上海夏日音乐节开幕在即，纪念狂飙60年代 - 2016年06月03日

IT is summer. Time to pause and reflect as the Music in the Summer Air (MISA) pays tribute to the "Swinging 60s" and the cultural events that defined this seminal decade.

This year, MISA will feature 21 performances, most of which will touch on the 1960s — the unforgettable decade for music and arts.

Legendary muse Jane Birkin will join hands with Shanghai Symphony Orchestra and perform some of the famous works of France in the 1960s.

French artist Thierry Balasse will present a new interpretation of Pink Floyd's "Dark Side of the Moon" with adaptations from both music and stage setting.

"13 Most Beautiful … Songs for Andy Warhol's Screen Tests" will bring together folk music and projection displays inspired by the famous pop artist.

"Voices of China in the 1960s" is a commissioned work jointly done by Turkish composer Fazil Say and Chinese composer Zou Ye.

The festival will open with the "Classical" segment, "The Light of Summer," a work created exclusively for the festival and performed by MISA's own orchestra-in-residence, the New York Philharmonic. They will be joined by Russian pianist and Tchaikovsky Competition winner Daniil Trifonov in the opening act as a soloist.

Experience Bach with a multimedia performance presented by visual artist David Michalek and violinist Gil Shaham. Immerse yourself with a 12-cello act by Berlin Philharmonic. Take a journey between score and screen as Japanese director Shunji Iwai and his ensemble perform his film music classics, and rediscover Charlie Chaplin's "City Lights" with the New York Philharmonic.

Also in the works is the first Shanghai International Youth Arts Festival dedicated to young audiences.

A student-exclusive express lane is being introduced this time with tickets priced at a discounted 80 yuan (US$12.30) for any performances.

There will be six performances of "Dream Stage" featuring youth ensembles from around the world. Professional musicians will help out the young participants.

Over 100 students will get to experience concert management, performer coordination and media relations. Professional agencies will oversee the training programs and official certification. A composition workshop for young talents will be established during the event.

"This festival-within-a-festival aims to give youngsters a chance to experience the wonders of classical music," says Zhou Ping, president of Shanghai Symphony Orchestra.

This year, MISA has priced 70 percent of its tickets for 100 and 150 yuan. The remaining 30 percent is being sold for 300 yuan. The tickets only provide guidance to particular area rather than exact seats. The audiences will have to come early to pick their seats.

Date: July 2-15
Visit www.shsymphony.com for more information.