by Xinhua writer Tan Jingjing
LOS ANGELES, June 22 (Xinhua) -- For renowned American director and writer Kurt Paul MacCarley, Chinese violin concerto "Butterfly Lovers" not only took him into a beautiful but sad Chinese love story, but also inspired him for music collaboration with Chinese musicians in his new movie - Shanghai Cinderella.
"I cried in my heart. It was very emotional," MacCarley told Xinhua after watching the show on Friday night.
"We are casting the new movie. The music solo inspired me tonight to make this music collaboration," he said.
The violin concerto, played by world-renowned Chinese violinist Lyu Siqing, illustrates the folktale of the star-crossed lovers Liang Shanbo and Zhu Yingtai, known as the "Chinese Romeo and Juliet".
This Chinese classical musical was part of a grand Chinese folk music performance entitled "Enchanting China", staged at Hollywood's Dolby Theatre in downtown Los Angeles.
Presented by the China Broadcasting Performing Arts Troupe, the performance features diversified forms of traditional Chinese art, such as orchestral music, Peking Opera, violin concerto and Banhu (an ancient traditional Chinese stringed instrument) concerto.
Chinese orchestral music "Songs of the States" kicked off the Friday night concert. More than 3,000 audiences in the Dolby Theatre, renowned as the home of the Oscars, were intoxicated to the performance of the Chinese musicians.
"The Chinese folk music is so beautiful and charming. I just love it," said Gabrielle Laherram, a Los Angeles local resident.
She told Xinhua it was her second experience to watch a Chinese folk music show after the first one in San Francisco several years ago. "I hope to see more Chinese performance here, and I'm very interested to learn more about the Chinese culture."
Peking Opera "Ode of Pear Blossoms" tells the love story of Tang Emperor Li Longji and his favorite concubine Yang Yuhuan. Chinese orchestral music "Song of Wind" gives the audience an intimate overview of people's singing and dancing in China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region.
When "Terracotta Warriors Fantasia" - symphonic exploration of Chinese orchestrated music - called an end to the performance, the full house of audience was immersed in wild applause.
"The Chinese musicians are very disciplined and precise, unlike American artists who are more laid back. I hope to see more interactions and cooperation between the two countries' artists," Darrell Holllinquest, a local artist, told Xinhua.
Zhang Gaoxiang, deputy head of the China Broadcasting Performing Arts Troupe and director of the show, said the performance aims to showcase China's brilliant culture, and promote dialogue between Chinese and world civilizations.
Chinese Consul General in Los Angeles Zhang Ping called the performance of Chinese folk orchestra in the United States a very good way to promote China-U.S. cultural exchanges.
"Chinese folk music belongs not only to China but also to the world," he said, voicing his hope that more Chinese cultural groups will visit the United States, to let more American people better understand China and the Chinese culture.
Los Angeles is the first stop of the troupe's U.S. tour. The troupe will also head for San Francisco and Seattle.
