In March we introduced you to the "mother" of Chinese opera, Kunqu. This weekend Shanghai residents will have a chance to see if this ancient performing art can be transformed into something — how shall we put it — easier on the ears by blending in a touch of Jazz.

Jeffrey Zhang, sometimes referred to as the "Prince of Kunqu Opera," will sing excerpts from classics such as "The Peony Pavilion," "The Story of the Jade Hairpin," and "The Palace of Eternal Youth, " to the Jazz accompaniment of Belgian jazz pop pianist, Jean Maljean.

Professor Sun Huizhu from Shanghai Theater Academy hopes that combining traditional opera with modern music will "make the form more attractive to the young and reduce their prejudice against traditional operas." (Shanghai Daily)

Tickets 80-580RMB
He Luting Concert Hall - 20 Fenyang Lu, near Fuxing Zhong Lu，Metro Line 1 Changshu Lu Station 汾阳路20号, 近复兴中路,地铁1号线常熟路站

Photo by Lauren Prusecki