Promotional material for The Representation of Faust Photo: Courtesy of Tina Guo

Faust-themed art show promotes China-Italy cultural exchanges 

The Representation of Faust, an art exhibition that shows ­Chinese and Italian artists' different ­interpretations on the tragic play by German playwright Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, is currently being held at the Carte Blanche in Beijing. 

Curated by Tina Guo, the exhibition displays paintings, prints and sculptures created by Italian artist Matteo Basile and Li Zi, a Chinese art creator. Their artworks are all inspired by the character of Faust in Goethe's play, who has been portrayed as a personification of the fate of all people who strive for shared harmony and happiness. 

The two attempt to use paintings and sculptures to reproduce the philosophical concepts in the play. Basile reflects on topics such as Western society, religion and cultural identity, while Li Zi uses paintings like Torso to reflect on life. 

Coming from different cultural backgrounds, they have a shared pursuit of China-West cultural exchanges. 

The exhibition, set to run until April 27,was co-organized by the Italian Embassy in China and Carte Blanche. 

Valery Gergiev and the Mariinsky Orchestra present classical music

Renowned conductor Valery Gergiev and the Mariinsky Orchestra will meet with Beijing audiences once again at the National Centre for the Performing Arts from March 27 to 30. Gergiev will conduct the Mariinsky Orchestra for three symphonic concerts. 

The highlights of the first concert are Sheherazade by N. Rimsky-Korsakov and Symphony No.6 in B minor, or Pathéthique, by P. I. Tchaikovsky. On March 28, the concert will feature M. Mussorgsky's Pictures at an Exhibition and D. Shostakovich's Symphony No.5 in D minor. Audiences will be able to enjoy F. Mendelssohn's Symphony No.4 in A major and A. Bruckner's Symphony No.4 in E-flat major on March 29.