China National Symphony Orchestra Melbourne Tour
The China National Symphony Orchestra will make their return to Australia this year after an absence of six years. Over 80 musicians make up this world-class orchestra under the baton of CNSO’s conductor Maestro Li Xincao. They will perform one concert only at Sydney, Adelaide and Melbourne on 28 November, 1 & 2 December 2023 respectively. The concert also features violinist Lu Siqing, the first Asian prize winner of the Paganini Competition.
The CNSO will perform a selection of masterpieces including Overture Dance of The Yao People, The Butterfly Lovers composed by He Zhanhao and Chen Gang and Beethoven Symphony No. 7 in A Major op. 92.
This is a unique opportunity for Australian audiences to experience exquisite music and witness the supreme skill and artistry of the China National Symphony Orchestra.
China National Symphony Orchestra
Founded in 1956, the CNSO is the most outstanding Chinese orchestra and has been instrumental in promoting and developing the art of symphonic music in China, introducing Chinese audiences to a large repertoire of classical, romantic, modern and contemporary orchestral works by both Western and Asian composers. Serving as a cultural ambassador, CNSO has engaged in intercultural dialogues and promoted friendship between China and the world through music during many international tours. The CNSO has performed with many top artists including Herbert von Karajan, Seiji Ozawa, Charles Dutoit, Krystof Penderecki, David Oistrakh, Yehudi Menuhin, Isaac Stern, Anne-Sophie Mutter, Martha Argerich, Mischa Maisky, Giuseppe Giacomini, Lang Lang, Wang Yuja and Han-Na Chang.
Li Xincao, Chief Conductor
Prestigious conductor Li Xincao has shown his adaptability to different programs and his correct understanding of different styles of works. He was praised especially for his excellent performance in German and Austrian works and in the new works by the Chinese contemporary composers. Over the years, Li Xincao has spread music to all five continents with worldwide recognition both in the field of symphony and opera. In particular, he has led the China National Symphony Orchestra on historic visits around the world, winning enthusiastic responses and high praise from authoritative music critics from all over the world.
Lu Siqing, Violinist
Well-recognized as one of the most outstanding Chinese violinists of today, Lu Siqing performs regularly with major national and international orchestras. As the first Asian violinist to win the esteemed International Paganini Violin Competition, Lu's performances have received great acclaim in some of the world's most prestigious concert halls and in more than forty countries and territories, including the Musikverein in Vienna, Avery Fisher Hall and Alice Tully Hall in New York City, Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles, Sydney Opera House, among others.
China National Symphony Orchestra, founded in 1956, is the most outstanding Chinese orchestra and has been instrumental in promoting and developing the art of symphonic music in China, introducing Chinese audiences to a large repertoire of classical, romantic, modern and contemporary orchestral works by both Western and Asian composers. Serving as a cultural ambassador, CNSO have engaged in intercultural dialogues and promoted friendship between China and the world through music during many international tours. The CNSO has performed with many top artists including Herbert von Karajan, Seiji Ozawa, Charles Dutoit, Krystof Penderecki, David Oistrakh, Yehudi Menuhin, Isaac Stern, Anne-Sophie Mutter, Martha Argerich, Mischa Maisky, Giuseppe Giacomini, Lang Lang, Wang Yuja and Han-Na Chang.
Program
Overture Dance of the Yao People
one of the best-known and most popular Chinese instrumental compositions of the second half of the 20th century that was inspired by the long drum dance.
The Butterfly Lovers
one of the most famous Chinese works of orchestral music written for a Western-style orchestra, an adaptation of an ancient legend, the Butterfly Lovers.
Beethoven Symphony No. 7 in A Major Op. 92
remarked by Beethoven as one of his best works and the second movement, "Allegretto" is frequently performed separately to this day.
