Art beat in May

Thangka master on view

For generations, thangka artists from Regong in Qinghai province have been traveling throughout the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau and to some parts of India and Nepal, seeking inspiration and leaving their magnificent works at monasteries. Thangka master Niangben's solo exhibition at the country's top museum displays 65 of his works, whose elegant color schemes, sophisticated lines and intricate composition perfectly demonstrate the evolution of the art. Niangben, 43, learned thangka at age 12 under the apprenticeship of master Xiawu Cairang. He continued to perfect his skills to create thangka and murals at monasteries. He then returned to his home village in Regong where he has achieved mastery with a personal style.

9 am-5 pm, closed on Mondays, until May 13. National Museum of China, east to the Tian'anmen Square, 16 East Chang'an Avenue, Dongcheng district, Beijing. 010-6511-6400.

For more photos, here

Fado star in concert

Portuguese singer Katia Guerreiro, one of the most important voices of the traditional music fado, will perform in concert as she takes her art all over the world. A BBC review said "her voice is instantly recognizable with its deep, earthy tones and the simplistic ease she delivers the songs; at points soft and seductive, at others impassioned. Her skill as a vocalist is clearly evident, whether singing in French or Portuguese, Guerreiro maintains the ability to convey the meaning and emotion of the lyrics and the music to a non-native audience".

7:15 pm, May 13. Shanghai Oriental Art Center-Opera Hall, 425 Dingxiang Road, Pudong New Area. 021-6854-1234.