The auspicious snake heralds the new year, and all things are renewed as spring arrives. Concerts, dance dramas, Peking opera, musicals, plays, crosstalk, acrobatics... truly a series of great performances, with a hundred flowers blooming.
National Centre for the Performing Arts
1. Taihu Theater
Taihu Weekend Concert: "First Sight, Heart Flutter" Piano Trio Concert
Performance Time: February 14th, 19:30
Introduction:
"Love at first sight begins with the first impression; lasting affection stems from a unique charm."
"Love tends to favor those who truly understand its essence."
May every glance you take be filled with beauty.
2. Concert Hall
National Centre for the Performing Arts "Chinese Spirit • Folk Music Masters" Series: "Dance of the Snake" China National Traditional Orchestra Lantern Festival Concert
Performance Time: February 12th, 19:30
Performing Group Introduction:
The China National Traditional Orchestra, under the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, is a national-level music performance group. It boasts the largest and most comprehensive traditional Chinese orchestra in the world, along with the only professional national choir. Dedicated to promoting China's excellent traditional culture, the orchestra has created and performed numerous masterpieces of traditional music, nurturing a large number of traditional music performers and composers, and making outstanding contributions to the creative transformation and innovative development of Chinese culture.
"Joyful Spring - The Nutcracker's Chinese New Year" Concert by Zhang Yi and the National Ballet of China Symphony Orchestra
Performance Time: February 15th, 19:30
Performing Group Introduction:
The National Ballet of China Symphony Orchestra was established in 1959. In recent years, the orchestra's overall artistic level has rapidly improved, garnering attention and praise from industry professionals and music enthusiasts alike. It is one of China's most vibrant and promising national-level symphony orchestras.
"Music That Never Fades" Beijing Symphony Orchestra 2025 Season Opening Concert
Performance Time: February 16th, 19:30
Performing Group Introduction:
Known as the "Pearl of the Capital Symphony Orchestra," the Beijing Symphony Orchestra was established in October 1977. As a witness, participant, and creator of Beijing's musical culture, the orchestra has earned widespread acclaim both domestically and internationally for its high professional standards, rigorous performance skills, diverse repertoire, and profound musicality, making it one of the most popular and influential orchestras in China.
"Chinese Seasons • Rain Water" Concert by Zhang Lie and the Beijing Chinese Orchestra, 2025 Season Opening Concert
Performance Time: February 20th, 19:30
Performing Group Introduction:
The Beijing Chinese Orchestra was officially established in September 2015. The orchestra actively explores the integration of traditional Chinese music and the internet, having launched three themed "Live Chinese Music" vertical-screen live-streamed concerts on WeChat Video, setting a positive example for state-owned troupes in online performances. The orchestra's virtual concert hall, "Guoyue Fu," has hosted numerous music events and performance projects since its launch, making significant contributions to the exploration of new performance spaces.
"Brilliance and Songs" NCPA Chorus Male Chorus Concert
Performance Time: February 21st-22nd, 19:30
Performing Group Introduction:
The NCPA Chorus was established on December 8, 2009. As a professional performing arts group affiliated with China's highest performing arts institution, the chorus adheres to the principles of people-oriented, artistic, and international excellence. It is widely recognized as a professional choir full of vitality and unlimited potential.
"Legendary Sounds" "Feast of Music" Zubin Mehta and West Eastern Divan Orchestra Concert
Performance Time: February 25th-26th, 19:30
Performing Group Introduction:
The West Eastern Divan Orchestra was founded in 1999 by Daniel Barenboim and Palestinian scholar Edward W. Said. It brings together musicians from Israel, Palestine, various Arab countries, as well as Turkey and Iran. The orchestra believes in "musical equality" and operates under the guiding principle of "cultural coexistence."
3. Opera House
Jiangsu Centre for the Performing Arts Original Dance Drama "A Dream of Red Mansions"
Performance Time: February 20th-23rd
Introduction:
The original national dance drama "A Dream of Red Mansions" by Jiangsu Centre for the Performing Arts focuses on the love story between Jia Baoyu, Lin Daiyu, and Xue Baochai. While adhering to the original work, the production invites young and imaginative artists to infuse it with a unique modern aesthetic and significance. Visually inspired by the artistic traits of ancient paintings from the Ming and Qing dynasties, the dance drama aims to present elegant and classical group dances. It incorporates numerous classical Chinese symbols, paying homage to the excellent traditional Chinese culture while reinterpreting this literary classic from the perspective of the younger generation.
