ABOUT 150 artists from nearly 30 countries and regions joined in a 10-hour-long online program May 9, marking the 10th anniversary of CPAA Theaters (China Performing Arts Agency Theaters) and Guangzhou Grand Theater.

Kicking off at 10 a.m., the online program started with an original musical piece with an anti-coronavirus theme, titled “Zhao Liang,” written and performed by Chinese pipa player Fang Jinlong and his son, musician Fang Songping. Chinese soprano He Hui closed the show with a song titled “I Love the Land,” written by Chinese poet Ai Qing (1910-1996) and composer Lu Zaiyi.

Other headliners included Chinese pianist Lang Lang, violinist Lyu Siqing, London-based actress Li-Tong Hsu, Chinese dancer-choreographer Wang Yabin and Chinese actor-director Zhang Guoli.

The Chicago Symphony Orchestra Wind Quintet, Kodo-Japan’s legendary taiko drummers, Paris Boys Choir and other performing art troupes also performed in the online program with videos recorded from their home countries.

Under the China Arts and Entertainment Group Ltd., CPAA Theaters has 15 directly managed theaters and 70 member theaters across China. By January 2019, CPAA Theaters had held over 5,000 shows every year.

In October 2016, CPAA Theaters launched the Silk Road International League of Theaters. Now, the league has 124 members from 42 countries.

(China Daily)