Slash and LOTR in concert: 10 super events to book with Time Out

Image: Slash by DaigoOliva via Flickr

The best concerts, shows, gigs and more on Time Out Tickets

Slash and Lord of the Rings in concert: unfortunately not together – yet – but we'll keep praying for the future fellowship of face-melting solos and Middle Earthen bangers. In the meantime, with these amazing shows and many more coming to Beijing in the next few months, we're making it a bit simpler for you to get to these events by rounding up the best tickets you can buy right here, right now. Scan the QR codes below each post to be taken to the English-language ticket page. 

Blastfemme

Dusk Dawn Club. Dec 7. 100RMB; 80RMB (presale).

Straight from the dangerous underground scene of Rio de Janeiro, feminist disco punks Blastfemme come to Beijing to bring their explosive energy to the DDC stage. Known for the sensuality, power and strength of their music and message, they add punk to disco with a hearty dose of resistance and fight for women's rights. They're joined by their Chinese counterparts Xiaowang, plus Lonely Leary and Thruoutin.

Safia

Omni Space. Dec 16. 200RMB; 160RMB (presale). 

Australian three-piece electronica and indie pop band Safia hail from Canberra – an unlikely but burgeoning source of new music Down Under. Initially consisting of two bedroom producers, Ben Woolner (vocals) and Michael Bell (drums), the duo soon expanded to include the synth and guitars of Harry Sayers. They jokingly describe their sound as 'Skrillex and James Blake making sweet, tender love'. Their debut album Internal hit number 1 on the iTunes chart and number 2 on Australia's Aria Albums chart.

Slash

Beijing Exhibition Center. Jan 20. 680-1,680RMB.

Award-winning hard rock guitarist and iconic mophead Slash comes to Beijing to play his greatest hits. In 1985, he joined Guns N' Roses, earning international acclaim and instant recognition for his riffs and solos on songs such as 'Sweet Child o’ Mine'. After leaving the group in 1996, Slash did session work all over the place and took his appetite for fret destruction into other bands, including Velvet Revolver.

Zhang Xian and the BBC National Orchestra of Wales

NCPA. Dec 16. 180-880RMB. 

For 90 years, the BBC National Orchestra of Wales has been at the heart of the cultural landscape in Wales, occupying a distinctive role as both a broadcast company and national symphony orchestra. It performs a busy schedule of concerts throughout the UK, led by its artistic team of principal guest conductor Zhang Xian, conductor laureate Tadaaki Otaka and composer-in-association Huw Watkins. 

The Lord of the Rings in Concert

Beijing Exhibition Center. Dec 18-Dec 19. 280-1,280RMB.

The Lord of the Rings comes to Beijing in concert, with The Fellowship of the Ring set to be performed first. Howard Shore's majestic scores are brought to life by China's National Opera House Symphony Orchestra, capturing the soaring, thrilling vistas of Middle Earth through its majestic music while scenes from Peter Jackson's award-winning film play behind. Experience the fellowship's quest, with all the sweeping, operatic greatness it deserves.

Chen Sa

NCPA. Dec 20. 80-500RMB. 

Over the past decade, Chen Sa has established herself as one of the most charismatic pianists of her generation. She earned critical acclaim at the International Chopin Piano Competition in 2000 and the Van Cliburn International Piano Competition in 2005, which began her professional performing career, bringing her evocative performances to audiences around the world.

Tap Dogs

Poly Theatre. Dec 27-Dec 31. 180-880RMB.

This Aussie tap-dancing crew breathe new life into a time-honoured genre by mixing nimble feet with thumping live sounds. Dein Perry’s Tap Dogs returns to the stage with its trademark blend of live music and tap dance as you’ve never seen before. Described as 'positively electrifying' by The New York Observer and 'the hottest show on legs' by our pals at Time Out London, this toe-tapping dance extravaganza comes to Beijing this December.

Russian State Ballet: Swan Lake

Renim University. Jan 1-Jan 5. 280-680RMB.

After a successful tour last year, Russian State Ballet is back in China tour with their captivating full touring production. Swan Lake is the compelling legend of a tragic romance in which a princess, Odette, is turned into a swan by an evil curse. Prince Siegfried chances upon a flock of swans while out hunting, but when one of the swans turns into a beautiful young woman he is instantly captivated – will his love prove strong enough to break the evil spell that she is under?

Russian State Ballet: The Nutcracker

Renmin University. Jan 5-Jan 6. 280-680RMB.

The premiere of The Nutcracker transformed classical ballet into a fairy tale and became one of Tchaikovsky’s most famous compositions, as well as one of the most popular ballets in the world. Featuring a timeless score from the gifted composer, The Nutcracker is a renowned Russian classic. This fantasy ballet begins as night falls on Christmas Eve, with the audience swept away to a fairy tale world where nothing is quite as it seems: where toy dolls spring to life and the Mouse King and his mouse army battle with the Nutcracker Prince.

Mozart, L'Opera Rock

Tianqiao Performing Arts Centre. Feb 22-Feb 24. 180-1,180RMB.

Original songs and Mozart classics combine in this dazzling show that follows a dramatisation of Mozart's life, exploring the music and the man that became immortal. Original songs include 'Le bien qui fait mal' ('The good thing that hurts') and 'Tatoue-moi' ('Tattoo me'), using the composer's melodies with a passionate rock twist.

For more great tickets to events here in Beijing, hit 'Read more'.

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