The Dama Orchestra, exponents of Chinese instrumental music from Malaysia, will present Shanghai audiences with a nostalgic glimpse into what Shanghai once was.
From January 10 to 12 at the Shanghai Majestic Theater the orchestra will reprise their most celebrated concert entitled, "Spring Kisses, Lover's Tears", consisting of 1930s Chinese pop songs originating in pre-war Shanghai.
The Dama Orchestra was founded in 1993. The founder and musical director Khor Seng Chew emerged in music circles as the Malaysian national pipa (Chinese lute) champion, beating over 100 contestants.
He later auditioned successfully for the role of pipa player in the West End production of "Madama Butterfly", starring Anthony Hopkins. The theatrical work on 'Madama Butterfly" endowed him with the production experience he would draw upon with the Dama Orchestra.
The repertoire of the orchestra will include golden oldies such as "Lover's Tears"(Qingren de Yanlei), "Love Without End"(Bu Liao Qing), "When Will You Return"(Heri Jun Zai Lai), "Singsong Girl" (Tianya Genu) and "Three Years"(San Nian).
In fact, most of the lyrics of these classic pop songs performed by Dama have been laboriously translated into English. The concert "Spring Kisses, Lover's Tears" is accompanied by a full English narration.
According to the organizers the orchestra always manages to move the audience to tears, not only because of their wonderful performance but also due to their exquisite delivery of context through the song's lyrics.
January 10-12
Majestic Theatre
66 Jiangning Lu
60-380 yuan
Tel: 5887-2963, 6888-0399
(Shanghai Star December 20, 2002)
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