Kanawa Inside The Egg

The Concert Hall of the National Centre for the Performing Arts (former official name the National Grand Theater) opened to Dame Kiri Te Kanawa on Wednesday, and it was to a crowd that was mostly white collar Westerners and Chinese officials looking a bit confused and disgruntled. We most definitely appreciated having the renowned soprano so close, but with tickets for RMB 1,280 for the inner ring, we wonder how many appreciated the price.

The Concert Hall is smaller than its Opera Hall, and the impression that it creates is one of intimacy. Completely circular, with rows of plush seating spiraling up towards the ceiling, it makes a strange spectacle for the back audience when the performer's back is turned to them for most of the performance. Perhaps this had an effect as the rows of seats emptied behind Dame Kiri during the second half of her performance.

Although inside "the egg," the niche-like Concert Hall, which has a crown of flowers that line the outside of the stage, feels completely detached from the majestic image that we usually associate with the huge glittering dome. Rightly, in this alcove Kanawa was accompanied by only one pianist, and every nuance on her face was close enough (for those of us in the inner circle) to see, and be delighted at.