The best stage shows to see in Beijing this May

The best theatre, dance and classical music to catch in the city this month

Whether you want to relax, broaden your cultural soul or simply head indoors for a few hours, we have you covered with our pick of the best stage shows taking place in Beijing this month. From blockbuster musicals to world-famous plays, we bring you all the classical music, opera, theatre and musical extravaganzas that the city has to offer.

A NCPA and Staatsoper Berlin Co-production: Les pêcheurs de perles

NCPA. 7pm. May 15-19. 100-680RMB.

Set in the faraway island paradise of Ceylon (Sri Lanka), Les pêcheurs de perles (The Pearl Fishers) tells the story of a love triangle complicated by true friendship. Zurga and Nadir are old friends, but in the past were nearly driven apart by their mutual love for Leïla, a priestess of Brahma sworn to chastity. The two men swore to renounce their love for the beautiful young woman, but neither this promise nor Leïla’s vow of chastity prevents her and Nadir from being overcome by longing when their paths cross again.

Stefan Temmingh and I Musici

NCPA. 7.30pm. May 16. 50-480RMB.

The recorder doesn't often get much love in classical circles, but wind virtuouso Stefan Temmingh is doing his part to bring it into the spotlight. Catch the acclaimed musician as he performs alongside the world's oldest active chamber group, I Medici, as part of the NCPA's wind chamber music festival this May.

The Philadelphia Orchestra

NCPA. 7pm. May 17-18. 280-1,280RMB.

One of the world's preeminent orchestras, the Philadelphia Orchestra returns to Beijing this spring alongside pianist Zhang Haochen. Led by acclaimed conductor and music director Yannick Nézet-Séguin, join them as they perform Beethoven's Symphony No. 6 in F Major, Op. 68, 'Pastorale' and Sibelius' Symphony No. 2 in D Major, Op. 43 on May 17, then Rachmaninov's Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini, Op. 43 and Schubert's Symphony No. 9 in C Major, 'The Great', D. 944 on May 18.

Film songs in concert

Rulun Lecture Hall of Renmin University. 7.30pm. May 18. 180-580RMB.

Star Sky Chamber Orchestra, led by conductor Zhengyu Zhu, performs a special night of Hollywood's best film scores. Catch some of your favourite theme tunes, from Game of Thrones and Star Wars to Transformers and Jurassic Park, all in one epic night.

Rudolf Buchbinder and the Staatskapelle Dresden

NCPA. 7.30pm. May 21-22. 280-1,280RMB

Renowned for his comprehensive repertoire encompassing everything from Bach to the present day, acclaimed Viennese pianist Rudolf Buchbinder once again joins the Staatskapelle Dresden to perform a programme of classical favourites.

Christoph Eschenbach and China NCPA Orchestra

NCPA. 7.30pm. May 25. 50-480RMB.

Former Music Director of the John F Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington DC, Christoph Eschenbach leads the China NCPA Orchestra and guest flautist Stathis Karapanos in a programme of Mendelssohn, Bach and Ibert this May.

Lars Vogt piano recital

NCPA. 7.30pm. May 30. 50-480RMB. 

Having previously played alongside the Royal Sinfonia in Beijing, this time round pianist and conductor Lars Vogt returns alone, playing a programme of Brahms, plus Janáček's Violin Sonata and Beethoven's Piano Sonata No.23, Op. 57, 'Appassionata'.

The Three-Body Problem II: Dark Forest

Poly Theatre. Various. May 29-Jun 3. 180-880RMB.

The Lotus Lee drama studio performs part two of Liu Cixin's seminal sci-fi trilogy The Three-Body Problem. Their multimedia performances of the groundbreaking Chinese novel bring the page to the stage as they reinvent the future created in the books. As Earth comes under threat from predators across the universe, a small band of humans, who make up the Wallfacer Project, must save the planet. Chinese language with English subtitles.

For more great things to do around Beijing, hit 'Read more' below. 

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