Art Beat

BEIJING

NTC presents Du Fu

National Theater of China is to stage its latest work, Du Fu, which is based on the famous Chinese poet of the Tang Dynasty (AD 618-907). Starring veteran actors, including Liu Peiqi and Zhang Jiasheng, and directed by Wang Xiaoying, the play tells of the poet's ambition to serve his country but his life, like the whole country, was devastated by wars and his last 15 years were a time of almost constant unrest. 7:30 pm, March 18-27. National Theater of China; 277 Guang'anmenwai Dajie (Street), Xicheng district. 400-610-3721.

Danish orchestra

Denmark's Concerto Copenhagen, which celebrates its 25th anniversary this year, is to perform in Beijing. Under the baton of its founder, harpsichordist Lars Ulrik Mortensen, the orchestra will do pieces including Handel's A Suite from Water Music.

7:30 pm, Saturday. Forbidden City Concert Hall, inside Zhongshan Park, west of Tian'anmen Square, Xicheng district. 010-6585-5755

Xian Xinghai onstage

After its premiere in Guangzhou last September, the Chinese musical, Xian Xinghai, will be performed in Beijing. Based on the story of Xian Xinghai (1905-45) - one of the earliest Chinese composers influenced by Western classical music - who is best known for his Yellow River Cantata, the musical revolves around the composer's early life and how he created music as a weapon to protest the Japanese occupation.

7:30 pm, March 25 and 26. China Theater; 16 west Third Ring Road, Haidian district. 4006-228-228.

SHANGHAI

Violinist's recital

American violinist Joshua Bell will perform in Shanghai along with pianist Alessio Bax. This is part of the musicians' Asian tour that also covers Taipei, Shenzhen, Beijing and Hong Kong. The performance comprises Vitali's Chaconne, Beethoven's Sonata No 9 and Ravel's Sonata No 2.

7:30 pm, April 16, Concert Hall, Shanghai Oriental Art Center; 425 Dingxiang Road, Pudong. 400-650-5050.

A collaboration

Italian violinist Giovanni Angeleri is to perform in Shanghai together with the Moscow Chamber Orchestra. Angeleri was the first-prize winner at the International Paganini Competition in 1997. The Moscow Chamber Orchestra, which was founded in 1978, is an outstanding representative of Russia's classical music scene.

7:30 pm, April 29, Concert Hall, Shanghai Oriental Art Center; 425 Dingxiang Road, Pudong. 400-650-5050.