“A sophisticated musical group with vigorous sounds and excellent technique
— The London Times
“A solid, energetic and meticulously drilled ensemble
— The Washington Post
“a large range of classical, romantic and contemporary orchestral works
— Sydney Morning Herald
Sydney Opera House, Concert Hall
Tuesday 28 November, 8:30 pm
Prices: $69 - $189
Book at: sydneyoperahouse.com or 02 9250 7777
Adelaide Town Hall
Friday 1 December, 6 pm
Prices: Premium $149 | A Res $129 | B $109 | C $89 | D $69
Book at ticketek.com.au
Arts Centre Melbourne, Hamer Hall
Saturday 2 December, 2 pm
Prices: $69 - $169
Book: artscentremelbourne.com.au or 1300 182 183
(Discounts for pension, seniors, students & groups of 10 or more)
China National Symphony Orchestra Adelaide Tour
The China National Symphony Orchestra will make their return to Australia this year after an absence of six years. Over 80 musicians make up this world-class orchestra under the baton of CNSO’s conductor Maestro Li Xincao. They will perform one concert only at Sydney, Adelaide and Melbourne on 28 November, 1 & 2 December 2023 respectively. The concert also features violinist Lu Siqing, the first Asian prize winner of the Paganini Competition.
The CNSO will perform a selection of masterpieces including Overture Dance of The Yao People, The Butterfly Lovers composed by He Zhanhao and Chen Gang and Beethoven Symphony No. 7 in A Major op. 92.
This is a unique opportunity for Australian audiences to experience exquisite music and witness the supreme skill and artistry of the China National Symphony Orchestra.
China National Symphony Orchestra
Founded in 1956, the CNSO is the most outstanding Chinese orchestra and has been instrumental in promoting and developing the art of symphonic music in China, introducing Chinese audiences to a large repertoire of classical, romantic, modern and contemporary orchestral works by both Western and Asian composers. Serving as a cultural ambassador, CNSO has engaged in intercultural dialogues and promoted friendship between China and the world through music during many international tours. The CNSO has performed with many top artists including Herbert von Karajan, Seiji Ozawa, Charles Dutoit, Krystof Penderecki, David Oistrakh, Yehudi Menuhin, Isaac Stern, Anne-Sophie Mutter, Martha Argerich, Mischa Maisky, Giuseppe Giacomini, Lang Lang, Wang Yuja and Han-Na Chang.
Li Xincao, Chief Conductor
Prestigious conductor Li Xincao has shown his adaptability to different programs and his correct understanding of different styles of works. He was praised especially for his excellent performance in German and Austrian works and in the new works by the Chinese contemporary composers. Over the years, Li Xincao has spread music to all five continents with worldwide recognition both in the field of symphony and opera. In particular, he has led the China National Symphony Orchestra on historic visits around the world, winning enthusiastic responses and high praise from authoritative music critics from all over the world.
Lu Siqing, Violinist
Well-recognized as one of the most outstanding Chinese violinists of today, Lu Siqing performs regularly with major national and international orchestras. As the first Asian violinist to win the esteemed International Paganini Violin Competition, Lu's performances have received great acclaim in some of the world's most prestigious concert halls and in more than forty countries and territories, including the Musikverein in Vienna, Avery Fisher Hall and Alice Tully Hall in New York City, Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles, Sydney Opera House, among others.
China National Symphony Orchestra, founded in 1956, is the most outstanding Chinese orchestra and has been instrumental in promoting and developing the art of symphonic music in China, introducing Chinese audiences to a large repertoire of classical, romantic, modern and contemporary orchestral works by both Western and Asian composers. Serving as a cultural ambassador, CNSO have engaged in intercultural dialogues and promoted friendship between China and the world through music during many international tours. The CNSO has performed with many top artists including Herbert von Karajan, Seiji Ozawa, Charles Dutoit, Krystof Penderecki, David Oistrakh, Yehudi Menuhin, Isaac Stern, Anne-Sophie Mutter, Martha Argerich, Mischa Maisky, Giuseppe Giacomini, Lang Lang, Wang Yuja and Han-Na Chang.
Program
Overture Dance of the Yao People
one of the best-known and most popular Chinese instrumental compositions of the second half of the 20th century that was inspired by the long drum dance.
The Butterfly Lovers
one of the most famous Chinese works of orchestral music written for a Western-style orchestra, an adaptation of an ancient legend, the Butterfly Lovers.
Beethoven Symphony No. 7 in A Major Op. 92
remarked by Beethoven as one of his best works and the second movement, "Allegretto" is frequently performed separately to this day.
