NCPA opens free to public

A visitor takes photos during the open day at the National Center for the  Performing Arts (NCPA), or the National Grand Theater, in Beijing, capital  of China, Dec. 22, 2009.  (Xinhua/Luo Xiaoguang)

A visitor said, "The masks of Peking Opera were a mystery to us before. Now, not only do I know what they represent, but also how they are done."

Two years ago, when the National Center for the Performing Arts was put into use, one of its major tasks was to bring ordinary people together with refined music and theatrical art. It has so far organized over two-thousand masters' classes, free concerts, and educational exhibitions. Millions of music lovers have benefited. In this regard, the NCPA has already eclipsed many of the top theatres around the world.

The piano phenom Lang Lang, who has collaborated with almost all the world's best theatres, says it is a responsibility that not every theatre dares to shoulder.

Lang Lang said, "Very few of the world's theatres have such a capability to set up an affordable yet high-level platform between people and music. That requires a strong network and powerful support. Considering that, Beijing's National Center for the Performing Art has done a marvelous job. "

For the anniversary series, theatre goers can also look forward to a Night of Opera Classics with maestros from Finland and the Vatican, original productions from the NCPA, as well as three concerts that showcase the most accomplished Chinese-born musicians from around the world.

A visitor poses with a statue during the open day at the National Center  for the Performing Arts (NCPA), or the National Grand Theater, in Beijing,  capital of China, Dec. 22, 2009.  (Xinhua/Luo Xiaoguang)