Artists perform during the "A Chinese Concert in Drama -- Xuanzang's Pilgrimage" at the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C., the United States, Jan. 25, 2019. "A Chinese Concert in Drama -- Xuanzang's Pilgrimage" was warmly received during its U.S. premiere at the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C. on Friday night. The massive suite, performed by China National Traditional Orchestra (CNTO), tells the story of Xuangzang, a Chinese Buddhist monk in the 7th century who traveled a wide swath of the Silk Road in a 17-year journey to retrieve Buddhist scriptures. (Xinhua/Liu Jie)
WASHINGTON, Jan. 25 (Xinhua) -- "A Chinese Concert in Drama -- Xuanzang's Pilgrimage" was warmed received during its U.S. premiere at the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C. on Friday night.
"It's super," Herman Pirchner, president of the non-profit think tank American Foreign Policy Council, told Xinhua during the interval.
"It's an education, really striking", said federal employee and local resident Matt Aubuchon, noting that he was impressed with Monk Xuanzang's legendary journey showcasing the diverse yet connected cultures along Silk Road, an ancient network of trade routes linking the East and the West.
The massive suite, performed by China National Traditional Orchestra (CNTO), tells the story of Xuangzang, a Chinese Buddhist monk in the 7th century who traveled a wide swath of the Silk Road in a 17-year journey to retrieve Buddhist scriptures.
The story was presented with a rich variety of Chinese and exotic instruments. Powerful storytelling and a stunning multimedia experience helped bring the audience into Monk Xuanzang's journey, reviving his resolve, sacrifice, and perseverance.
"Monk Xuanzang is a great example of cultural exchanges in Chinese history," said Wang Xiuqin, the general manager of China Performing Arts Agency (CPAA) which brought the piece to D.C. "It demonstrates that China has always been open to learning from other cultures. We hope this thrilling piece played by China's top traditional orchestra will charm and inspire Americans."
The musically told story of Monk Xuanzang in China's Tang Dynasty lasted 110 minutes with one interval. After the weekend performances at the Kennedy Center, it moves to the New Jersey Performing Arts Center on Jan. 29.
