Performance
Old classics
Late musician Wang Luobin, who won respect by spending decades compiling many folk songs in poor areas of Northwest China, left his legend and his classic music creation to his fans. After his death one decade ago, the songs he helped preserve are still widespread. Liu Bingyi, Pan Shuzhen and Huang Huali will sing. As well as Wang's songs, they will also sing former USSR songs, helping people recall remote and romantic memories for the festive season. 80-1,080 yuan. 7:30pm, Feb 22. Beijing Concert Hall, 1 Beixinhuajie, Xicheng District. 6605-7006.
Ode to a Russian master
Based on Russian master dancer Vaclav Nizhinski's manuscript, Chinese choreographer Xing Liang will perform his new work named after the master. Nizhinski's classic stage posture and movement, together with his inner world and tragic life are unfolded and developed by his Chinese counterpart. Nizhinski appeared on stage for only 10 years, but became a legend in Russian dance history. He broke the routine pattern of classic dancing and elaborated with his aesthetic views on ballet. 40-120 yuan. 7:30pm, Mar 10. Haidian Theater, 84 Haidian Lu. 6255-8026.
Fantastic fairytales
A drama titled The Brothers Grimm and the Magic Forest will greet youngsters. The story will include characters like Snow White, the Brothers Grimm, and the seven dwarfs. The ginger bread house and the magic forest will develop into a colourful world. 120-300 yuan. 7:30pm, Feb 18-24. Holiday Classics Small Theater, Forth Floor of China Children Theatre, 64 Dong'anmen Dajie, Wangfujing. 6521-1425.
Sounds from the grasslands
The Inner Mongolian Youth Chorus takes to the stage in Beijing. Founded in 1987, the chorus has staged more than 100 performances across the country. Songs will include Rising Sun, Beautiful Grassland My Hometown and The Camel Ring. 80-880 yuan. 7:30pm, Feb 23,24. Century Theater, Liangmaqiao Lu, Chaoyang District. 6468-3311.
Novel songs
The all-time classic, "A dream of Red Mansions", by Cao Xueqin (1715-63) is known to most with an interest in Chinese literature. The story depicts the decline of an aristocratic family through a tragic love story. The theme songs of the 1986 TV series are still popular and Zheng Xulan, the original singer of some of the songs will sing those tunes. 80-880 yuan. 7:30pm, Feb 20 at the Forbidden City Concert Hall in Zhongshan Park. 6559-8285.
Unrivalled Russians
The Symphony Orchestra of Russia will perform in Beijing, one stop on the orchestra's world tour. The orchestra performs more than 40 concerts a year and takes part in numerous international music festivals. Its repertoire includes works by Beethoven, Bach, Brahms and Debussy. 100-1,000 yuan. 7:30pm, Feb 18. Poly Theater, Dongsi Shitiao, Chaoyang District. 6506-5345.
Festive concerto
Accompanied by the China National Chinese Opera and Dance Drama Company, veteran pianist Shi Shucheng and violinist Sheng Zhongguo will perform concertos Yellow River and Butterfly Lovers. 80-880 yuan. 7:30pm, Feb 21, 22 at the Forbidden City Concert Hall in Zhongshan Park, Northwest of Tian'anmen Square. 6559-8285.
Cavalier classic
The ballet, Don Quixote, will be played by the Russian National Ballet Troupe, which tells the story of the ancient cavalier's enthusiasm. The dance and stage settings promise to dazzle. 80-1,280 yuan. 7:30pm, Feb 19 at the Poly Theatre, Dongsi Shitiao, Chaoyang District. 6506-5345.
Quacking good fun
A puppet show of the classic children's story, Ugly Duckling, will be performed for youngsters in Beijing to make them laugh and learn a lesson. 30-90 yuan. 7:30pm, Feb 19-24. Century Theater, Liangmaqiao Lu, Chaoyang District. 6468-3311.
Exhibitions
Born in the USA
An exhibition featuring the development of American arts over the past three centuries. More than 130 works are displayed, spanning from the late 17th century to the early 21st century. Divided into six parts, they are arranged chronologically including portraits of the early period, landscapes of the wild west, social topics about the civil war, the industrial prosperity and technological development. The exhibits, of abstract, realist styles, pop art and video installations, come from several foundations and collective organizations from the US and Europe. 20 yuan. 9am-5pm, until Apr 5. National Art Museum of China, 1 Wusi Dajie, Dongcheng District. 6401-7076.
