Performing Arts Renaissance: A Fusion of ‘Chongqing-Branded’ and ‘Int’l Style’ in 2023

Chongqing - Reflecting on the dynamic landscape of the 2023 performing arts market, the theme of "Return" emerged as a vivid tapestry of revival and rejuvenation. 

This concept of "Return" encapsulates more than just the reopening of theaters; it heralds the resurgence of audience engagement, revitalization of market vitality, resurgence of live performances, renewed confidence among theaters and performing troupes, and a holistic reconnection with the global stage.

The 2023 data for Chongqing's performance market reveals a burgeoning trend of both "Chongqing-branded" and "International style" programs, capturing widespread attention and sparking vibrant discussions online. This evolution, marked by introducing innovative performance styles and developing intimate theater spaces, has catalyzed growth across multiple consumer domains, including tourism and retail. These developments indicate a sustained and progressive warming trend within the performance market, signaling a promising trajectory for the cultural sector.

A year of "Chongqing-branded" masterpieces

At Chongqing's cultural and tourism conference on January 19, the Chongqing Municipal Commission of Culture and Tourism Development unveiled data evidencing a vigorous resurgence in Chongqing's performing arts scene for 2023. 

Nine municipal troupes collectively delivered approximately 1,700 performances, marking an 81.4% surge from the preceding year, captivating over 850,000 audience members and setting new records. This remarkable surge underscores the magnetic allure of "Chongqing-branded" artistic endeavors.

A standout highlight was the Chongqing Ballet Theater's grand original ballet, The Red Shoes. Staged at the Chongqing Grand Theatre from January 8 to 12, it garnered widespread accolades from both national and international audiences. 

Integrating Western ballet with Chinese traditional arts, this ballet not only illuminated Chongqing's distinctive flair but also struck a chord across diverse cultural spectra.

Looking forward, the Chongqing Municipal Commission of Culture and Tourism Development is set to foster the creation of more "Chongqing-branded" artistic masterpieces. Their goal is to elevate the sophistication of artistic production and unveil works that encapsulate the zeitgeist, Chinese aesthetics, and the quintessence of Chongqing's charm.

A year of international spectacles and resurgent Chinese artistry

In 2023, as offline performances became the norm again, China-foreign artistic exchanges in Chongqing surged with unparalleled energy. On November 5, 2023, the English original edition of Love Never Dies embarked on a historic 10-show run at the Chongqing Grand Theatre, achieving a record-breaking milestone as the most performed single English original show in nearly 15 years.

Chongqing's status as an international metropolis made it an ideal venue for Love Never Dies, drawing on its vast population, substantial consumer spending, and elevated urban profile. He Wen, the General Manager of Chongqing Grand Theatre, remarked that the consistent presentation of high-quality domestic and international performances in Chongqing has subtly refined the audience's artistic sensibilities and cultivated an intense appreciation for sophisticated art forms.

The latter half of 2023 witnessed an array of international spectacles on Chongqing's stages: The Tchaikovsky Symphony Orchestra from Russia made its inaugural visit, followed by piano virtuoso Maksim Mrvica, globally celebrated violinist David Garrett, the enthralling Irish dance drama Riverdance, and the romantic pianist Richard Clayderman, each adding their unique flair to Chongqing's cultural scene.

Adding to these classical masterpieces were distinctively individual artists and productions. The year 2023, marked by a resurgence of Chinese-style aesthetics, saw stage performances embracing Chinese artistic sensibilities that captivated a vast array of young audiences. The original musical Qiang Jin Jiu (Invitation to Wine), centering on the legendary poet Li Bai, was performed in six back-to-back shows from January 18 to 21 at the Shi Guangnan Grand Theater. This musical received widespread acclaim in Chongqing and attracted enthusiasts from all over China.

Innovations and expansions in the performing arts landscape

In the wake of the performance market's rejuvenation, the riverside concerts, a collaboration between the Chongqing Grand Theatre and the Chongqing National Orchestra, have emerged as a hallmark of innovation. This novel model, blending offline performances with live streaming online, has harnessed Chongqing's unique landscapes to offer citizens unparalleled artistic experiences. Over the past year, these seven riverside concerts have captivated nearly 20 million online viewers, underscoring their widespread appeal.

Zhu Kai, the General Manager of Chongqing Performance Co., Ltd., holds a positive outlook on the potential for cultural and artistic synergy within the Sichuan-Chongqing region. He advocates for collaborative performances and art festivals as a strategy to streamline operational costs and foster regional cultural tourism growth through shared audience engagement.

Looking towards 2024, a series of high-profile performances are set to illuminate Chongqing's stages, promising to enhance the city's already vibrant performing arts scene. Among these, the China-French co-production of Les Misérables featuring Liu Ye, the play Jing Meng (A Startling Dream) starring Chen Peisi, and the French musical Mozart, l'opéra Rock (Mozart, the Rock Opera) are particularly noteworthy. These anticipated shows are expected to captivate audiences and add further luster to Chongqing's rich cultural tapestry.