In 1996, CPAA organized the '96 International Symphony Year, featuring performances by four of the world's top orchestras as well as two Chinese orchestras. From April through December, a succession of outstanding performances were presented by the French National Orchestra, the Philadelphia Orchestra, the China National Symphony Orchestra, the Amsterdam Royal Concertgebouw, the South Australia Symphony Orchestra, the Vienna Philharmonic, and the Shanghai Symphony Orchestra. The four international orchestras each gave a concert at the Great Hall of the People to a capacity audience of 8000. Also on tour through China during 1996 were Paul Taylor Dance Company, the Russian Moyeshev Song and Dance Company, and the Australian Ballet. CPAA plans to focus on opera and ballet throughout 1997.

The other role of CPAA is to tour Chinese artists and companies overseas. CPAA, being the leading agency under the Ministry of Culture, has the advantage of representing and managing the leading artists and companies in China. Most ISPA members are familiar with Beijing Opera, acrobatics, traditional music, which have toured overseas extensively. But CPAA hopes to tour other traditional Chinese art forms, as well, many of which are still new or unfamiliar to the international performing arts market. For example, local operas such as the Sichuan opera combine split-second mask changes, various forms of puppetry, authentic folk music and dances, as well as many other art forms well-suited for festivals.

Increasingly in China, economists, artists, arts administrators, and public servants are looking at the close link and interaction between the development of culture and the boosting of economy. Many cities and regions are now organizing festivals sponsored not only by the local governments but also by business sectors to attract more interest and investment.

Cultural exchanges also serve to promote international trade and economy. Some of the major touring Chinese companies, and the orchestras and ballet companies visiting China, have been sponsored by companies who are doing business with China, or hope to be.

In September 1996, CPAA organized the Forbidden City Music Festival in conjunction with the Forbidden City Music Festival Association of Finland. The event drew sponsors from all over the map, promoting further cultural exchanges and giving the business sectors opportunities to interact.

While looking into the future with confidence, CPAA welcomes and looks forward to closer cooperation and more exchanges with ISPA members worldwide.

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International Society for the Performing Arts Foundation
17 Purdy Avenue
P.O. Box 909
Rye, New York 10580
USA
tel 914.921.1550
fax 914.921.1593
info@ispa.org
http://www.ispa.org/