Core Viewpoint - The National Centre for the Performing Arts (NCPA) celebrates its 18th anniversary in 2025, marking a significant year for its "One Theatre, Three Venues" development strategy, emphasizing its commitment to "people-oriented, artistic, and international" principles while enhancing cultural offerings and community engagement [1] Performance Arts Center Platform - In 2025, NCPA hosted over 1,400 performances, showcasing a growth in both scale and artistic quality, solidifying its status as a benchmark for performing arts in China [2] - The NCPA upgraded its brand art festivals, including the "9th China Symphony Spring" and "International Drama Season," promoting cultural exchange and showcasing diverse artistic expressions [2] Original Art Creation Platform - NCPA has produced 119 original self-made productions since its establishment, with 24 new productions launched in 2025, including notable works like "The Valkyrie" and "Pride and Prejudice," reflecting its commitment to innovative storytelling [6][7] Cultural Exchange Cooperation Platform - NCPA actively promotes cultural dialogue through international collaborations, including a European tour by its orchestra and performances with renowned international ensembles, enhancing cultural exchange between China and the world [9][10] Art Popularization Education Platform - NCPA implemented various educational initiatives, such as the "Beauty Education" youth art festival and regular community outreach programs, to make high-quality art accessible to a broader audience [15][16] Comprehensive Art Display Platform - NCPA has hosted over 600 exhibitions, showcasing a wide range of artistic expressions, from traditional crafts to contemporary art, contributing to the cultural landscape of Beijing [17][18] Digital Cultural Dissemination Platform - NCPA has embraced technology by launching the "Second Scene" initiative, which includes live streaming performances, reaching audiences across China and internationally, thus expanding access to high-quality art [20][21]

Core Viewpoint - The Shanghai Grand Theatre has announced its 2025-26 performance season themed "Iteration," featuring a diverse lineup of 75 productions across various genres, including opera, ballet, musicals, and traditional Chinese theater, emphasizing its international, artistic, classic, and original positioning [1][32]. Summary by Categories Opera and Symphony - The season highlights the "Not to be Missed TOP 10," showcasing premier global stage arts, including a week-long opera festival featuring the Bavarian State Opera and its orchestra, performing Wagner's "The Flying Dutchman" and Verdi's "Otello" [3][20]. - The "Bayreuth in Shanghai" opera plan will continue with Wagner's "Die Walküre," directed by Katharina Wagner, scheduled for April 2026 [4]. - Verdi's last opera "Falstaff" will return to the Shanghai Grand Theatre from September 5 to 7, conducted by Xu Zhong, featuring a new interpretation by a British director team [6]. Musical Theatre - The 40th-anniversary concert of the musical "Les Misérables" will be the only stop in mainland China, running from November 4 to December 28, with 64 performances [8]. - The musical "Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812" will be presented in concert form in 2026 [10]. Dance - The Mariinsky Ballet will perform "The Pirates" on October 22-23, showcasing classical ballet techniques [15]. - The season will also feature various dance performances, including works by the Central Ballet and new creations by contemporary artists [20][22]. Traditional Chinese Theatre - The season includes significant works from Kunqu opera, such as "The Dream of the South Pillar" and "The Palace Music Collection," highlighting traditional Chinese aesthetics [26][29]. Diverse Artistic Offerings - The season is structured around three main sections: "Bavarian Echoes," "Season of Dance," and "Art Variety," connecting various artistic forms [19][20]. - The "Art Variety" section will include plays, musicals, and immersive theater experiences, featuring notable productions like "Death of a Salesman" and "Matilda" [24]. Cultural Exchange and Innovation - The Shanghai Grand Theatre emphasizes the dialogue between classic works and contemporary interpretations, aiming to keep classics alive through new artistic expressions [33].