Overview
I SING BEIJING was created as a response to the rise of a dynamic scene
for vocal arts in China that is evidenced by a dual phenomenon:
Currently in large- and medium-sized cities in China, such as Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou, approximately 50 Western “opera houses” have been built, most notably Beijing’s National Centre for the Performing Arts designed by Paul Andreu, the Shanghai Grand Theatre, and the Guangzhou Centre for the Performing Arts designed by Zaha Hadid. Construction of opera houses in smaller Chinese cities is also in full swing.
 National Centre for the Performing Arts |
 Guangzhou Centre for the Performing Arts |
 Shanghai Grand Theater |
Simultaneously, contemporary Chinese operas are being created and produced, such as The First Emperor at the Metropolitan Opera, The Bonesetter’s Daughter at San Francisco Opera, Poet Li Bai in Central City Opera, and Opera Company of Philadelphia’s recent reprisal of Tea, which represents the emergence of a new operatic repertoire drawing inspiration from Chinese sources and themes.
 The First Emperor The Metropolitan Opera  Chinese Opera, Classical Returns 7/10/10 |
 Poet Li Bai Central City Opera  Go East, Young Diva 12/2/10 |
 photo by Terrance McCarthyThe Bonesetter's Daughter San Francisco Opera Boom Times for Opera In China 12/31/10 |
