Recommended performances and activities in Shanghai for March
The theaters and troupes of the Shanghai Grand Theater Arts Group are presenting a series of outstanding shows in March.
The lineup includes Giselle, new media concert Van Gogh in Me and more, as well as a variety of activities showcased at major theaters.
Giselle
Dates: March 21-24, 2 pm/7:30 pm
Venue: Shanghai Grand Theater
Address: No 300 Renmin Avenue, Huangpu district

A poster for Ballet Giselle. [Photo/WeChat account: sgtartsgroup]
The world-renowned Italian Teatro alla Scala Ballet Company returns to the Shanghai Grand Theater after eight years. As the tour's only mainland stop, the ballet company will present the romantic Giselle, which is reputed as the "Crown of Ballet" with choreography rearranged by Yvette Chauviré, who previously held the role of Giselle. Manuel Legris, the world-renowned ballet star known for his work with the Paris Opera Ballet and the Vienna State Ballet, will direct the performance as the company's new artistic director.
Original opera March of the Volunteers
Dates: March 15-17, 2 pm/7:30 pm
Venue: Shanghai Lingang Performing Arts Center
Address: No 200 Dingke Road, Pudong New Area

A poster for March of the Volunteers. [Photo/WeChat account: sgtartsgroup]
Following its premiere at the Shanghai Grand Theatre as the opening show of the 2024 performance season of Shanghai Opera House, March of the Volunteers is an original opera production of the Chinese national anthem of the same name. The production will be staged at the Shanghai Lingang Performing Arts Center, Wanping Theatre and the campus of Shanghai International Studies University on its tour.
Xu Zhong performing Berlioz's Symphonie Dramatique
Date: March 31, 7:30 pm
Venue: Shanghai Symphony Hall
Address: No 1380 Middle Fuxing Road, Xuhui district

A poster for Xu Zhong performing Berlioz's Symphonie Dramatique. [Photo/WeChat account: sgtartsgroup]
The Jaguar Shanghai Symphony Hall will host a unique theater symphony, marking the opening of the Sino-French music exchange season within the 39th Shanghai Spring International Music Festival. This presentation celebrates Berlioz, a pioneer of French Romanticism, and his vision of a harmonious blend of music, literature and theater. Under the direction of Xu Zhong, a distinguished conductor, pianist and director of the Shanghai Opera House, the Shanghai Opera House Chorus and Symphony Orchestra, along with exceptional vocalists such as Yu Haolei, Wang Xiaoxi and Yu Yang, will bring Berlioz's compositions to life. They will immerse audiences in the profound emotions of Shakespearean themes and Berlioz's portrayal of ideal love through music.
Inside No 9
Dates: Until March 31, 2 pm/2:50 pm/7:30 pm/8:20 pm
Venue: Shanghai Grand Theater - Space 9 (5th Floor)
Address: No 300 Renmin Avenue, Huangpu district

A poster for Inside No 9. [Photo/WeChat account: sgtartsgroup]
Inside No 9 offers a groundbreaking offline adaptation of the renowned BBC series, presenting a unique and immersive theater experience. This innovative production unveils a darkly humorous, multidimensional narrative within a distinct, confined setting.
The Picture of Dorian Gray
Dates: March 13-17, 2 pm/7:30 pm
Venue: Shanghai Grand Theater
Address: No 300 Renmin Avenue, Huangpu district

A poster for The Picture of Dorian Gray. [Photo/WeChat account: sgtartsgroup]
Based on Oscar Wilde's 19th-century aestheticism masterpiece, The Picture of Dorian Gray, this musical unites a multinational team of top creators and a stellar cast of lead actors to craft a stunning audio-visual spectacle.
The Brothers Karamazov
Dates: March 28-April 6, 2:30 pm/7:30 pm
Venue: Shanghai Grand Theatre – Buick Theatre
Address: No 300 Renmin Avenue, Huangpu district

A poster for The Brothers Karamazov. [Photo/WeChat account: sgtartsgroup]
Presented by the Shanghai Grand Theatre and developed in partnership with the original South Korean creators, The Brothers Karamazov represents a Chinese adaptation of the renowned novel by Russian literary giant Dostoevsky. Since its debut in 2022, this production has garnered widespread acclaim in Shanghai and drawn in a host of esteemed young musical performers.
Letters from a Fan
Dates: March 6-10, 2 pm/7:30 pm
Venue: Shanghai Culture Square - Main Theater
Address: No 597 Middle Fuxing Road, Huangpu district

