1999 Cultural Calendar

January

American National Symphony Orchestra

The first concert in 1999 by a foreign orchestra, and also the orchestra's debut in China. Music Director Leonard Slatkin is recognized for his imaginative programming and highly praised interpretations of both the standard and 20th-century orchestral and operatic repertoires.

Venue: Great Hall of the People

Tel: 65519682

Orchestre Romande

Under the direction of Maestro Fabio Luisi, the Orchestre de la Suisse Romande will present two concerts in mid-January. The Fantasy symphony by Berlioz and No. 4 Piano Concerto by Beethoven will be performed on January 14, and La Valse by Ravel and La Mer by Debussy follow on January 15.

Venue: Zhongshan Music Hall (inside Zhongshan Park)

Date: Jan. 14 and 15

Ticket Office: 64036065, 64057605

March

Gothenburg Symphony Orchestra + ABBA

The combination of Sweden' greatest national symphony orchestra and Northern Europe's pop evergreen ABBA will surely lead to the most unique performance around the turn of the century. Neeme Jarvi enters his seventeenth season as the orchestra's principal conductor.

April

British Royal Ballet

The British Royal Ballet won its international reputation for its contribution to classical ballet and creative interpretations of modern ballet. Romeo and Juliet, Swan Lake, and Don Quixote will wow Beijing ballet fans.

May

Boston Symphony Orchestra

The Boston Symphony Orchestra comes to Beijing to celebrate its 118th concert season.

July

American Ballet Theater

The American Ballet Theater has made 15 international tours in 41 countries - more than any other ballet theater in the world. Under the leadership of artistic director Kevin McKenzie, the theater will present La Bayadere in Beijing and Shanghai.

Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra

Founded in 1988, the orchestra consists of 15 talented jazz musicians under director Wynton Marsalis, whose jazz recordings have won him eight Grammy awards.

August

1999 International Children? Choir Festival

Over 500 children from 20 countries and regions will sing songs of peace and friendship in Beijing for the turn of century. Besides 11 carefully selected children? choirs from 10 countries, an International Festival Chorus will be formed by 70 children. The All China Choir will unite children from the Chinese mainland, Hong Kong and Taiwan.

September

7th China Art Exposition

The largest and most influential Chinese art show, which has attracted renowned artists and organizations from over 20 countries. Over 10,000 paintings, calligraphies, sculptures, folk crafts and fine art publications have gone on display in previous years.

October, November

Snow White

The latest ice ballet from Walt Disney, based on the beloved fairy tale. China will be the first stop on its 6-month Asian tour.