“A sophisticated musical group with vigorous sounds and excellent technique
— The London Times
“A solid, energetic and meticulously drilled ensemble
— The Washington Post
“a large range of classical, romantic and contemporary orchestral works
— Sydney Morning Herald
Sydney Opera House, Concert Hall
Tuesday 28 November, 8:30 pm
Prices: $69 - $189
Book at: sydneyoperahouse.com or 02 9250 7777
Adelaide Town Hall
Friday 1 December, 6 pm
Prices: Premium $149 | A Res $129 | B $109 | C $89 | D $69
Book at ticketek.com.au
Arts Centre Melbourne, Hamer Hall
Saturday 2 December, 2 pm
Prices: $69 - $169
Book: artscentremelbourne.com.au or 1300 182 183
(Discounts for pension, seniors, students & groups of 10 or more)
China National Symphony Orchestra Sydney Return
The China National Symphony Orchestra will make their return to Australia this year after an absence of six years. Over 80 musicians make up this world-class orchestra under the baton of CNSO’s conductor Maestro Li Xincao. They will perform one concert only at Sydney, Adelaide and Melbourne on 28 November, 1 & 2 December 2023 respectively. The concert also features violinist Lu Siqing, the first Asian prize winner of the Paganini Competition.
The CNSO will perform a selection of masterpieces including Overture Dance of The Yao People, The Butterfly Lovers composed by He Zhanhao and Chen Gang and Beethoven Symphony No. 7 in A Major op. 92.
This is a unique opportunity for Australian audiences to experience exquisite music and witness the supreme skill and artistry of the China National Symphony Orchestra.
China National Symphony Orchestra
Founded in 1956, the CNSO is the most outstanding Chinese orchestra and has been instrumental in promoting and developing the art of symphonic music in China, introducing Chinese audiences to a large repertoire of classical, romantic, modern and contemporary orchestral works by both Western and Asian composers. Serving as a cultural ambassador, CNSO has engaged in intercultural dialogues and promoted friendship between China and the world through music during many international tours. The CNSO has performed with many top artists including Herbert von Karajan, Seiji Ozawa, Charles Dutoit, Krystof Penderecki, David Oistrakh, Yehudi Menuhin, Isaac Stern, Anne-Sophie Mutter, Martha Argerich, Mischa Maisky, Giuseppe Giacomini, Lang Lang, Wang Yuja and Han-Na Chang.
Li Xincao, Chief Conductor
Prestigious conductor Li Xincao has shown his adaptability to different programs and his correct understanding of different styles of works. He was praised especially for his excellent performance in German and Austrian works and in the new works by the Chinese contemporary composers. Over the years, Li Xincao has spread music to all five continents with worldwide recognition both in the field of symphony and opera. In particular, he has led the China National Symphony Orchestra on historic visits around the world, winning enthusiastic responses and high praise from authoritative music critics from all over the world.
Lu Siqing, Violinist
Well-recognized as one of the most outstanding Chinese violinists of today, Lu Siqing performs regularly with major national and international orchestras. As the first Asian violinist to win the esteemed International Paganini Violin Competition, Lu's performances have received great acclaim in some of the world's most prestigious concert halls and in more than forty countries and territories, including the Musikverein in Vienna, Avery Fisher Hall and Alice Tully Hall in New York City, Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles, Sydney Opera House, among others.
China National Symphony Orchestra, founded in 1956, is the most outstanding Chinese orchestra and has been instrumental in promoting and developing the art of symphonic music in China, introducing Chinese audiences to a large repertoire of classical, romantic, modern and contemporary orchestral works by both Western and Asian composers. Serving as a cultural ambassador, CNSO have engaged in intercultural dialogues and promoted friendship between China and the world through music during many international tours. The CNSO has performed with many top artists including Herbert von Karajan, Seiji Ozawa, Charles Dutoit, Krystof Penderecki, David Oistrakh, Yehudi Menuhin, Isaac Stern, Anne-Sophie Mutter, Martha Argerich, Mischa Maisky, Giuseppe Giacomini, Lang Lang, Wang Yuja and Han-Na Chang.
Program
Overture Dance of the Yao People
one of the best-known and most popular Chinese instrumental compositions of the second half of the 20th century that was inspired by the long drum dance.
The Butterfly Lovers
one of the most famous Chinese works of orchestral music written for a Western-style orchestra, an adaptation of an ancient legend, the Butterfly Lovers.
Beethoven Symphony No. 7 in A Major Op. 92
remarked by Beethoven as one of his best works and the second movement, "Allegretto" is frequently performed separately to this day.
