Orchestras make sweet music outdoors

Sound solution

With event organizers working to restart the industry and keep audiences safe, outdoor performances appear to be a good solution.

Han Xue, manager of the artistic administration department at Tianjin Poly Theater Management Co, which manages the Tianjin Grand Theater, said the company started to build the new outdoor venue on July 30, and the work was completed in 19 days. The outdoor stage occupies about 160 square meters.

"I want to offer audiences a safe space to enjoy live music, and the opening concert proved successful," Han said, adding that the performance was also broadcast online, attracting an audience of more than 2 million.

The National Ballet of China Symphony Orchestra, the China NCPA Orchestra and the China Philharmonic are set to perform on the outdoor stage, as well as pianist Zhang Haochen and tenor Shen Yang.

Han said outdoor concerts are not permanent replacements for live indoor shows, but are aimed at attracting audiences back to the theater.

Indoor venues at the Tianjin Grand Theater have reopened, Han said, but audience members must wear a face mask during performances, register by using the QR health code on their phone and have their temperature taken on arrival.

Yao Liang, principal violinist with the China Film Symphony Orchestra, which was founded in 1949, said: "We are delighted to play a part in bringing back live music events. We musicians are eager to get back on stage.

"Although it's still challenging, as social distancing measures mean fewer paying customers are allowed into venues, we will do our best to engage with our fan base again."