Art Gallery Opening and China Philharmonic Orchestra Concert Celebrate Launch of Poly Culture's North American Headquarters
VANCOUVER, Nov. 30, 2016 /CNW/ - Poly Culture Group, China's leading art and culture company who manages the world's largest theatre chains and operates the world's third largest artwork auction house, today opens the doors of its flagship art gallery in the heart of downtown Vancouver. This historic art installation and the special performance by the China Philharmonic Orchestra (CPO) at UBC's Chan Centre this evening mark the official opening of Poly Culture Group's North American headquarters in Vancouver.
Poly Art Gallery's commemorative installation, valued over USD $60 million, includes four bronze-cast animal heads originally from China's famed Old Summer Palace. The rare Tiger, Monkey, Pig and Ox figures were part of a collection that represented the twelve animals of the Chinese zodiac that adorned the Summer Palace. The bronze-cast heads of the stone statues were amongst the treasures looted in 1860 during the destruction of the Old Summer Palace by foreign expeditionary forces during the Second Opium War. Since that time, the animal heads have been amongst the most visible examples of attempts to repatriate Chinese art and artifacts. This is the first time these historic sculptures have been exhibited outside China since they were repatriated. The four bronze animals' heads on display exemplify the exquisite craftsmanship of Imperial China.
"As the closest North American city to China, Vancouver is not only strategically located, but it also provides a unique natural setting and investment environment," said China Poly Group Chairman Niansha Xu. "Poly Group is appreciative of the welcoming cultural atmosphere and local support we have received."
"Poly Culture is proud to present these exceptionally rare and valuable Chinese artifacts from the prosperous Qianlong period to celebrate the start of a historic relationship between British Columbia and Poly Culture Group," commented Poly Culture Group CEO, Yingchun Jiang. "Launching our North American headquarters in Vancouver and opening our state-of-the-art gallery will serve to promote and strengthen ties between the East and West."
In December 2015, Premier Christy Clark witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding in Beijing between China's Poly Culture Group and HQ Vancouver to establish its North American headquarters in Vancouver. Poly Culture Group intends to use Vancouver as its base for expanding its business, including art auctions, cinema investment and management, as well as performance and theatre management, in order to facilitate two-way cultural exchanges between B.C. and China.
"The cultural and ancestral ties between China and British Columbia run deep," said Premier Christy Clark. "The opportunity to experience the China Philharmonic Orchestra and see priceless sculptures that have never been seen outside China is a sign that those ties are growing stronger every day. I know British Columbians of all backgrounds will appreciate the new Poly Art Gallery and all that it brings to Vancouver."
"This historic art installation and the performance by globally renowned CPO mark the beginning of a rich cultural exchange that will enhance the local multicultural art community for years to come," said Yi Chen, CEO of Poly Culture North America. "We are pleased to be part of the vibrant cultural scene here in Vancouver, and we look forward to making significant contributions towards enhanced cultural ties between Canada and China."
With more than 1,000 performances in its history, the China Philharmonic Orchestra is one of the most celebrated classical music groups in the world. Having performed around the globe including in Berlin, Rome, the United States, and at The Vatican in front of His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI, their arrival in Vancouver will be a landmark classical music concert.
The Poly Art Gallery, located at 905 West Pender Street, occupies more than four thousand square feet of space in the heart of downtown and will be open to the public with free admission. The original 18th Century collection of rare Chinese artifacts will be on display till the end of February 2017.
About Poly Culture Group
Poly Culture Group, a subsidiary of China Poly Group Corporation, is China's largest arts and cultural company. Poly Culture Group offers performance and theatre management, art business and auction, cinema investment and management, and plays a leading role in the Chinese market. Poly Culture Group's business also covers art education, cultural tourism, artwork, and finance.
About Poly Culture North America
Poly Culture North America has been established by Poly Culture Group to expand business across North America and to build cultural ties between China and Canada. Poly Art Gallery, located at 905 West Pender Street, will also open in November 2016.
About the CPO
The China Philharmonic Orchestra, established in 2000, has presented more than 1,000 performances, including concerts, operas, cantatas, incidental music, ballets, musicals, chamber music, film and television music, and in collaboration with Chinese cultural instruments. In the spring of 2009, the CPO was named Most Inspiring Orchestras by Gramophone online, joining the glittering array of ten fellow orchestras including Berliner Philharmoniker, London Symphony Orchestra. As one of the most distinguished Chinese conductors with an established international reputation, Maestro Long Yu is currently Artistic Director and Chief Conductor of the China Philharmonic Orchestra.
SOURCE Poly Culture North America
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