III. The NCPA - A Theatre for People
Share Cultural Achievements
Responding to the concern on ticket prices, officials from the NCPA briefed on the policy. During "the Spring of Symphony in China" events, 3,000 observation tickets are available daily. One can have access to themed events with a ticket priced as low as 40 RMB. The highest price for show tickets is 280 RMB. The high cost of performances will not be shifted to the audiences. For example, the highest price for the ballet by the Royal Ballet is 880 RMB. The policy aims to provide affordable tickets to more people as the theatre is for the people.
Art Education and Outreach
While presenting performances, the show season also includes art education and outreach events. More than 200 events will be offered for 100,000 participants to enjoy the charm of art.
Invited Chinese scholars and artists include Huang Xiaohe, Chen Zhi, He Zhenjing, Yu Ping, Liu Zengfu, Wang Xiaoying, You Benchang and Sun Yumin, etc.
Scholars from the Juilliard School including President Joseph W. Polisi, Yoheved Kaplinsky (Chairperson of the Piano Department), Joel Smirnoff (chairperson of the Violin Department), Elaine Douvas (Woodwind Department Chair), will present four lectures. Other international guests include Edward Burman, Peter Allsop, Guqin player John Thompson (Tang Shizhang) and the Newstead Trio. Their fresh ideas and passion will inject vigor into the events, making the National Centre for the Performing Arts a lively and open lecture hall.
The Beijing 2008 Olympic Games is not only a sports celebration but also a festival for China to have an all around participation with the whole world. The show season is a stage showcasing Chinese culture and art masterpieces, as well as a platform for world cultural exchange. Friends across the world will have a chance to enjoy the profound Chinese culture, and get to know China, both traditional and innovative, valuing national characteristics and advocating diversity of world culture.
(china.org.cn June 4, 2008)