by Cathy Barbash
As China increasingly looks simultaneously outside and inside to triangulate its place in the cultural world, we find marvelously surreal mashed-up holiday entertainments scheduled. Let’s welcome in the Year of the Rabbit with an illustrated tour (with unexpected ending).
In the old days, the celebration of western holidays in Beijing was mostly confined to the expatriate community. Now, while many of us ring in the New Year with Viennese waltzes, Beijingers celebrate our New Year too, but with Chinese characteristics:
Top Chinese leaders watch Peking Opera in New Year gala (English.news.cn 2010-12-31 00:36:56)
Chinese top leaders Hu Jintao, Wu Bangguo, Jia Qinglin, Li Changchun, Xi Jinping, Li Keqiang, He Guoqiang and Zhou Yongkang pose for a group photo with performers after watching Peking Opera in a gala to celebrate the New Year at the National Center for the Performing Arts in Beijing, capital of China, Dec. 30, 2010. (Xinhua/Zhang Duo)
Jump ahead to this week: The Year of the Rabbit hops in February 3. In addition to the Temple Fairs celebrating traditional Chinese culture, offering performances of Beijing Opera, acrobatics, cross-talk and traditional instruments, expats and Chinese hipsters flock to clubs for all genres of contemporary music, be it black metal or fusion Mongolian folk rock. A surviving fixture from last century however is the inevitable CCTV Spring Festival Gala Evening—think the marathon Guy Lombardo telecasts of our youth. Here are Chinese leaders congratulating and posing with the talent.
Li Changchun (front R), a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, shakes hands with actors at the rehearsal of the Spring Festival Gala Evening at China Central Television (CCTV) in Beijing, China, Jan. 31, 2011. (Xinhua/Ding Lin)
Li Changchun (3rd Row, C), a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, poses for a group photo with actors at the rehearsal of the Spring Festival Gala Evening at China Central Television (CCTV) in Beijing, China, Jan. 31, 2011. (Xinhua/Ding Lin)
But wait, some local Beijing presenter has decided that if they can ring in the New Year with Beijing Opera, why not offer Strauss for Spring Festival? Listing from the Beijinger weekly:
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Symphony: Radetzky March – World Masterpieces New Year Symphony Concert |
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Take part in what might seem to be a surprising tradition in Chinese holiday celebrations: ringing in the new year with Johann Strauss’ Radetzky March. RMB 100-880. 7.30pm. Beijing Concert Hall |
And there’s more western classical music later in the holiday week:
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Piano: Leon Fleisher |
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He’s worn many musical hats, including that of a left-handed soloist when his right hand failed him midway through his career. Watch as the celebrated piano genius woos the capital at his first solo recital in China. RMB 180-580. 7.30pm. NCPA Concert Hall |
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And meanwhile in one of Beijing’s prime rock venues let’s not forget:
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Bob Marley Day |
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Ultimate Productions’ annual toast to Jamaica’s most famous son. Mitabe play live, with DJs from Ultimate Productions, Meiwenti Sound and Shanghai crew Solution Hi-Fi. For more information, call 136 9360 5284. RMB 50, RMB 30 (advance). 8pm. Yugong Yishan |
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My personal favorite illustration to multicultural holiday celebrations took place back in mid-December, however. (Full disclosure, I was one of the perpetrators.) The early music ensemble ¡Sacabuche! included residency activities and a few holiday concerts in their Beijing tour. Knowing the Chinese fondness for gambling, and wanting to program more than just Christmas carols, it was decided that their audiences might enjoy learning about some Hanukkah traditions, especially, playing dreidel. So they schlepped over a menorah, candles, Hanukkah gelt and 100 dreidels (of course, made in China). It was hilariously successful. (Photo by Ani Katz)