The official Spring Festival holiday has concluded, making it an ideal moment to anticipate upcoming events in Beijing. I have a passion for the performing arts, though I admit that I don't attend shows as often as I'd like. However, in the Year of the Snake, I’m resolved to change that. Here are four forthcoming performing arts events in the city that I am particularly eager to attend. Take a look—you might discover something that captures your interest as well!
**La Traviata**
Verdi’s cherished tragedy is brought to the stage by the National Centre for the Performing Arts (NCPA) opera ensemble, choir, and orchestra. Adapted from Alexandre Dumas fils' play *La Dame aux Camélias*, this opera tells the heart-wrenching love story between courtesan Violetta and her lover Alfredo. It has been one of the most beloved and frequently performed operas for the past 150 years.
Venue: NCPA – Opera House
Language: Italian
Date & Time: Feb 12-16, 7pm
Price: RMB 160-1,080
Booking: Call 66550000, visit www.chncpa.org, scan the QR code on the poster, or search 茶花女 in your preferred event-booking mini program.
National Centre for the Performing Arts (NCPA) – Opera House
国家大剧院·歌剧院
2 Xi Chang'an Jie, Xicheng District
西城区西长安街2号
**Zubin Mehta and the West-Eastern Divan Orchestra**
Co-founded in 1999 by the esteemed conductor Daniel Barenboim and the influential literary figure Edward Said, the West-Eastern Divan Orchestra aims to foster coexistence and advance intercultural dialogue. For 25 years, the orchestra has been dedicated to the cause of peace, uniting young Israeli and Palestinian musicians along with musicians from Arab nations and beyond for rehearsals, concerts, dialogue, and mutual understanding. Through music and shared experiences, the orchestra exemplifies the potential for collaboration among people from diverse backgrounds and faiths, as well as the hope for a peaceful, enduring resolution to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict—one that upholds the dignity, worth, and humanity of all individuals.
The distinguished conductor Zubin Mehta will lead the West-Eastern Divan Orchestra for these performances in Beijing. With a career spanning over 60 years, Mehta’s talents and artistry have been repeatedly recognized. He is celebrated not only for his conducting and musical leadership but also for his pursuit of peace. He holds the title of conductor emeritus of the Los Angeles Philharmonic and music director emeritus of the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra.
The concert features Clara-Jumi Kang, a German-born violinist of Korean descent, known for her exceptional musicianship and technical prowess, performing on the 1702 “Thunis” Stradivari violin.
These concerts in Beijing promise to be a remarkable experience and serve as a poignant reminder of what's achievable when opposing sides of a conflict unite in dialogue, respect, and peace.
**Feb 25 Program:**
Ludwig van Beethoven
Symphony No. 6 in F Major "Pastoral", Op. 68
i. Erwachen heiterer Empfindungen bei der Ankunft auf dem Lande. – Allegro ma non troppo
ii. Szene am Bach. – Andante molto moto
iii. Lustiges Zusammensein der Landleute. – Allegro
iv. Gewitter, Sturm. – Allegro
v. Hirtengesang. Frohe und dankbare Gefühle nach dem Sturm. – Allegretto
——Intermission——
Franz Schubert
Symphony No. 9 in C Major "The Great", D. 944
i. Andante – Allegro ma non troppo – Più moto
ii. Andante con moto
iii. Scherzo. Allegro vivace
iv. Finale. Allegro vivace
**Feb 26 Program:**
Carl Maria von Weber
Oberon Overture
Jean Sibelius
Violin Concerto in D Minor, Op. 47
i. Allegro moderato
ii. Adagio di molto
iii. Allegro, ma non tanto
——Intermission——
Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky
Symphony No. 4 in F Minor, Op. 36
i. Andante sostenuto–Moderato con anima
ii. Andantino in modo di canzone
iii. Scherzo: Pizzicato ostinato – Allegro
iv. Finale: Allegro con fuoco
Venue: NCPA – Concert Hall
Date & Time: Feb 25 & 26, 7.30pm
Price: RMB 580-1,280
Booking: Call 66550000, visit www.chnc
Here are four upcoming performing arts events in Beijing that you might find interesting.