday with more than 1,700 acclaimed artists from around the world expected to stage 180 performances this year.

During the festival, renowned international artists from Bavarian State Ballet, National Theatre Brno, Tanztheater Wuppertal Pina Bausch, Oslo Philharmonic and many other groups will present their artistic performance along with talented people from Hong Kong.

Among the 180 or so performances, 16 works will be world premieres, 14 Asian premieres, 48 free performances of chorus, and three performances of Danz Up 2.0.

In addition, the 45th HKAF will present approximately 300 outreach events, including special events for Young Friends, education activities with schools and community groups, and PLUS activities for the general public.

"In the Moment" is the overarching theme for this year's festival.

Launched in 1973, the HKAF has become a major international arts festival committed to enriching the cultural life of the city and promoting arts.

This year's arts festival will last till March 18.

Email: lijia@nbd.com.cn