A poster for the musical Letters from a Fan Chinese version. [Photo/WeChat account: sgtartsgroup]
Hailed as "a groundbreaking piece that reshaped the landscape of South Korean original musicals", the original rendition of Letters from a Fan graced Shanghai Culture Square in 2018. Over four years, the Chinese adaptation meticulously refined the narrative backdrop and characters from the original version. Since its premiere in 2022, this adaptation has garnered widespread praise from audiences, media and industry professionals alike.
Smash the Wall
Dates: March 16-17, 7:30 pm
Venue: Shanghai Culture Square – Main Theater
Address: No 597 Middle Fuxing Road, Huangpu district

A poster for the musical Smash the Wall. [Photo/WeChat account: sgtartsgroup]
Smash the Wall is a musical that intricately connects a teenager's journey through confusion and growth, as well as the complex dynamics of loss and possession, father and son and the clash of old and new. The production's musical style is rich and multifaceted, deftly fusing traditional melodies with contemporary tunes and blues. Composed in harmony with the lyrics, the play brings forth the full essence of Chinese rhythms, melding both into a lovely union.
Music & Love
Dates: March 22-24, 7:30 pm
Venue: Shanghai Culture Square – Main Theater
Address: No 597 Middle Fuxing Road, Huangpu district

A poster for the musical Music & Love. [Photo/WeChat account: sgtartsgroup]
Music & Love, a jukebox musical, draws inspiration from the hit song Music & Love by Fan Chong and is directed by Chen Mingzhang, the acclaimed director behind beloved idol dramas. The production unfolds the tale of two urban individuals navigating emotional shifts while pursuing their dreams. Through the power of music, they draw closer, finding solace in each other and eventually kindling a romance. Alongside the titular track Music & Love, the show features theme songs from numerous acclaimed film and television productions, creating a captivating audio-visual experience that evokes nostalgic memories across time and space.
The City of Stars
Dates: March 27-28, 7:30 pm
Venue: Shanghai Culture Square – Main Theater
Address: No 597 Middle Fuxing Road, Huangpu district

A poster for the musical The City of Stars. [Photo/WeChat account: sgtartsgroup]
Led by actor Zheng Qiyuan, the original musical The City of Stars portrays a captivating tale of aspiration – young individuals wholeheartedly dedicated to constructing a visionary future city. As they persist through surmounting obstacles, they evolve into radiant stars, illuminating the path of their ongoing journey to success.
Narcissus & Goldmund
Dates: March 21-24, 2:30 pm/7:30 pm
Venue: Shanghai Grand Theater-Buick Theater
Address: No 300 Renmin Avenue, Huangpu district

A poster for the musical Narcissus & Goldmund. [Photo/WeChat account: sgtartsgroup]
Based on the original South Korean musical of the same title, Narcissus & Goldmund is a collaborative creation by a team of exceptional domestic talent. This includes Zhang Zhilin, serving as the producer, alongside Ding Wei, a nationally acclaimed actor and director in the musical realm, and Tang Aimin, a distinguished expert in musical theater and vocal education, who leads the vocal section as director.
We're Going on a Bear Hunt
Dates: March 8-17, 10:30 am/2 pm/7:30 pm
Venue: Shanghai Grand Theater-Buick Theater
Address: No 300 Renmin Avenue, Huangpu district

A poster for the musical We're Going on a Bear Hunt. [Photo/WeChat account: sgtartsgroup]
Produced by Kenny Wax of the United Kingdom, the musical We're Going on a Bear Hunt is adapted from the beloved children's book penned by renowned author, poet, and Goldsmiths College professor Michael Rosen in 1989. This live show will showcase over a dozen instrumental styles and its interactive scenes will effortlessly draw children into its thrilling adventure.
Van Gogh in Me
Dates: March 6-7, 7:30 pm
Venue: Shanghai Grand Theater
Address: No 300 Renmin Avenue, Huangpu district

A poster for Van Gogh in Me. [Photo/WeChat account: sgtartsgroup]
Van Gogh in Me is a groundbreaking new media choral concert co-curated by the Netherlands Chamber Choir and the Italian multidisciplinary art studio fuse*. This innovative program intertwines the works of iconic artists Vincent van Gogh and Gustav Klimt, along with masterpieces from contemporaries such as Saint-Saëns, Debussy and Mahler. By applying painting algorithms and biometric data, the concert seamlessly connects visuals, sound and the emotions of both artists and audiences. The program's design aims to transport audiences back to late 19th-century Europe, offering a captivating and all-encompassing journey through sight and sound.
Shanghai Concert Hall Masters Charity Series
Peter Croton Lute Recital
Dates: March 8, 7:30 pm
Venue: Cadillac Shanghai Concert Hall
Address: No 523 East Yan'an Road, Huangpu district

