Classical opening for new theater

The Shanghai Poly Grand Theater opens tonight with the German Radio Philharmonic Orchestra playing Tchaikovsky's "Piano Concerto No. 1" and Beethoven's "Symphony No. 5" conducted by South Korea's Chung Myung-whun and with Chinese pianist Zhang Haochen.

Designed by Japanese architect Tadao Ando, construction of the theater in Jiading New Town began four years ago. It sits next to the Yuanxiang Lake, making it the first theater in Shanghai to have a waterfront view. It also has a stage by the water.

The three-month premiere season will have more than 20 performances. In addition to classical music concerts, dramas such as Ibsen's "An Enemy of the People" and Shakespeare's "Romeo and Juliet," musical "The Enchanting Shadow" and a concert by the Shanghai Hinmory Chinese Traditional Chamber Orchestra are also on the agenda.

Tickets: Average ticket prices will be around 260 yuan (US$41) and every performance will have a least 140 tickets below 80 yuan.

There is a membership discount card available at the ticket booth on Baiyin Road.

Tel: 5951-3377 (Chinese only)

Address: 159 Baiyin Rd

How to get there:

Metro Line No 11 at Baiyin Rd Station, then transfer to bus lines Jiading 4, 9, 14, 15 or suburban bus lines including Shangjia, Jiajiang, Beijia and Hutang.

Upcoming shows:

Concert by Chung Myung-whun and German Radio Philharmonic Orchestra

Date: September 30

Grammy winner Rhonda Larson flute recital

Date: October 3

Drama 'Five Acts of Life'

Date: October 6

Song and dance show "Medley-Dynamic Yunnan"

Date: October 11-12

'Dream Night' magic performance

Date: October 15