IDS 2003 Cologne

The world's biggest and best dental show, IDS 2003, March 25-29, Cologne, Germany, is expected to attract in excess of 60,000 visitors to view the wares of some 1,400 suppliers from 43 countries around the world.

The biennial International Dental Show will preview the latest and greatest developments in all areas of dentistry from implants to infection control. Of particular interest are new technologies such as CAD/CAM manufacturing systems, lasers and other high tech products, many of which never make it to Australia.

Every conceivable dental product from the four corners is typically on show in the massive halls of the Cologne fair grounds.

A lively social program accompanies the fair, with the city of Cologne and the individual exhibitors staging a range of events throughout the Show.

According to the organisers, the cultural scene in the cathedral city will be as vibrant, lively and diverse as fair guests could possibly wish for. Whether it is the Philharmonic, theatres, Kölnarena or Musical Dome, museums or galleries - the city will present the best it has to offer.

In Cologne, the visual arts have an outstanding significance. World-class collections featuring Rubens to Renoir and Picasso to Baselitz, combine with art and discoveries from Cologne's Roman past.

For music enthusiasts, the Cologne Philharmonic is always worth a visit. During the IDS, the spectrum will extend from a Janácek evening with pianist Andrá Schiff and the Panocha Quartet (25th March) through to the Master Concert given by the London Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by Kurt Masur (26th March) up to the concert by the WDR Symphony Orchestra Cologne conducted by André Previn (28th March).

The Cologne theatre scene ranging from opera to musicals is also diverse.

From 26th to 30th March, the Opera House will host the Netherlands Dance Theatre with the "Symphony of Psalms" by Igor Strawinsky. Music lovers will get their money's worth at the Musical Dome: from 26th to 29th March, they will be treated to the story of "Jeckyll & Hyde".