“A sophisticated musical group with vigorous sounds and excellent technique
— The London Times
“A solid, energetic and meticulously drilled ensemble
— The Washington Post
“a large range of classical, romantic and contemporary orchestral works
— Sydney Morning Herald
Sydney Opera House, Concert Hall
Tuesday 28 November, 8:30 pm
Prices: $69 - $189
Book at: sydneyoperahouse.com or 02 9250 7777
Adelaide Town Hall
Friday 1 December, 6 pm
Prices: Premium $149 | A Res $129 | B $109 | C $89 | D $69
Book at ticketek.com.au
Arts Centre Melbourne, Hamer Hall
Saturday 2 December, 2 pm
Prices: $69 - $169
Book: artscentremelbourne.com.au or 1300 182 183
(Discounts for pension, seniors, students & groups of 10 or more)
Lunar New Year Concert 2023
Lunar New Year Concert 2023 is an evening of orchestral concert to celebrate the Year of the Rabbit at Sydney Town Hall on Friday 10 February 2023. The concert features the extraordinary Willoughby Symphony Orchestra led by George Ellis, one of the leading Australian conductors together with selected Australian Chinese artists.
East Meets West Orchestral Concert
Experience Australia's finest musicians performing traditional and contemporary music from the East and West, including the acclaimed Chinese classics, Butterfly Lovers Violin Concerto and the Yellow River Piano Concerto
East Meets West Orchestral Concert
East Meets West Orchestral Concert with Willoughby Symphony Orcheatra features a unique blend of classical music from the acclaimed Chinese masterpieces, Spring Festival Suite and Tune of Meihu, and the world-famous Tchaikovsky Piano Concerto No.1.
Year of the Tiger in Concert
Year of the Tiger in Concert
— A Live Concert to Celebrate the Chinese Lunar New Year 2022
Together with Willoughby Symphony Orchestra and the selected popular Australian Chinese soloists, this all-star cast brings you a remarkable and immersive live music experience of authentic classics. The concert features two immensely acclaimed Chinese classics Suite of Spring Festival and the Tune of Meihu’s Australian premiere, and world-famous Piano Concerto No.1 (Tchaikovsky).
Emerging Chinese-Australian conductor Shilong Ye, a recipient of ‘ALAN BELLHOUSE AWARD FOR A YOUNG CONDUCTOR’, will lead this concert. Guest artists include award-winning pianist Tony Dongyi Lee, leading Erhu player Tuqiang Zhang, and soprano Lei Du. The artists will be joined by the extraordinary Willoughby Symphony, an exceptional orchestra of international standard.
A joyful exuberant piece, Suite of Spring Festival, composed by Huanzhi Li, depicting the scene that folks in Shanbei region were celebrating the Chinese New Year, will highlight the concert with its grand returns with a perfect festival ambience to the audiences. The popular Chinese folk song Tune of Meihu, a masterpiece of the well-established Qin Erhu originated from yellow river civilisation, will cheer up the community with the high spirits and unwavering conviction conveyed from this folk song.
As the featured musical event in the Chatswood Year of the Tiger Festival, the concert will showcase the diverse creativities and illuminate the depth and breadth of cultural celebrations.
Don't miss your rare opportunity to experience an Australian tribute to Chinese music heritage with one of Sydney’s largest Lunar New Year celebrations.
Program:
Spring Festival Suite, Composer HuanZhi Li
Tune of Meihu, Composer Yanjia Zhou
New Horse Racing, composer Haihuai Huang, arranged by Yaoxing Chen & Jun Chen
You and Me, Composer Qigang Chen
Pamir My Beautiful Homeland, Composer Qiufeng Zheng
Tchaikovsky Piano Concerto No. 1
Featuring:
Orchestra Willoughby Symphony
Conductor Shilong Ye
Pianist Tony Dongyi Lee
Erhu Tuqiang Zhang, Ashley Sui
Pipa Zina Fan
Yangqin Angela Feng
Soprano Lei Du
CNY Gala Night 2020
Celebrate the Year of Rat with pop stars and classic culture artists from Shannxi Province China. 2020 Chinese New Year Gala at Sydney Town Hall on 28th Jan entertain you with a fun filled colourful night of acrobatics, martial arts, opera and pop, folk song, erhu and Tang dance.
