That's Guangzhou takes a look at the best events of the month:
May 6-12: A Sumptuous Mother’s Day Treat
Image via TWG Tea
Treat your mom to a delectable meal this Mother’s Day to show your gratitude. The fine folks over at TWG Tea have created an artistically presented set meal focused on tea-fused edibles. Enjoy a wide array of delicious treats and beverages, and, when you’ve finished eating, snag one of TWG Tea’s pink gift packs, which are available at both of the brand’s Guangzhou locations.
Mon-Sun May 6-12, all day; RMB218. TWG Tea. See event listing.
May 8: Warbly Jets
Image via Warbly Jets website
Heavily influenced by acts from 1980s Los Angeles, such as Dream Syndicate and The Byrds, Warbly Jets are set to bring their neo-psychedelic sound to the stage at T:union this month. On their latest, well-received EP, Propaganda, the group has utilized electronic elements to express their thoughts on consumerism, social media and modern America.
Wed May 8, 8.30pm; RMB160 presale, RMB220 at the door. T:union. See event listing. Tickets.
May 8-10: Teatro Carlo Felice: Rigoletto
Image via Guangzhou Opera House
This month, Guangzhou Opera House invites the principal opera house from Genova, Italy, Teatro Carlo Felice, to perform Giuseppe Verdi’s most renowned opera, Rigoletto. Based on Victor Hugo’s play The King Amuses Himself, the opera tells a tragic story of accidental murder, and revolves around the Duke of Mantua, his hunchbacked court jester Rigoletto and Rigoletto’s beautiful daughter, Gilda, who is seduced by the Duke. The opera is universally considered one of Verdi’s best works.
Wed-Fri May 8-10, 7.30pm; RMB280-1,680. Guangzhou Opera House. See event listing. Tickets.
May 10-11: A Midsummer Night’s Dream
Written in 1596, A Midsummer Night’s Dream has remained a timeless exploration of love in all its wonder and foolishness. In this popular play, Shakespeare mixes traditional English spirits with classical heroes and fantastic creatures. Combining music and dance, this energetic reproduction by Britain’s TNT Theatre has been well-received at art festivals.
Fri-Sat May 10-11, 7.30pm; RMB100-320. Xinghai Concert Hall. See event listing. Tickets.
May 12: Ally Kerr
Image via Ally Kerr website
After his 2015 tour of China, songwriting talent Ally Kerr returns to the Middle Kingdom this month with his latest album, Upgrade Me. Melodious, heartfelt, beautiful, wry and wistful are words that have been used to describe the Scotsman’s folk-tinged pop, as demonstrated on his new album.
Sun May 12, 8.30pm; RMB100 presale, RMB150 at the door. T:union. See event listing. Tickets.
May 15-26: The Wizard of the Oz Musical
Image via Guangzhou Opera House
Based on the 1939 namesake film, The Wizard of Oz the musical has been captivating audiences of all ages since opening in 2011, when the familiar movie characters were put on stage to tell a time-tested fantasy through music. Pop and rock music giants such as Pink Floyd, Metallica and Madonna have all saluted the author of the original book with their music. This month, the original Broadway version arrives in Guangzhou. Come meet Dorothy, Tin Man, the Cowardly Lion and other wonderful figures somewhere over the rainbow.
Tue-Sun May 15-26, 2.30pm/7.30pm; RMB80-980. Guangzhou Opera House. See event listing. Tickets.
May 17: Bach’s Six Brandenburg Concertos
Image via Xinghai Concert Hall
Led by Danish harpsichordist Lars Ulrik Mortensen, Concerto Copenhagen will perform Bach’s complete Brandenburg Concertos with original baroque settings in Guangzhou. This masterpiece is regarded as the pinnacle in the history of baroque concertos, and is among the most universally admired of all Bach’s works. Classical music lovers, make sure you don’t miss out.
Fri May 17, 8pm; RMB180-680. Xinghai Concert Hall. See event listing. Tickets.
WIN!
We have tickets to this performance to give away! Message our official WeChat account (ThatsGuangzhou) before May 14 with the subject ‘Bach’ and why you should win. Please include your full name and contact number.
May 17: The Royal Concept
Image courtesy of Showstart
From the indie-sunshine pop of their early sound to the band’s glam-inspired follow-up, The Royal Concept has people bopping their heads the world over. With their latest release, The Man Without Qualities, the upbeat Swedish quartet – vocals, guitar, bass and drums – brings their enthusiastic sound to Guangzhou’s Mao Livehouse this month.
Fri May 17, 8.30pm; RMB150 presale, RMB180 full price. Mao Livehouse. See event listing. Tickets.
