The programming featured a range of family-friendly events, including a screening of The Monkey King: Uproar in Heaven – the classic animated film from Shanghai Animation Film Studio – and Stories of Chinese Zodiac, a concert by the Shanghai Chinese Orchestra featuring traditional Chinese instruments and animated visuals of the twelve zodiac animals.
Fans of gaming and animation were immersed in Arknights Concert, a spectacular reimagining of the popular game’s soundtrack at Damrosch Park. This cross-genre production featured symphonic music, Chinese folk elements and rock instrumentation, all bringing the vivid world of Arknights to life.
“We are deeply honored to be invited by Lincoln Center to bring Shanghai’s historic and evolving culture to this global stage,” said Li Ming, President of the China Shanghai International Arts Festival Center. “Shanghai Day was designed to reflect the heart of our city, where tradition, charm and creativity are intertwined. It’s incredibly rewarding to see people of all ages connect with Chinese culture through art in New York City.”
Mariko Silver, President and CEO of Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, said: “We invite New Yorkers and visitors to explore different cultures and deepen their connection to creativity from across the globe here at Lincoln Center. Today’s events are such a beautiful example of cross-cultural exchange and artistic discovery for audiences of all ages. We are so glad to be working with the Center for the China Shanghai International Arts Festival.”
As part of the day’s events, Josie Robertson Plaza transformed into an open-air dance floor for jazz, hip-hop and a Silent Disco. Acclaimed jazz trumpeter Li Xiaochuan and his band performed original compositions blending Chinese and Western styles, while DJs and dancers brought high energy to the plaza with street dance and live beats.
“When I perform, I strive to bring the voice of Shanghai and the East to global stages, and I’m always drawing on the creative atmosphere and artistic excellence that I experience when I’m in New York,” said trumpeter Li Xiaochuan. “My music is about finding a way for two cultures to truly understand and enrich each other, and I was honored to bring that to Shanghai Day at Lincoln Center.”
Throughout the day, visitors also explored artisan markets showcasing traditional and modern Shanghai craftsmanship, including Lao Feng Xiang jewelry, calligraphy, Shanghai silks, creative cultural items of Zikawei, Wunijing (Huang Daopo) cotton weaving, Peking Opera makeup, Chinese knot buttons, Chinese paper cutting and Longhua Zen Food.
Shanghai Day coincided with performances of Lady White Snake by the Shanghai Grand Theatre at the David H. Koch Theater on July 26 and 27. Led by international ballet artist Tan Yuanyuan as artistic director, the production reimagined the timeless Chinese legend of the White Snake—a tale spanning a thousand years and a journey of self-discovery.
For more information about Summer for the City and upcoming events, visit www.lincolncenter.org/series/summer-for-the-city.
About Center for China Shanghai International Arts Festival
The Center for China Shanghai International Arts Festival was established in March 2000 and is responsible for preparing and producing the annual China Shanghai International Arts Festival (CSIAF), undertaking cultural exchange activities with countries, as well as hosting important events. The center strives to be more international, innovative, and inclusive. On the stages of the CSIAF, traditional culture and modern art rival in brilliance; classics of masters and new works of rising stars shine in all their splendors, and cultures and arts from across the globe converge in mutual inspiration, strengthening Shanghai’s image and brand throughout the world. Over the years, CSIAF has attracted over 800 international and domestic artistic organizations and more than 66,000 artists from over 80 countries and regions, reaching over 80 million audience globally.
About Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts
Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts (LCPA) is a nonprofit dedicated to ensuring the Lincoln Center campus is a destination that welcomes all—where every visitor, whether a native New Yorker or New Yorker for a day, can find inspiration, artistic innovation, inspiration, and community in the creative achievements realized on campus. Year-round, we offer robust seasons of programming, representing a broad spectrum of performing arts disciplines and complementing the artistic and educational activities of the 10 fellow resident arts organizations with whom we share a home. LCPA presents hundreds of programs each year, offered primarily for free and Choose-What-You-Pay, helping ensure that the arts are at the center of civic life for all.
SOURCE The Center for China Shanghai International Arts Festival