Legend of the Chinese Song Fairy
A moving tale of bravery, oppression and love. The Legend of the Chinese Song Fairy, performed by China National Opera and Dance Drama Theatre (CNODDT), blessed the Sydney Opera House with Chinese folk music in December 2019. The opera performance delved into the myths and legends of the Guangxi Zhuang ethnic group and told the story of a cultural icon and legendary folk singer, Liu Sanjie the ‘Song Fairy’. The opera combined dialogue scenes with renowned folk music to create an alluring concert experience.
Tales of Twelve Chinese Zodiac - Dance & Percussion Music
"An ingenious and high-quality performance…colourful pageantry, stunning choreography and thought-provoking story-line”. Clarin, Argentina
China’s highly acclaimed musical dance TALES OF 12 CHINESE ZODIAC promises to thrill its audiences when it premieres at the Sydney State Theatre on 21 Nov and Melbourne Palais Theatre on 25 Nov.
A cast of 50 will stage an exquisite production with colorful pageantry, stunning costumes, masterful choreography and music featuring Chinese percussion instruments with western ones such as the djembe, a hand drum from Africa, and the conga, a drum from Cuba. In addition to Chinese classical and modern dance, calligraphy, Peking Opera, martial arts and other China’s most representative cultural elements are woven into the production.
The zodiac culture originates from ancient times, when Chinese ancestors categorized years by animal signs. The Chinese zodiac bestows its individual characteristics to those born in its corresponding year.
Shen Chen, Director and choreographer of the performance says "The 12 animals of the Chinese zodiac represent the most important and symbolic part of traditional Chinese culture. I would like to show the circle of life, the circle of the four seasons and the circle of nature through dance and music."
Divided into four acts, the story follows the characteristics of 12 important historical periods of China, exhibiting every zodiac animal's character traits from The Ox pasturing in the Wild to The Dragon returning to the Origin.
Performing Group- China Oriental Performing Arts Group
China Oriental Performing Arts Group comprises China’s finest music and dance performers, representing the highest standard of music and dance art in China. Having performed across China, they have also toured 5 continents covering more than 70 countries and regions.
What is your Chinese zodiac sign? Don’t miss this musical dance spectacular if you want to know more about your zodiac!
HOSTED AND PRODUCED BY CHINA ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT GROUP LTD
PRESENTED BY AUSFENG
State Theatre Sydney 7:30PM Thursday 21 November
Palais Theatre Melbourne 7:30PM · Monday 25 November
CHINA YOUNG 2019 Beijing Golden Sail Extravaganza
There was no better venue to showcase the talents of the Beijing Golden Sail Art Troupe than the symbol of twentieth century architecture, the renowned Sydney Opera House. Overseen by award winning, 2008 Beijing Olympics director, Meng Yan, Beijing Golden Sail Extravaganza highlighted and enacted the attributes of the Chinese youth performers to showcase a seamless talent production. The student travelling troupe thoroughly impressed their audience and left behind a resounding round of applause for their talents.
Tang Xianzu - the Playwright in Concert
Over 100 talented musicians from the Symphony Orchestra and Opera of Shanghai Conservatory of Music (SHCM) made their Australian debut in Tang Xianzu the Playwright in Concert on 5 April in Melbourne Recital Centre and 7 April 2019 in the Concert Hall, Sydney Opera House. This remarkable and original integration of works effectively showcased and translated not only the many facets of Chinese culture but also the refined world of literature in Renaissance China……
THRILLED AUDIENCES
Never underestimate the power of a thrilling story and rich music to warm the heart. Tang Xianzu the Playwright in Concert made its Australian debut featuring over 100 talented musicians from the Symphony Orchestra and the Opera of Shanghai Conservatory of Music (SHCM). Weaving in the multifaceted aspects of Chinese culture, adaptations from Tang’s plays, and his unfaltering humanistic morality and conviction of everlasting love, Tang’s original opera bestowed a universal translation of the refined world of literature in Renaissance China. It was set within the Melbourne Recital Centre and the Concert Hall, Sydney Opera House during April 2019.
“Very successfully delivered”
“Highly remarkable and original integration of works”
Reviews Limelights
China Village
National Multicultural Festival (NMF) is a community festival held annually each February in Canberra and is a platform for cultural exchanges between different ethnic communities. It not only boasts cuisine showcase, but also features varied and exciting art performances presented by various ethnic groups. Recommended by NMF and supported by Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Australia, an inaugural China Village was setup at NMF 2017 for the Chinese performing art groups from China and local Chinese community.
