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(Macao, November 28, 2012) -The Venetian^® Macao-Resort-Hotel is bringing a prestigious national performance troupe to Macao once again, with the National Ballet of China's performance of the much-loved Christmas classic The Nutcracker at the Venetian Theatre between December 21 and 25. After hosting anoteworthy ensemble performance fromtheChina National Symphony Orchestra in April, which featured China's top three tenors, the Venetian Theatre brings this latest world-class cultural performance to Macao aspartofThe Venetian Macao's long-term effort to contribute to Macao's development into Asia's top entertainment destination, and a world centre of tourism and leisure. Ticket sales forThe Nutcracker beginFriday, November 30.

The National Ballet of China

Founded in 1959, the National Ballet of China is China's only national ballet company, its dancers and musicians all graduates of professional dance academies and music conservatories across the country. In its early days, Russian ballet master Pyotr Gusev and other Russian teachers helped lay a solid foundation for the company using their experience from the Russian school of classical ballet. For the past 53 years, the National Ballet of China has introduced a wealth of outstanding classical ballets and contemporary ballet works to the Chinese audience. The ballet troupe highly values the fine tradition of classical ballets and also attaches great importance to the ballet works created by artists of different styles and schools in the contemporary world. By using ballet as a foreign art form, the troupe has succeeded in depicting the Chinese people's life and culture to the world, and has attracted the attention of the international ballet world.

The Nutcracker

Featuring Tchaikovsky's well-known score, The Nutcracker is one of the world's most famous ballets. The National Ballet of China premiered its version of the classic two-act production in February 2000. It tells the joyful story of an old Beijing family celebrating on the eve of the Chinese New Year, the production blending rich Chinese culture and western classical ballet music. In December 2010, the show was restaged with a brand new stage design and major revisions to the story and choreography. With Tchaikovsky's captivating music, the talented ballet troupe presents a variety of Chinese folklore and integrates charming cultural elements such as the twelve Chinese zodiac animals and different Chinese folk dances into the festive performance. This classical ballet performance is another bold exploration and reflection of the cultural fusion between the East and the West.

Originally choreographed by Marius Petipa and Lev Ivanov with a score by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, The Nutcracker was adapted from E.T.A. Hoffmann's story The Nutcracker and the Mouse King. The ballet has enjoyed enormous popularity since the mid-20th century and is now performed by countless ballet companies around the world, primarily during the Christmas season. Its success comes from spectacular scenes and humorous performances, and from the appealing music composed by Tchaikovsky, one of history's greatest composers.

The Nutcracker will take the stage at the Venetian Theatre for its seven-performance run. Featuring champagne service, gourmet food and beverage items and other premium amenities, the multi-purpose Venetian Theatre offers an intimate, luxurious and exclusive venue experience like no other in the region, andaims to play a key rolein bringing the best of Chinese and international entertainment to Macao, including culturally-enriching performances.Artists featured in recent performances include world-renowned violinist Jue Yao, Hong Kong diva Elisa Chan, theChina National Symphony Orchestra, China's top three tenors, Cantopop star Hacken Lee, and ten-time Grammy Award winner and platinum-selling musician George Benson.

National Ballet of China - The Nutcrackercoincides with the excitingfirst-ever Winter in Venice extravaganza at The Venetian Macao, being held now through January 13, 2013. Visitors who come to the integrated resort this winter will find themselves inthe most majestic winter wonderland Macao has ever seen. This ultimate seasonal experience features thefirst and theonly synthetic ice rink on the Cotai Strip^®,abrilliantly-lit Christmas tree as well as a nightly spectacular 3D light and sound show "The Magic of The Seasons" that willtake spectators on an awe-inspiring and colourful visual journey. AGiant Snow Globe at the integrated resort's Shoppes Grand Canal also invites families and visitors of all ages to experience the Christmas holiday fun.

Tickets for theDecember 21 to 25 performances ofNational Ballet of China - The Nutcrackerat the Venetian Theatrego on saleFriday, November 30 at 10 am, at all Sands China box offices. They can be purchased in one ofthree categories: HKD/MOP580 (A Reserve),380 (B Reserve) and180 (C Reserve). Packages with round trip Cotai Water Jet ferry tickets between Hong Kong and Macao are also available for HKD/MOP668 (A Reserve) and468 (B Reserve). Tickets can be booked online atwww.CotaiTicketing.com, or by phone at +853 2882 8818 (Macao) / +852 6333 6660 (HK), and are also available at Tom Lee Outlets and through Hong Kong Ticketing (customer service fee applies) online atwww.HKTicketing.com or by phone at +852 3128 8288.

 CotaiArena™ Box Office; The Venetian Macao-Resort-Hotel - Main Lobby Box Office; Four Seasons Hotel - The Plaza™ Casino Box Office; Sands^® Macao - Casino Floor L1 Box Office; Sands^® Cotai Central - CotaiTicketing™ Box Offices (Holiday Inn and East Bus Lobby)