By: Andrea K. Hammer, For The Bulletin

11/30/2007

Photo Courtesy of NTDTV

Philadelphia - With Philadelphia the first stop during a tour of more than 50 international cities, “Chinese New Year Spectacular” will dazzle audiences during New Tang Dynasty TV's (NTDTV) visually stunning extravaganzas at the Merriam Theater.

From Jan. 4 to 6, five performances of traditional dances, songs and symphony will kick off this worldwide celebration. Presented in Philadelphia in partnership with The Greater Philadelphia Asian Culture Center, NTDTV's spectacular will reflect the richness of China's 5,000 years of history and traditions. More than 100 ornately costumed dancers and singers will enact traditional Chinese myths and legends to ring in the Year of the Rat, which begins on Feb. 7. Magnificent choreography, high-tech sets and lavish orchestrations contribute to the beauty of this special production.

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“Chinese New Year Spectacular” features performances by world-class artists including Guimin Guan, one of the outstanding tenors from China; Erhuist Xiaochun Qi, who has played the traditional Chinese string instrument for international audiences, and conductor Rutang Chen, a cellist for China's Central Philharmonic Society Orchestra for more than three decades before moving to the United States. Chen's wife Ningfang, a flutist, and son Gang, a bassoonist, join him on stage; daughter Ying works behind the scenes as stage manager.

New Tang Dynasty TV (NTDTV), based in New York City, is an independent, nonprofit Chinese- and English-language broadcaster in North America, Asia, Europe and Australia. The Greater Philadelphia Asian Culture Center (GPACC) is a nonprofit, educational organization showcasing the Asian culture's beauty to enhance mutual understanding between East and West as well as to connect Asian American and mainstream communities.

“Chinese New Year Spectacular” will be performed on Jan. 4 at 8 p.m., Jan. 5 at 2 and 8 p.m., and Jan. 6 at 2 and 7 p.m. For more information, call (856) 437-4826, or visit www.bestchineseshows.com.

Andrea K. Hammer is the founder and director of Artsphoria: Celebrating Arts Euphoria (www.artsphoria.com).