The tbjkids June/July issue presented a guide to traveling around China, but for those of us spending most of our time in Beijing this summer, check out the summer program at the Beijing Concert Hall, Gateway to Music.
From July to August, Gateway To Music, is a series of various concerts to introduce kids and families to the world of classical music and stimulate intellects during the lazy days of summer.
Gateway to Music will feature performances by first-class musicians, including violinists Peter Winograd and Sheng Zhongguo, violist Daniel Avshalomov, cellist Wolfram Koessel, and pianist Seta Yuko.
To capture the attention of the youngest audience members, animated films are screened alongside the music and orchestra so that children can absorb the music by linking it to stories. These “visible animation concerts” include the Disney themed concerts: Peter & The Wolf, Fantasia 2000, Magic Flute and The Snowman. Children can follow the story through the music.
Another performer, the Wang Jiaxun Percussion Troupe, is a well-trained and experienced teenage performing troupe. They will take part in this summer program on July 27, to introduce a variety of percussion instruments to children.
The marimba, an interesting percussion instrument, will impress audiences with its tripping rhythm. Preview their performance:
Guqin, the seven-string Chinese ancient musical instrument has a subtle and elegant sound. Chinese famous Guqin player, Li Xiangtin will have an improvised concert to show children the glamour of Guqin on July 21.
Shi Shucheng the well-known Chinese pianist and conductor will collaborate perform on Aug 28. During the performance, he will give a short lecture about how piano contributes to children’s learning. See his solo performance here:
The Beijing Concert Hall has lowered the price of tickets for this series. All tickets costs RMB 10-100, call 6605 7006 or 6417 7845 to book tickets. For program in details, check here.
Events will take place at the Beijing Concert Hall, the first specialized concert hall in China. The Beijing Concert Hall was constructed in 1960 on the southern end of Xichang’an Jie above the site of the former Central Film Theatre. After being renovated in 2003, the stage can now accommodate large choirs and orchestras and audiences of over 1,000. The building is made with gray glass and illuminated by indoor lights in the evenings, resembling something like a crystal music box.
This concert hall is renowned for its cutting-edge architectural acoustics, high-quality reverberation and symmetrical sound field arrangement, all of which contribute to an unmatched sound quality. The building is made with gray glass and illuminated by indoor lights in the evenings, resembling something like a crystal music box.
Beijing Concert Hall
1 Beixinhua Jie
Xicheng District (6605 7006/5812)
北京音乐厅
西城区北新华街1号
