by Cathy Barbash “I Sing Beijing,” the Hanyu Academy of Vocal Arts, wrapped up its inaugural program on August 18 with a gala concert at the National Centre for the Performing Arts in Beijing. (http://isingbeijing.org/I_SING_BEIJING/Program_Information.html) A colleague of mine in attendance reported: “WELL DONE Hanban, Tian Haojiang, and Martha Liao! This concert was wonderful. Lots […]
Read the rest of this article »by Cathy Barbash As mid-summer approaches, US-China cultural exchange continues its lopsided dance. No American performers participate in festivals in Xinjiang and Guangdong. Meanwhile, in Beijing, a consortium of U.S. conservatories attempts to woo Chinese students with their own show-and-tell festival. Way out in Urumqi, Xinjiang Province, the second annual China Xinjiang International Folk Dance […]
Read the rest of this article »I first went to China 19 years ago, as orchestra manager of the Philadelphia Orchestra. It was the 20th anniversary of the orchestra’s historic first, post ping-pong diplomacy tour, and just four years after the demonstrations in Tian’anmen Square. Whether for business or cultural purposes, foreigners still came only when invited, and itineraries were closely […]
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