The National Ballet of China (NBC) recently premiered its symphonic ballet, ‘Ode to Joy: Star Seas,’ in Beijing, marking the opening of the 6th China International Ballet Season. This innovative performance, inspired by the music of Ludwig van Beethoven, particularly his Symphony No. 9 in D minor, seamlessly integrates classic melodies with contemporary ballet, offering a unique artistic experience. The ballet, featuring over 200 dancers, is an ode to classical music enthusiasts, enriched with symphonic and choral elements.
Feng Ying, the show’s chief director and producer, expressed that the ballet aims to promote global peace and development through the universal language of music. The performance also incorporates elements of Chinese music aesthetics, blending Western classical music with Eastern philosophical themes. Costume designer Yue Songshan played a pivotal role behind the scenes, experimenting with various materials and colors to capture the essence of the ballet’s narrative. The costumes in the show’s first chapter, designed to evoke a ‘primitive’ and ‘close to nature’ feel, use earthy tones, while the final chapter’s costumes feature diamonds to symbolize ‘stars of hope,’ representing a journey towards a brighter future.
In another cultural fusion, Beijing’s Poly Theatre recently hosted the Chinese adaptation of the popular Thai musical, ‘Love You…Much.’ The musical, interlaced with iconic songs by Thai music legend Bird Thongchai, tells the story of a couple’s journey through different life stages, from the 1970s to the 2000s. The production’s retro ambiance is enhanced by the inclusion of classic Chinese songs, such as “Hello Goodbye” by singer Alan Tam, making it more relatable to Chinese audiences.
The lead performers, including Chinese singer Shen Xiaocen, brought a unique charm to the musical. Shen shared her experience of transitioning from singing to performing in a musical, highlighting the challenge of combining music with storytelling. She believes that the musical’s widespread appeal lies in its relatability to everyday life experiences and its portrayal of ‘pure love and kindness.’ The catchy and accessible music in the show also contributes to an interactive and engaging atmosphere for the audience.
Both ‘Ode to Joy: Star Seas’ and ‘Love You…Much’ represent a celebration of artistic diversity and cultural exchange. These performances in Beijing not only showcase the talents of artists from different backgrounds but also demonstrate the power of the arts in bridging cultural gaps and bringing people together through shared experiences of music and storytelling.
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