The 3rd China Village in NMF 2019 was successfully held by Ausfeng Events in associated with Federation of ACT Chinese Associations in Canberra from 15-17 FEB. The Chinese cultural handcraft, calligraphy, paintings, tea ceremony and food were displayed in over 30 booths sampling, attracting lots of local residents to come. Audiences couldn’t stop clapping and screaming when they saw theses tremendous performances such as lion dance, acrobatics, singing, which were given by oversea performing groups like Guizhou Opera & Dance Drama Theater, China Soong Ching Ling Foundation and Australian local Chinese Association.
12 Girls Band - CNY Concert 2019
Title sponsored by SYDNEY BEER CO.
To celebrate the Lunar New Year, the prestigious Twelve Girls Band will premiere at Sydney Opera House on Sunday 3 February 2019.
The Twelve Girls Band is a chart-topping all-female music group, whose members are much-admired musical ambassadors of Chinese music. By perfectly combining traditional Chinese folk instruments with modern pop music elements such as Latin, Jazz, and Rock, the band creates a musical feast with a focus on oriental rhymes and western charm.
The concert has a unique artistic style and features favorite music and songs performed by the band and award-wining singers.
Event review at Cutcommon
Lake Honghu in Concert
A Classic opera ‘the Red guards on Lake honghu’ to have its Australian premiere
FIGHT FOR FREEDOM, SING FOR HOPE
Performed by Hubei Symphony Orchestra and Hubei Provincial Opera and Dance Drama Theatre
After 60 years of success and more than 3000 shows and now performing for the first time out of China in an Australian first, Hubei Symphony Orchestra of Hubei Provincial Opera and Dance Drama Theatre presents a modern concert production of the classic Chinese opera, Lake Honghu featuring seven principal singers and a chorus of forty.
These milestone concerts will take place at the Sydney Opera House on November 4 with celebrated Australian guest conductor Vanessa Scammell (My Fair Lady, The Merry Widow, South Pacific) and Melbourne Recital Centre led by resident conductor Luo Yilin on November 7 & 8.
The original opera was first performed in 1958 in Wuhan and was staged in Beijing in October 1959. Based on the true story, Han Ying and Liu Chuang led a team of guardians defending their homeland in the scenic Lake Honghu area in the summer of 1930. Interesting to note by means of its famous lake, Honghu City produces forty kinds of fish and an abundance of plants, such as the lotus, reed and a type of lack algae.
Blending western style opera with traditional Chinese and Hubei folk songs and lyrical ballad, the melody is cheerful, full of passion and shows the revolutionary pioneer’s love of the hometown and hope for the happy lives and future. The music structure contains both strength of the Chinese traditional opera and English Opera. The lyrics and the music tell the story and focus on emphasising the character’s internal emotions.
Since its debut in Beijing, the opera, composed by Zhu Benhe, Zhang Jing’an and Ouyang Qianshu, has become a national treasure and ‘Chinese Classic Opera of the 20th Century’. In 1961, it was adapted into a popular film, and famous passages such as The Honghu Lake, Waves Upon Waves; No Tears, No Sorrow; and Wait and See the Liberation of All Suffering People, have become a part of China’s collective memory.
This unique concert production of the former opera aims to celebrate and revive the classic work, the performance preserved the brilliance of the original music, while also making modifications to the arrangements to reinvent the piece for contemporary audiences.
Sunday 4 November · Sydney Opera House Concert Hall
Wednesday 7 & Thursday 8 November · Melbourne Recital Centre
The Legend of Dunhuang
China’s highly-acclaimed dance spectacular makes its Australian debut
Hailed as “The Oriental Swan Lake”, The Legend of Dunhuang takes place in the desert city of Dunhuang, in northwest China's Gansu Province. It tells the classical story of a fresco painter and his daughter, Ying Niang, who save the life of a Persian merchant, Yunus. When Ying Niang and Yunis flee to Persia to escape corrupt forces, her father remains behind, painting the famous frescoes of the Dunhuang grottoes. The tale takes a tragic turn when Ying Niang’s father sacrifices his life to save her and Yunis.
More than a triumphant tale of honour, love and international friendship, this exquisite production transports the audience to the height of the Silk Road trade, bringing to life the history and beauty of the Dunhuang grottoes that have become a UNESCO heritage site and captures the cultural significance embedded in the cave paintings.