Marching on
The Long March Plan, an artistic activity that started in Beijing in 2002 and ended last year in Yan'an, commemorates the Long March. More than 30 works of art by Chinese and foreign artists, including Cai Guoqiang, Jiang Jie, Dan Mills from the United States, Dmitri Gutov from Russia and Luchezar Boyadjiev from Bulgaria are on display. Photographs, paintings, installations, videos and performances create a three-dimensional space to show the process of this infamous march. Free. 11am-7pm, until Mar 25. Long March Cultural Transmission Center, 4 Jiuxianqiao Lu, Chaoyang District. 6438-7107.
Picture perfect peasants
Embrace Spring is the title of Luo Zhongli's watercolor painting exhibition, a collection of 50 works. Focusing on the lives of Chinese peasants, Luo develops his works from various angles: heavy work during the busy farming season and a happy family reunion around a warm fire at home. Free. 9am-8pm, until Feb 20. Wall Art Museum, Sixth Floor of B Beijing Fulllink Plaza, Chaowai Dajie, Chaoyang District. 6588-2202.
Revolutionary satire
A preview exhibition from the Artist Village Gallery, which has been invited to attend the MiArt Festival in Italy this March. The gallery displays oil paintings, sculptures, and mixed media selected from several established and up-and-coming artists. Those born in the 1960s grew up during the "cultural revolution" (1966-76). Artists from this generation find satire a source of creativity. Yan Yu's Smoker series expresses sarcasm with a low-key and individualistic style. The Smoker disregards his and others' health, ignoring warnings, and mocking the serious life attitude. 15 yuan. 9am-midnight, until Feb 25 at Artist Village Gallery, 1 North of Rencun, Songzhuang, Tongzhou District. 6959-8343.
Microscopic magic
Li Yun's solo exhibition brings to life a transparent world through the use of subdued colors. Against a dark background, flowers, butterflies and plants convey dreamlike scenes. Like a biologist with a microscope, he presents the pattern of cells from which the object is made up. Like a magician, he produces the effect of light and shade with different levels of color. 10am-6pm, until Jan 20-Feb 28. Red T Space, 4 Jiuxianqiao Lu, Chaoyang District. 8911-5762.
From smokers to Tibetans
Joint oil painting exhibition by 10 contemporary artists. Liu Baomin's Illusory conveys a rainy scene on the surface of water. Shen Dapeng's Doll portrays a heavily made-up young woman with a cigarette in her hand, whose large, empty eyes reflect her spirituality. Xiao Se's Welcome Venus portrays an amusing scene of a group of peasants celebrating the birth of the goddess. Yu Xiaodong's Heaven Lake uses realism to highlight the lives and customs of Tibetans. Free. 10am-7pm, until Feb 28. Yan Club, 4 Jiuxianqiao Lu, Chaoyang District. 8457-3506.
Touching Tibet
A Spring Festival contemporary oil painting exhibition will feature more than 30 works by young Chinese painters Bai Xincheng, Li Li and Yang Chunbaixue. Bai's works focus on the expansive skies and local religious ceremonies of Tibet. Combining the art of Chinese raw silk, calligraphy paper and other traditional materials, Li's work is lively and full of spirit, depicting an aura of calmness and feeling of leisure. Free. 9:30am-6pm, until Feb 28. Qin Gallery, 1-1E Huawei Li, north of Beijing Curio City, Chaoyang District. 8779-0461.
Coming together
A joint exhibition by a group of artists from several countries opens, displaying oil paintings, installations, photographs and sculptures. The participants, including Daniel Buren, Loris Cecchini and Lu Qin try to convey a common take on different cultures and social environments in the exhibit titled One Color. Free. 11am-5pm until Mar 1. Galleria Continua, 2 Jiuxianqiao Lu, Chaoyang District. 6436-1005.
Ink masters go modern
Collection of works by ink painting masters of the early 20th century including Ren Bonian, Wu Changshuo, Qi Baishi and Huang Binhong are on show. Their works focus on historical touches and artistic innovation. Ren's flowers and birds emphasise color and ink; Wu's brushwork replaces the traditional delicate style with simple and majestic strength; Qi breaks from his old style of the 70s; and Huang's landscapes use traditional ink techniques to portray abstract ideas. 20 yuan. 9am-5pm until Feb 27. National Art Museum of China, 1 Wusi Dajie, Dongcheng District. 6401-7076.
(China Daily 02/14/2007 page12)
