Shanghai has consolidated its position as a premier destination for musical aficionados and performers alike.

Recent data revealed that the city's theater box office sales accounted for 56 percent of the nation's total sales from January to October in 2024.

Elevating the city's cultural landscape to new heights, Shanghai Culture Square, one of the city's major theaters, has been actively expanding its international repertoire by introducing works in languages such as German, French and Italian over the past few years.

The initiative is said to not only enrich the viewing experience of theatergoers, but also provide a platform for international musical stars to showcase their talent and gain exposure on a global scale.

The theater is poised to host a spectacular lineup of live concerts featuring seven musical stars from European countries.

Running from Feb 8 to March 9, the 2025 Musical Stars Live Concert series promises to be an unforgettable experience for audiences, with a total of 11 captivating performances set to grace the theater's stage.

Among the luminaries to have graced its boards, Laurent Ban stands out for having cultivated a deep rapport with Chinese audiences over the years.

Having jetted between China and France on more than 20 occasions in the past two decades, Ban reminisced about the moment when audiences united in song during the debut of Mozart L'opéra Rock in Shanghai in 2018.

For his upcoming performances, Ban plans to pay homage to Chinese culture by incorporating renditions of classic Chinese songs such as Jasmine Flower and The Moon Represents My Heart into his repertoire.

Reflecting on the mutual admiration between Chinese audiences and French musicals, Ban expressed his enchantment with China's rich history and cultural heritage – highlighting the reciprocal exchanges of artistic inspiration and appreciation that transcend borders.

As Shanghai continues to shine as a beacon of cultural diversity and artistic innovation, the city's burgeoning theater scene not only enthralls audiences with world-class performances, but also fosters a fusion of global musical traditions and local cultural nuances.

With the stage set for a mesmerizing display of international talent, Shanghai stands poised to reaffirm its status as a cultural hub where musical stars illuminate the hearts and minds of audiences from near and far.

Source: Shanghai Observer