The strongest voice of the era undoubtedly comes from “The March of the Volunteers.”
When the national anthem is sounded at Pathé Villa, when composer Nie Er’s figure “reappears” at his residence on Huaihai Road, and when the Hengfu (Hengshan-Fuxing Road) Historical Conservation Zone becomes a “music block” that delights visitors near and far…
Xuhui District is celebrating the 90th anniversary of China’s national anthem, “The March of the Volunteers,” through various cultural activities highlighting its historical and patriotic importance.
Audiences appreciate the opera.
The commemorative events kicked off on Sunday. A special opera titled “The March of the Volunteers,” produced jointly by the Shanghai Opera House and the Xuhui District Bureau of Culture and Tourism, premiered on the opening day of Shanghai West Bund Theater.
Performances are scheduled through April 29.
The opera portrays Nie and other cultural figures of the era. It combines historical accuracy with an engaging narrative. This original national opera also served as the opening play that officially launched the theater’s operations.
On May 23, a special screening of the restored version of the classic 1935 film “Children of Trouble Times,” the first film to feature the anthem, will be held at CMG Convergent Media Cinema in Xuhui.
The West Bund Theater
A scene replicating Pathé Villa at the theater
Originally composed by Nie Er, “The March of the Volunteers” was first recorded in 1935 at the historic Pathé Villa on Hengshan Road. This significant site will feature with an interactive multimedia display detailing the anthem’s origins, those involved in its creation, and its role as a symbol of national resistance and pride from April 30 via audio-visual means to review history.
In this “music hall,” audiences can not only listen to the strong sounds of the times, but also remember the details of Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression in innovative scene experiences and understand the passionate patriotic feelings of the music pioneers.
A scene of the opera
In May, the district will launch more commemorative activities, leveraging its rich historical and cultural assets. The Xuhui District Library will open a dedicated reading space celebrating the contributions of playwright Xia Yan, marking the 125th anniversary of his birth and the 120th anniversary of Chinese cinema.
The library will also host interactive events focusing on significant films, including “Children of Trouble Times” and China’s first color film.
Additionally, the district commemorates the 100th anniversary of the May 30th Movement with an exhibition at the Xujiahui Metro Cultural Corridor.