Best bets

[Photo provided to China Daily]

NCPA Children's Opera Effendi

Date: May 27- June 1－7:30 pm/2:30 pm

Venue: National Center for the Performing Arts

Price: 180-300 yuan

With full of cunning tricks, Bayi imposes exactions on other people, and takes advantage of compound interest and other vicious methods to exploit and oppress hardworking and toiling masses of people. As a result, the poor people cannot endure. At this point, Effendi wanders about this place. In order to help kindhearted and simple people to enjoy justice, Effendi plays a trick, and makes greedy Bayi and his wife with excessive desires trapped into the fabulous illusion described by Effendi. Bayi and his wife are bogged down deeper and deeper, finally empty their purse, but lose all original capitals. The grabbed money is returned to their original owners.

NCPA Opera Der Rosenkavalier

Date: June 7-10－7:30 pm

Venue: National Center for the Performing Arts

Price: 100-880 yuan

Der Rosenkavalier (The Knight of the Rose), one of Richard Strauss' most renowned works, is a three-act opera. The original German libretto was finished by Hugo von Hofmannsthal. On January 26th, 1911, the opera was premiered at the Koenigliches Opernhaus in Dresden. The story is set in the Vienna aristocratic society in the 18th century, portraying luxurious vulgar life. It flawlessly integrates the romanticism with nostalgic atmosphere, and the love among three protagonists is exquisite and true. It's more like a modern version of Le Nozze di Figaro.

Midnight Rose: Jazz Story of the Century Vincent Herring Jazz Band

Date: May 27－7:30 pm

Venue: National Center for the Performing Arts

Price: 80-500 yuan

Vincent is a saxophone virtuoso with a uniquely intense and vigorous musical voice. He is considered one of the premier saxophonists of his generation. Internationally renowned vocalist, Nicolas Bearde, is a jazz singer of remarkable depth, range and technique who has won acclaim from critics and jazz audiences worldwide for his "buttery baritone" and imaginative interpretations. Paulette McWilliams is best known for her deep sultry velvety tones and her wide vocal range. She has toured and sang live with Luther Vandross and sang all of the Tammi Terrell duets with Marvin Gaye on his last tour.