Established in 1961, the Gansu Dance Theatre is widely regarded for upholding the culture of Dunhuang, a city renowned for its natural beauty and historic ties to the Silk Road. They have won numerous national awards and toured nearly 30 countries. The Legend of Dunhuang is their most acclaimed work, boasting a 47-strong ensemble and has been performed in over 400 cities worldwide since its creation, almost 40 years ago. It was reinvigorated in 2008 to celebrate the Beijing Olympics and has come to symbolise a significant milestone in the history of Chinese culture and dance.
Following stunning performances in New York and London, CPEG and Ausfeng presents Gansu Dance Theatre’s The Legend of Dunhuang to the Australian stage for the first time.
Venue: The Star Gold Coast
Date: 28-29 Sep at 7:30pm
Prices: premium $109/ A $89/ B $69/ C $49
Venue: Civic Theatre Newcastle
Date: 2-3 Oct at 7:30pm
Prices: premium $89/ A $69/ B $49
Venue: Darling Harbour Theatre, ICC Sydney
Date: 5-6 Oct at 7:30pm
Prices: premium $129/ A $99/ B $79/ C $59
Tales of the Silk Road Pipa & Percussion
~ Tales of the Silk Road brought to life through the enchanting music of Pipa~
Distinguished Pipa master Zhang Hong-yan together with the Plucked-String Orchestra of China Central Conservatory of Music will make their Australian debut in Tales of the Silk Road: Pipa (Chinese Lute) and Percussion. There will be two concerts only at Sydney Opera House on Sunday 6 May and Melbourne Recital Centre on Tuesday 8 May 2018.
Renowned as “an envoy from the orient” and “an incomparable music fairy”, Zhang is famous for her sentimental expression with merely a couple of plucks of the strings. With her Pipa, she has performed in the world’s most prestigious concert halls in more than 30 countries. As a reputable music educator, she now takes the posts of professor and master’s supervisor of the China Central Conservatory of Music, the deputy director of the Department of Chinese Folk Music, and other reputable positions. Zhang is committed to exploring the fusion of Eastern and Western music and unearthing new possibilities of Chinese plucked strings.
Her exceptional artistry culminates in Tales of the Silk Road. Featuring folk songs along the Silk Road, contemporary Chinese music and Western classics variations, this concert showcases traditional Chinese instruments and gives audiences an unforgettable multi-dimensional artistic experience.
The Pipa (Chinese Lute) is a four-stringed Chinese musical instrument, belonging to the plucked category of instruments. Sometimes called the Chinese lute, the instrument has a pear-shaped wooden body with a varying number of frets ranging from 12 to 26. Pipa may have existed in China as early as the Han dynasty (around 2nd century AD). As one of the most popular Chinese instruments, Pipa has been played for almost two thousand years in China.
Treasures of a Nation - CNY Concert 2018
Treasures of a Nation - Chinese New Year Concert 2018
Discover a new world of music, stunning visuals and virtuosity
AUCKLAND, SYDNEY, CANBERRA, BRISBANE, MELBOURNE
The prestigious Chinese Orchestra of China National Opera and Dance Drama Theater make their New Zealand debut and Australian return with their unique concert Treasures of a Nation visiting Auckland, Sydney, Canberra, Brisbane and Melbourne from Tuesday 27 February to Wednesday 7 March to celebrate the Chinese New Year 2018.
The Treasures of a Nation promises to be truly a transcendent experience that merges traditional Chinese style with contemporary music. The concert will take you on a fascinating musical journey, exploring the treasures of a nation and immersing yourself in the rich culture.
The renowned national-level Chinese Orchestra of China National Opera and Dance Drama Theater, the first professional Chinese traditional orchestra established in 1951, has created a large number of popular opera and dance dramas. The Orchestra has a unique artistic style and has fostered a large number of performers with high artistic attainments. The Orchestra has accumulated many transitional and popular instrumental music works and its members have taken part in national and international instrumental music competitions and won many prizes.
“…making stirring, unusual and enjoyable music…” Canberra Critics Circle
East Meets West - CNY's Eve Gala Concert 2018
Enjoy a stunning gala concert combining classical and contemporary songs from east and west when superb Chinese and Australian singers perform jointly with talented guest musicians from the Sydney Symphony Orchestra and China National Opera & Dance Drama Theater at Sydney Opera House Concert Hall on Thursday 15 February 2018.