May 18: AmCham Spring Ball
Image via AmCham
Ladies and gents, this is the moment you’ve all been waiting for: AmCham South China’s Spring Ball, which will be held on May 18 and is titled ‘The Greatest Show.’ If you have never attended one of AmCham’s fantastic events, you’ve been seriously missing out. Their events are famous across the Greater Bay Area for their impressive performances, prestigious attendees and delightful food and wine. It’s guaranteed to be a blockbuster night, due in part to the fact it is being held at the always-fabulous LN Garden Hotel, Guangzhou. The Spring Ball is also the perfect chance to mingle with the who’s who of the Guangzhou expat community, rub shoulders with local business leaders and, heck, you might even meet someone special there! (One member of the That’s PRD team, who we’ll leave unnamed, actually met her husband at an AmCham event). Scan the QR code below to reserve your tickets.
Sat May 18, 7pm; RMB980/1,280. LN Garden Hotel, Guangzhou. See event listing. Tickets.
May 29-31: Swan Lake by Russian State Ballet
Image courtesy of 247 Tickets
Over the past 20 years, the Russian State Ballet Theater has remained one of the leading ballet companies in Russia, enjoying international acclaim. Its repertoire includes masterpieces of classical ballet as well as the best examples of modern choreography. With its elaborate costumes, vivid set and breathtaking stunts, Russia State Ballet’s Swan Lake promises audiences a world-class experience.
Wed-Fri May 29-31, 8pm; RMB180-880. Guangdong Arts Theater. See event listing. Tickets.
Until May 31: Eyes on Fire Painting Exhibition
Image via Kui Yuan Gallery
A graduate from the Guangzhou Academy of Fine Arts, painter Xu Weibo is displaying a selection his artwork at Kui Yuan this month. The exhibition, titled Eyes on Fire, showcases Xu’s works on the subject of – you guessed it – ‘fire.’ Visitors can expect to see raging fire like never before, immortalized in a diversity of artistic techniques and through multiple angles and media.
Tue-Sun until May 31, 11am-8pm; free. Kui Yuan Gallery. See event listing.
Jun 1: Alexandro Querevalú: The Last of the Mohicans
Image via Alexandro Que/Twitter
Is imitation the highest form of flattery… or appropriation of the sacred? Alexandro Querevalú, born in Lima, Peru, and emigrating to Poland at 18, is firmly in the former camp. Dressing in the costume of Native American tribes, he performs earnest and soulful renditions of North America’s indigenous music. You’ll either resonate with the versatility, eloquence and emotion he expresses, or feel like shouting at him to take off the damn headdress.
Sat Jun 1, 7.30pm; RMB180-580. Guangzhou Opera House. See event listing. Tickets.
WIN!
We have tickets to this show to give away! Message our official WeChat account (ThatsGuangzhou) before May 29 with the subject ‘Mohican’ and why you should win. Please include your full name and contact number.
All month: Healthy Afternoon Tea
Image via Grand Hyatt Guangzhou
At Grand Hyatt Guangzhou’s Guanxi Lounge, a simple, delicious and health-conscious afternoon tea awaits. Be sure to try one of the establishment’s freshly squeezed juices for refreshment.
Daily all month, 2.30-5pm; RMB298 plus 15 percent. Guanxi Lounge (Grand Hyatt Guangzhou). See event listing.
All month: Zongzi Gift Box
Image via Langham Place, Guangzhou
In the spirit of the upcoming Dragon Boat Festival, Langham Place, Guangzhou has prepared two unique zongzi gift boxes, each containing two tasty dumplings. Packaged in a red gift box featuring a Manchurian-style window design, both of these zongzi boxes are ideal gifts for friends and family over the festival. The Langham Place’s zongzi gift boxes are available for order from May 1 and for pickup between May 20 and June 6 at Ming Court. Guests can also place an order via the hotel’s official WeChat (ID: LanghamGuangzhou).
All month. Ming Court (Langham Place, Guangzhou). See event listing.
Ongoing: Happy Hour at the Roof Top Bar
Image via LN Hotel Five, Guangzhou
Choose from a wide selection of dim sum items, as well as crispy tacos, and pair them with two glasses of house wine or cocktails at Roof Top Bar’s popular happy hour. Set against the backdrop of the Pearl River, enjoy a romantic nighttime view while listening to live music, which is performed nightly from 7pm till late.
Daily ongoing, 5.30-8.30pm; RMB198. Roof Top Bar (LN Hotel Five, Guangzhou). See event listing.
Check out our weekly roundups for Guangzhou, released every Monday, for the latest event news.
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[Cover image via Alexandro Que/Twitter, Guangzhou Opera House, AmCham, Grand Hyatt Guangzhou]
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