Forbidden City Concert Hall
1. "Timeless Love - Romantic Valentine's Day Concert"
Performance Time: February 14th, 19:30
Program:
Mendelssohn: "On Wings of Song" Fantasy
Albéniz: "Granada" Serenade
Liszt: "Liebestraum"
Tchaikovsky: "April - Snowdrop"
Bernstein: "Candide Overture"
Elgar: "Salut d'Amour"
Debussy: "Rêverie" and "Clair de Lune"
Benedict: "Carnival of Venice"
Classic Song Arrangements: "Moon River," "La Vie en Rose," "A Lovely Rose," "Night-Blooming Jasmine"
Selections from Musicals: "Romeo and Juliet," "The Phantom of the Opera"
Selections from Films: "Amélie," "Castle in the Sky"
2. "Mario Alonso's Piano Recital"
Performance Time: February 22nd, 19:30
Program:
Bach: Chromatic Fantasia and Fugue in D minor, BWV 903
Schubert: Piano Sonata in A major, D.664
Liszt: "Après une Lecture de Dante" from "Years of Pilgrimage, Book II"
Chopin: Piano Sonata No. 2 in B-flat minor, Op. 35
Prokofiev: Piano Sonata No. 7 in B-flat major
Chang'an Grand Theater
1. "Lantern Festival • Peking Opera Masters' Excerpts Concert"
Performance Time: February 12th, 19:30
Introduction:
On this festive Lantern Festival night, Beijing Peking Opera Theatre and Chang'an Grand Theater have prepared a special "Lantern Festival • Peking Opera Masters' Excerpts Concert" for opera enthusiasts. Renowned Peking Opera masters will gather to present an unforgettable audio-visual feast, featuring melodious singing and classic excerpts to celebrate this joyous occasion.
2. Commemorative Series for the 110th Anniversary of Peking Opera Master Qiu Shengrong's Birth
Century Theatre
1. 60-Member Symphony Orchestra x Valentine's Day Special: "Castle in the Sky - Hayao Miyazaki & Joe Hisaishi Classic Anime Works Symphony Concert"
Performance Time: February 14th, 19:30
Introduction:
This meticulously planned concert not only showcases Joe Hisaishi's unique understanding and rich imagination of music but also offers a fresh interpretation and elevation of the profound expressions in Hayao Miyazaki's films through the dimension of music.
2. Asia's Large All-Male Modern Dance Show "Nobaby" - Beijing Station
Performance Time: February 21st-22nd, 19:30
Introduction:
"Nobaby" is a reverse-chronology dance drama that celebrates the glory and resilience of male heroes in adversity. With interwoven stage lighting, the performers embody both strength and tenderness, facing life's challenges and forging an unyielding spirit. Their power transcends physicality, representing an indomitable heart, while their courage pierces through darkness, illuminating the path ahead.
Tianqiao Performing Arts Center
1. Original Musical "The Longest Day in Chang'an"
Performance Time: February 14th-16th
Introduction:
Adapted from Ma Boyong's novel of the same name, the TV series "The Longest Day in Chang'an" painted a magnificent picture of Tang Dynasty Chang'an. From February 14th to 16th, the Chinese original musical "The Longest Day in Chang'an" will premiere at Tianqiao Performing Arts Center, bringing characters like Zhang Xiaojing, Li Bi, Wen Ran, and Tan Qi back to life on stage, recreating the city's prosperity and underlying crises.
2. "The Reunion • II" Musical Star Concert
Performance Time: February 20th-23rd
Introduction:
This tour features a live band composed of West End musicians and upgraded stage design. "The Reunion • II" includes a new arrangement of songs, retaining classic pieces from "The Reunion" while adding clever transitions between songs, creating a dramatic and engaging experience.
Capital Theatre
Drama "The Caine Mutiny"
Performance Time: February 18th-20th, 22nd-23rd, 19:30
Introduction:
In 1944, during World War II, the "Caine Mutiny" shocked the U.S. Navy. Writer Herman Wouk adapted his Pulitzer Prize-winning novel into the play "The Caine Mutiny," which caused a sensation on Broadway and across Europe and America. In 1988, the play was translated into Chinese by Ying Ruocheng, and the Beijing People's Art Theatre invited renowned American artist Charlton Heston to direct it. Through successful Sino-American collaboration, the play artistically presents the complete process of a military court trial. The 2006 revival was guided by veteran artist Zhu Xu, who played Captain Queeg, with outstanding actors like Feng Yuanzheng and Wu Gang joining the cast.
Erqi Theatre
1. "The 4th Railway Crosstalk Gala"
Performance Time: February 13th-14th, 19:30
Introduction:
The "Railway Crosstalk Gala" by China Railway Art Troupe Co., Ltd. is an innovative performance model launched in 2022, following the Party Central Committee's guidance on literary and artistic work in the new era. Featuring original works and performed by the troupe's artists and creators, this crosstalk and singing-focused show is staged during prime weekend evening hours at Erqi Theatre's small theater, offering high-quality performances to railway workers and Beijing residents, receiving widespread acclaim.
2. "Scaling New Heights - Railway Acrobatics Gala"
Performance Time: February 18th-20th, 19:30
Introduction:
The second "Railway Acrobatics Gala - Scaling New Heights" presents another breathtaking visual feast of thrill, danger, wonder, and beauty. Led by multiple world acrobatics gold medalists, the gala features a series of acrobatic and magic performances, blending international styles with railway elements. The narrative-driven storytelling style captivates the audience, making it an unforgettable experience.
Translator: BAI Jing
Reviewer: FENG Haoxuan
