Welcome to Seattle Center
SEATTLE (May 11, 2022) – Seattle Center Festál continues with A Glimpse of China—Seattle Chinese Culture & Arts Festival, a virtual afternoon program on Saturday, May 21 from 12-1:30 p.m. It will be available to watch on the WCACC Facebook, Seattle Center Facebook and Seattle Center YouTube.
A Glimpse of China explores traditional and contemporary influences of China, covering 5,000 years of history through folk dances, artwork and dance. The program begins with a welcome and Chinese drumming and music performed by Seattle Chinese Orchestra. The orchestra will perform with the pipa, a short-neck Chinese flute-like instrument.
The International Wudang Martial Arts Academy will share a video narrative of their school's ancient lineage and evolution incorporating recorded demonstrations by masters from across the world. This will be followed by musical performances from Zhenlun Cello Ensemble featuring a quartet with drum, piano and erhu excerpt from the Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon soundtrack.
“A Glimpse of China is a festival accessible to everyone,” said Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell. “In the spirit of One Seattle, this is a great opportunity to learn more through celebration about a culture that continues to be distinctly influential across our City and communities."
The Seattle Chinese Dance Academy will perform traditional and ethnic dances, and Ms. Zuo Fan will perform a Chinese tea ceremony with Diancha, a method that dates to the Song Dynasty. A presentation of the making of a Chinese chair in the Ming Dynasty furniture style will be performed by Changzhou Yuantang. Zi De Guqin Studio will present Chang’an Fantasy, ghost patrol in ancient Chinese instruments and costumes of the Tang Dynasty.
“Festál honors communities that have found a home in Seattle,” said Seattle Center Director Robert Nellams. “A Glimpse of China is a fantastic program full of traditions and customs.”
The program will conclude with Chinese Wushu and Taichi by Yijiao Hong’s Wushu & Taichi Academy.
For a full schedule of festival activities, visit the Seattle Center website.
About Seattle Center Festál
Seattle Center Festál cultivates a deeper understanding of the cultures and ethnic diversity that contribute to the rich vibrancy of the Pacific Northwest. This unique series links together 24 free festivals presented on weekends from February to November, each with its own cultural focus, identity, and range of engaging activities. 2022 commemorates the 25th Anniversary of Festál, ushering in a new era of hybrid programs during this anticipated return to in-person events. Seattle Center Festál is where the world will gather to celebrate the people, the places, the stories, the traditions, and the next 25 years of innovation. Seattle Center Festál is produced in partnership with 24 different community groups and supported by 4Culture, City of Seattle, and Seattle Center Foundation. Festál is also part of the ArtsFund Cultural Partners Network.
About Seattle Center
Seattle Center is celebrating 60 years with all that is “New, Now, and Next” as Seattle’s hub for arts, sports, community events, and cultural festivals. Originally built for the 1962 Seattle World’s Fair, the dynamic 74-acre campus has transformed over the years to respond to, reflect, and represent the region’s ever-broadening community. Seattle Center and its iconic International Fountain are often referred to as the “Heart of Seattle,” serving as a treasured community gathering place where the local, regional, national, and international visitors come together every day. Today more than 30 cultural, educational, sports and entertainment organizations reside on the grounds, along with a diverse variety of public programs and thousands of events attracting more than 12 million visitors each year. At Seattle Center, part of Uptown Arts & Cultural District and home to Climate Pledge Arena, our purpose is to create exceptional events, experiences, and environments that delight and inspire the human spirit to build stronger communities. Activities at the Center generate $1.864 billion in business activity and $631 million in labor income.
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Note:
Photos, b-roll, and pre-event/event-day interviews with festival producers, performers, and special guests are available upon request.
Contact:
Meghan McLaughlin, meghan.mclaughlin-c@seattle.gov
