German fest swings Bach to jazz
(eastday.com)
Updated: 2005-04-04 09:26

Look for bratwurst, beer and Bavarian music next month as a German cultural festival gets set to oohmpah into the city during the Labor Day holiday.

The two-week event is designed to introduce Shanghai residents to the European country's varied culture by featuring music, movies, photography, architecture and food.

Visiting german artists include the NDR Big Band, Munchner Bachsolisten, Heidelberg Bach-Choir, Staatsphilharmonie Rheinland-Pfalz, Europaische Filmphilharmonie and cellist Maria Kliegel. They will perform at Shanghai Concert Hall and Shanghai Grand Theater.

"For many people, their conception of Germany is confined to cars, beer and football," said Zhang Xiaoding of Shanghai Grand Theater. "Through the upcoming event, we want to show people that the country also features abundant cultural resources."

Lau chun Keung, artistic director of Shanghai Concert Hall, said his organization will concentrate on introducing a variety of musical styles.

He said that a free exhibition featuring the architecture of Heidelberg, Germany, will be held in the concert hall. During the Labor Day holiday, which starts on May 1, stalls will be set up to promote German food.