A poster for Shanghai Concert Hall Masters Charity Series - Peter Croton Lute Recital. [Photo/WeChat account: sgtartsgroup]
During the "Masters for Charity Series" on March 8, featuring the theme of ancient music, lute performance artist Peter Croton will grace the Shanghai Concert Hall stage alongside soprano Huang Xuan and young guitarist Fan Ye, offering a mesmerizing presentation of lute works. Coinciding with International Women's Day, the musicians will perform a tribute to women, as well as Four Pieces for Lute by female composer Gwyneth Walker, dedicated to Peter Croton.
The 2024 Weekly Radio Concert Season
Dates: March 9, 7:30 pm
Venue: Cadillac - Shanghai Concert Hall
Address: No 523 East Yan'an Road, Huangpu district

A poster for the launch concert of the 2024 Weekly Radio Concert 2024 Season. [Photo/WeChat account: sgtartsgroup]
The 2024 Weekly Radio Concert Season heralds a fresh chapter, offering audiences a chance to revel in the innovative expression, classical heritage and wisdom of maestros through performances by exceptional musicians from around the globe. Kicking off the season, the NCPA Orchestra will enchant listeners with a rendition of Siegfried's Pastoral. Adding to the program's allure is Irving Stein's adaptation of Mahler's Symphony No 4 in G major, featuring soprano Song Yuanming as the soloist in the fourth movement.
Meet Makoto Shinkai
Chamber Music ACG Concert
Dates: March 17, 7:30 pm
Venue: Cadillac – Shanghai Concert Hall
Address: No 523 East Yan'an Road, Huangpu district

A post for the ACG concert. [Photo/WeChat account: sgtartsgroup]
The ACG concert will interpret and reinterpret intense emotions within musical compositions, with Makoto Shinkai's works as the main theme. The performance will be based on the soundtracks of animated movies and will also feature chamber music adaptations from the Japanese drama Unnatural, as well as other styles of musical works.
Social Aesthetic Education
Appreciation of Pipa Music
Dates: March 16, 2:30 pm
Venue: Yunjian Theater
Address: No 69 Lane 6, South Renmin Road, Songjiang district

A poster for the Appreciation of Pipa Music. [Photo/WeChat account: sgtartsgroup]
Three young pipa (traditional Chinese lute) players from the Shanghai Chinese Traditional Orchestra, will present a diverse repertoire, encompassing traditional pipa pieces as well as contemporary compositions. Through a blend of ancient and modern melodies, they aim to showcase the enduring and ever-evolving artistic charm of the pipa, encompassing both literary and martial arts influences.
"Bonjour! France" art activities
"If Van Gogh Were in Shanghai" Painting Workshop
Dates: March 5, 12 pm-1:30 pm
Venue: Shanghai Grand Theater – Buick Art Space
Address: No 300 Renmin Avenue, Huangpu district
We're Going on a Bear Hunt Theater Workshop
Dates: March 9, 10:30 am-11:15 am, 4:30 pm-5:15 pm
Venue: Shanghai Grand Theater – Buick Art Space
Address: No 300 Renmin Avenue, Huangpu district

Children are assigned roles for a lively activity. [Photo/WeChat account: sgtartsgroup]
The We're Going on a Bear Hunt Activity Workshop integrates picture books and drama to foster children's development. This workshop guides children in dramatizing different scenes and challenges encountered during a bear hunting expedition. With body movements and rhythms, the workshop will bring to life the English onomatopoeia repeated in the picture book and musical.
Concert Lunch Time
Dates: March 2024, Monday through Friday
Venue: Cadillac Shanghai Concert Hall - South Hall
Address: No 523 East Yan'an Road, Huangpu district

A poster for the Concert Lunch Time. [Photo/WeChat account: sgtartsgroup]
Family Reading Workshop
Dates: March 9/March 24, 9:30 am-11:30 am
Venue: Shanghai Grand Theater – A+ Reading Space
Address: No 300 Renmin Avenue, Huangpu district

An interior view of the workshop venue. [Photo/WeChat account: sgtartsgroup]
Octave Mini-Class - The Proud General
Recommended for ages 2-5
Dates: March 17, 9:30 am/11:15 am/3 pm/4:45 pm
Venue: Cadillac Shanghai Concert Hall - B2 Music Cube
Address: No 523 East Yan'an Road, Huangpu district

A poster for The Proud General. [Photo/WeChat account: sgtartsgroup]
Cadillac Shanghai Concert Hall Tour
Dates: March 10/March 24, 2 pm
Address: No 523 East Yan'an Road, Huangpu district

A poster for visiting the Cadillac Shanghai Concert Hall. [Photo/WeChat account: sgtartsgroup]
Rhapsody in Blue afternoon tea

A poster for the Rhapsody in Blue afternoon tea. [Photo/WeChat account: sgtartsgroup]
Dates: March 15-16, 2 pm-4 pm
Venue: Cadillac Shanghai Concert Hall (2F)
Address: No 523 East Yan'an Road, Huangpu district
Source: "sgtartsgroup" WeChat account