Pingtan International Performing Arts Center inaugurated on July 29 put on a repertoire of Tango Nuevos such as Tango of Flowers on August 5, serenading audience with classics by the Argentinian Tango maestro, Piazzolla, and other Tango fusions. The performance was brought by To Melody Ensemble, the first-ever winner of the “Special Contribution Award” created by the organizing committee of the 52nd Klingenthal International Accordion Competition in Germany in 2015. Pingtan is the closest place on the mainland to the island of Taiwan as well as a rising international tourism island in China.

Zhang Manyu, a tourist from Beijing, said that she was impressed with the rapid development of Pingtan. Apart from the beautiful landscape, she didn't expect to experience fine music on the island.

Xu Keqing, leader of the ensemble and accordion world champion, said Pingtan is a charming island city. And he hopes to bring joy to the audience in Pingtan through the concert.

French art and Age of Enlightenment-inspired family theatre One Starry Night Out of the Blue is a magic show featuring famous paintings that was taken to the stage at the Center on August 7.

It tells the story of a little girl, Lena, who accidentally opens a magic picture album and walks into a moving art gallery. Van Gogh's Starry Night, Leonardo da Vinci's Mona Lisa, Kandinsky's Several Circles, and other paintings from different periods came alive as the evening of enchantment progressed. Complemented by lively piano performances, the audience was swept off their feet by the humorous and delightful plot.

"Compared with other stage plays, One Starry Night Out of the Blue connects with the audience through its immersive and interactive storytelling. The sophisticated sound and lighting systems, as well as the stage interactions, made it easy for the audience to get engaged in the story," said performer Li Mili.  

On August 8, the National Ballet Symphony Orchestra presented a woodwind quintet concert. 

Spirited Away by Joe Hisaishi, Chinese classics of The Red Detachment of Women， Carmen Suites by Georges Bizet…works from different countries, periods, and genres were put on. A harmonious composition of flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, and horn.

“We performed classic works in the woodwind quintet, allowing the audience to feel the versatility of music," said Hou Chengyu, a flutist. 

Pingtan is building itself into a joyous island featuring music and art. As a new cultural icon, Pingtan International Performing Arts Center will bring more excellent works of art to the island.

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