Art beat (July 26-Aug 22)

Sichuan reality from master artist

[Photo/China Daily]

The National Art Museum of China is presenting a solo exhibition of Chinese artist Pang Maokun. Pang, deputy director of Sichuan Art Institute, is an artist who has persisted in realistic art language. The 50-year-old demonstrates life scenes with a painting style that is realistic yet keeps a distance from reality, without criticizing or flattering. The exhibition features more than 50 of Pang's oil paintings and hand crafts, which mostly are his latest works.

9 am-5 pm, until Aug 5. Hall 2 and 4, National Art Museum of China, 1 Wusi Street, Dongcheng district, Beijing. 010-6400-1476.

NCPA celebrates Britten's birthday

[Photo/China Daily]

The National Center for the Performing Arts Orchestra will give a concert to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Benjamin Britten's birth. The English composer, conductor and pianist (1913-1976) was an important figure in 20th-century British classical music. He wrote a wide range of opera, orchestral and chamber music. NCPA's concert will feature two of Britten's works: Russian Funeral (1936) and Suite from his last opera Death in Venice (1970). The performance will be the Chinese premiere of both works. Zhang Guoyong, music director of Shanghai Opera, will take the baton.

7:30 pm, Aug 3. West of Tian'anmen Square, Xicheng district, Beijing. 010- 6655-0000.