Local fans of classical music are in for a double treat. A leading French ensemble and four opera singers will bring an “opera night” to the Shenzhen Concert Hall next Friday. Then, at the same venue next Sunday, newly crowned Chopin International Piano Competition champion Eric Lu will perform works by Chopin, Schumann, and Schubert.

Opera night

The Royal Opera of Versailles orchestra. Photos courtesy of Shenzhen Concert Hall

On May 8, the 2026 Shenzhen ICIF Art Season will open with a spectacular performance by the orchestra of the Royal Opera of Versailles, alongside four young vocal soloists under the baton of Gaétan Jarry.

Long tasked with performing at French official diplomatic and cultural events, the orchestra specializes in Baroque and Romantic repertoire and has recently produced major operas including “Don Giovanni” and “The Magic Flute.” In addition to regular global tours, the orchestra runs its own record label and has released acclaimed albums such as “Messiah” and “The Four Seasons.”

Conductor Gaétan Jarry.

Next Friday’s concert also features a stellar lineup of vocalists, including French rising-star mezzo-soprano Florie Royer, sopranos Sarah Charles and Pauline Gaillard, and baritone Jérémie Delvert.

The program includes Baroque and classical music, as well as German, English, and Italian opera. In the first half, the audience will hear “Chaconne” and “Marche pour la cérémonie des Turcs” from Lully’s ballet “Le Bourgeois Gentilhomme,” along with arias from “Atys” and “Armide.” The orchestra will then perform Rameau’s works, including “Puisque Pluton” from “Hippolyte et Aricie.”

The second half of the concert features works by English Baroque master Purcell, the glorious compositions of Handel, and Vivaldi’s stirring melodies.

The four vocalists for the opera night.

Tickets: 80–480 yuan, with discounted packages for two available

Time: 8 p.m., May 8

Mother’s Day tribute from Eric Lu

Eric Lu.

This Mother’s Day, newly crowned Chopin International Piano Competition winner Eric Lu will perform a piano recital, bringing works by Chopin, Schumann, and Schubert.

Known for his impeccable technique and strong command of musical structure, Lu previously won the Leeds International Piano Competition in the United Kingdom in 2018 at age 20. He has also received the German International Piano Award and the Avery Fisher Career Grant, and has signed an exclusive recording contract with Warner Classics.

During his studies at the Curtis Institute of Music, Lu studied under professors Robert McDonald and Jonathan Biss. He has also studied with renowned Chopin Competition winner Dang Thai Son and received guidance from Mitsuko Uchida and Imogen Cooper.

Lu has frequently performed with such renowned orchestras as the London Symphony Orchestra, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, and Boston Symphony Orchestra, under the baton of Riccardo Muti, Edward Gardner, and others. His solo recitals are also highly acclaimed and sought after.

For this recital, audiences will hear technically brilliant sonatas, deeply expressive nocturnes, dramatic ballades, and distinct dance pieces. Expect Schumann’s “Forest Scenes,” Chopin’s “Polonaise,” “Ballade No. 4,” and “Piano Sonata No. 3,” among others.

Tickets: 80–480 yuan, with discounted packages for two or three available

Time: 8 p.m., May 10