This combined concert is being held to celebrate the Lunar New Year 2018 aimed at uniting East and West and will feature favourite songs and music performed by leading Australian & Chinese performers Taryn Fiebig (Helpmann Award-winning soprano for Opera Australia); Cassandra Seidemann (Mezzo Soprano, Principal Artist for Opera Queensland and Olga in ‘The Merry Widow’, Brisbane 2018); Yi Ding (The Three Tenors of China and former principal tenor of Opera Australia); Chen-Ye Yuan (leading baritone at the National Center for the Performing Arts, Beijing); Sharon Zhai (Soprano for Opera Australia and Cio-Cio-San in the touring production of Madame Butterfly in 2018); Xiao-duo Chen (Soprano for the China National Opera & Dance Drama Theater); Yafen (award-winning Chinese soprano for folk songs) and Jia-Ping Bian (Tenor for musical)
China National Symphony Orchestra
An Exclusive Concert in Celebration of the 45th Anniversary of the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations between China and Australia
The China National Symphony Orchestra will make their Australian tour this year. Over 100 pieces world-class orchestra under the baton of CNSO’s conductor Maestro Li Xincao will perform one concert only at Sydney Opera House on Monday 23 October 2017. The concert also features violinist Lü Siqing, the first Asian prizewinner of the Paganini Competition.
The China National Symphony Orchestra, founded in 1956, is the most outstanding Chinese orchestra. The CNSO has been instrumental in promoting and developing the art of symphonic music in China, introducing Chinese audiences to a large repertoire of classical, romantic, modern and contemporary orchestral works by both Western and Asian composers. The CNSO has performed with many world top artists including Herbert von Karajan, Seiji Ozawa, Charles Dutoit, Krystof Penderecki, David Oistrakh, Yehudi Menuhin, Isaac Stern, Anne-Sophie Mutter, Martha Argerich, Mischa Maisky, Giuseppe Giacomini, Lang Lang, Li Yundi, Wang Yuja and Han-Na Chang.
During the past decades, the CNSO has undertaken international tours to the USA, the United Kingdom, Germany, Austria, Spain, Mexico, Japan, and other cities known as classical music metropolises. The London Times praised the orchestra as a sophisticated musical group with vigorous sounds and excellent technique. The Washington Post mentioned the Orchestra is a solid, energetic and meticulously drilled ensemble.
For the Orchestra’s Australian tour 2017, the CNSO will perform a selection of masterpieces including The Fantasies Symphoniques composed by Guan Xia, The Butterfly Lovers composed by He Zhanhao and Chen Gang and Symphonic Suite Scheherazade.
This is a unique opportunity for Sydney audiences to experience exquisite music and witness the supreme skill and artistry of the China National Symphony Orchestra.
Imperial Bells of China - Chimes in Concert
Experience the lost world of “Ten Kingdoms” with unique imperial bells of China this July!
A spellbinding sound filled with beauty, romance & solemnity
In a unique display unlike any other orchestral performance, the internationally acclaimed Hubei Chime Bells Orchestra will bring the imperial Bells for the spellbinding concert at the Melbourne Recital Centre on 20 July and Sydney Opera House on 23 July 2017.
Dating back 2400 years, the imperial bells are the 433BC chime bells unearthed in 1978 in the Zenghouyi Tomb in Hubei Province in China. There are sixty-five bells with weight up to 5 tonnes hanging on two sets of wood racks.
The use of the imperial bells creates melodious timbre, a beautiful, hypnotising sound, both romantically and sonorously. Not only does the sound of the bells, filled with an elegant beauty transport you back to thousands of years ago but the bells are visually breathtaking because of their scale, their elaborate cast technique and the way in which they impressively hang on their wooden frames.
Hubei Chime Bells Orchestra is an amalgamation of a large bronze chime bells ensemble and a Chinese Folk orchestra. The orchestra is famous for having composed the masterpiece, Harmony of Eight Tones, which China has recognised as a significant contribution to the heritage of Chinese music.
Immerse yourself in music, cultural and spiritual history and prepare to be amazed by the beautifully crafted imperial bells of China! Do not miss out this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to enjoy the extraordinary concert.