A world of culture and talent at arts festival
‘Battlefield’
The play, to be staged at STA Theater on November 1-2, is based on Peter Brook and Marie-Helene Estinenne’s book “Le Mahabharata.”
Brook’s “Le Mahabharata” was adapted from the great Sanskrit epic “The Mahabharata.” And “Battlefield” directed by himself premiered in 2015 at the Bouffes du Nord Theater.
This is a tale of war among the five brothers of the Pandavas and their cousins, the Kauravas, which tears apart the Bharata family. The Pandavas won the battle, but did not find peace.
They questioned what they had done, suffered from guilt for massacring their kin and tried to atone for their sins.
In Brooks’ “Mahabharata,” actors from 16 countries in Europe, Asia and Africa reflect their backgrounds in their performances.
This time, the 70-minute “Battlefield” is performed by only four actors, a far cry from the traditional “Mahabharata” epic.
Date: November 1-2, 7:30pm
Tickets: 80-680 yuan
Venue: STA Theater
Address: 630 Huashan Rd
"Battlefield"
Of Mozart and Strauss
Pianist Li Yundi, conductor Alan Gilbert and Staatskapelle Dresden will join hands at Shanghai Grand Theater on November 15 to present works of Mozart and Richard Strauss.
Li won the International Chopin Piano Competition in 2000 at the age of 18. Since then, he has toured the world and become famous for his interpretation of Chopin.
Staatskapelle Dresden is one of the oldest orchestras in the world. After nearly five centuries, the onetime court orchestra is still steeped in the culture and tradition of German music. In its long history, countless prominent conductors and instrumentalists have made their marks.
In 2007, the orchestra was awarded the Preservation of the World’s Musical Heritage by the European Cultural Foundation. It is the first, and so far the only, orchestra to be honored with such a title.
Gilbert has been the music director of the New York Philharmonic since 2007. He has helped build the reputation of the 75-year-old orchestra.
Gilbert built much of his own reputation conducting contemporary and American music. He made his Metropolitan Opera conducting debut in 2008 with John Adams’ opera, “Doctor Atomic.”
The works to be performed include “Piano Concerto No. 23 in A major” by Mozart and Symphonia Domestica by Strauss.
Date: November 15
Tickets: 80-1,880 yuan
Venue: Shanghai Grand Theater
Address: 300 People’s Ave
Conductor Alan Gilbert
Classical music
Pianist Lang Lang, conductor Simon Rattle and the Berlin Philharmonic will collaborate at the Shanghai Oriental Art Center on November 16-17, presenting works of Richard Strauss, Brahms, Stravinsky, Bartok and Rachmaninoff.
People magazine once named Lang “one of the 20 youths that will change the world.”
He has worked with many top orchestras. Lang’s talent and his passion complete each other, making him one of the best interpreters of contemporary classical music.
The Berlin Philharmonic was founded in 1882 and has a tradition of great conductors.
Countless fans and audiences all over the world have been captivated by its superb and incomparable skill. As it learns from younger generations, the orchestra has become more energetic and inclusive.
Rattle impressed the classical music world with his astonishing commanding talent at a very young age. Since he became the chief conductor and artistic director of the Berlin Philharmonic, not only has he maintained the orchestra’s high standards but he as also expanded its repertoire.
In its Shanghai appearance, the Berlin Philharmonic will play “Don Juan” by Richard Strauss, “Symphony No. 4” by Brahms and “Petrouchka” by Stravinsky.
Lang will play “Piano Concerto No. 2” by Bartok and “Symphony No. 3” by Rachmaninov.
Date: November 16-17
Tickets: 80-3,280 yuan
Venue: Shanghai Oriental Art Center
Address: 425 Dingxiang Rd, Pudong New Area
Berlin Philharmonic
Exhibition dedicated to Beethoven
The original manuscripts of Beethoven’s music and letters are on display for the first time in China through December 18, commemorating the 190th anniversary of the great musician’s death.
The exhibition, “Sound and Image,” includes part of the full score of Beethoven’s Opferlied, collected by the British Museum, the autographed sketch of Emperor and many of his letters.
Many artists are invited to express their understanding of and feeling about Beethoven’s pieces through all kinds of visual works, including oil paintings, abstract paintings, sculptures, installations and live demonstration.
Many of the artists broke the boundary between image and sound with their works. A remix of Beethoven’s “Symphony No. 5 in C minor” and Peking Opera, an ink-wash animation of Moonlight Sonata and a virtual reality concert will offer audiences an immersive experience in Beethoven.
Date: Through December 18
Tickets: Free
Venue: 1Hao Museum
Address: 1 Jianguo Rd M.
Original manuscript of a letter written by Beethoven
