On the evening of August 21st, the newly constructed Shanghai Grand Opera House hosted an internal stress test performance featuring the ballet Looking for Muqam.
The primary objective of this preliminary run was to comprehensively evaluate both the hardware and software facilities of the theater. This rigorous testing phase is a crucial step to ensure the venue is fully operational and prepared for its official grand opening on October 17th, as well as for its subsequent regular performance schedule.
Rapidly establishing itself as a major new cultural landmark in Shanghai, the Grand Opera House drew early excitement from attendees. During the event, visitors were seen taking photos and checking in at the venue’s iconic architectural centerpiece—the sweeping “Chinese Fan” structure—as well as near the main entrance signage.
The staging of Looking for Muqam provided a real-world test for the venue’s stage mechanics, acoustics, lighting, and audience flow. Images from the evening captured the vibrant live performance and the inaugural audience experiencing the state-of-the-art theater for the very first time.
(Original reporting and photography by Zhang Hengwei / China News Service)