Hong Kong, 23 September 2002 - The opening of Esplanade -Theatres on the Bay on the 12th October marks the beginning of a new era for the performing arts scene in Singapore.  As a strategic and preferred partner of the Esplanade, The Oriental features an exclusive opening celebratory package until 31st March, 2003.
From 14th October to 31st March 2003, the luxury hotel is offering an exclusive Arts Experience package for only S$210+++ per room per night.  With an ideal location next to the Esplanade, guests can enjoy luxurious accommodation in an Ocean/Harbour View room that includes American breakfast for two and late checkout until 4pm.  Tickets for performances can be obtained through the hotel`s dedicated concierge service upon request and a performance schedule is available online through www.esplanade.com
Additionally, a surcharge of only S$90+++ per night is available for guests wishing to stay in a Club Harbour View room and indulge in the facilities of the city`s most spacious new club lounge.  Featuring panoramic views of Singapore`s city skyline, exclusive club benefits include daily champagne breakfast, traditional afternoon tea, evening cocktail, extension of stay at the same rate and unlimited garment pressing.
Guests can also indulge in a pre-show two-course Western set dinner for two at the hotel`s restaurants Pronto or Cafe des Artistes that includes a glass of champagne each during intermission and after-show dessert with coffee or tea for S$120+++.
Celebrating the best of Asian and Western performing arts, Esplanade celebrations commence with a spectacular opening on 12th October followed by an Opening Festival from 13 October   to 3rd November 2002, featuring over 1,300 artists from 22 countries in 70 productions and 600 free events.  Some of the offerings of this three-week festival include three world premieres as well as celebrated acts such as The London Philharmonic Orchestra with Kurt Masur, Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis, Jessye Norman in Recital, five-time Grammy award nominee Cesaria Evora, Zhang Yimou`s Raise the Red Lantern and Cantonese Opera diva, Mui Suet See, just to name a few.
Set against the dramatic skyline of the city`s central business district, this vast complex majestically fronts the waterfront close by Mandarin Oriental`s only hotel in Singapore, The Oriental.  It houses a 1,600-seat concert hall designed by world-renowned acoustician, Russell Johnson of ARTEC Consultants Inc, USA, and a pipe organ with 4,740 pipes and 61 stops, designed and built by Johannes Klais Orgelbau, of the acclaimed Orgelbau organ-building family. The 2,000-seat theatre has seating on four levels in the intimate horseshoe shape of traditional Italian opera houses.  It features two full-size stages to facilitate swift scene changes, and an orchestra pit to accommodate up to 100 musicians.
For room reservations, please call (65) 6885 3030, fax (65) 6336 5079 or visit Mandarin Oriental`s online reservations service as www.mandarinoriental.com or email .
Mandarin Oriental is the award-winning owner and operator of some of the world`s most prestigious hotels and resorts.  In total, the Group operates 18 luxury hotels in key business and leisure destinations, with three additional hotels under development, including New York (opening late 2003), Washington D.C. (opening 2004) and Tokyo (opening 2006).  Mandarin Oriental now operates some 7,000 rooms in eleven countries with nine hotels in Asia, six in The Americas and three in Europe.
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