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You are listening to NEWS Plus Special English. I'm Mark Griffiths in Beijing.
A table-tennis table and two professional players have joined musicians on the stage in Shanghai, marking a bold move by American composer Andy Akiho.
The Ping Pong Concerto, which debuted at the closing ceremony of the Shanghai Music Festival, combined the rhythms of a bouncing ball with violin and percussion.
Akiho says the ping pong ball is a unique musical instrument and its bouncing is in perfect harmony with stringed instruments.
The New York-based composer said he has always wanted to combine the rhythms of sport and music.
Among the team members are U.S. table-tennis players Michael Landers and Ariel Hsing.
Hsing is an American of Chinese descent and began playing table-tennis at age seven. She says this was the first time she has played in a dress and high heels, instead of sportswear.
Instead of hitting for points, she was requested to play in tune and target the ball at the bass drum from time to time to create different sound effects.
The concerto is scheduled to be staged in Beijing this autumn.
This is NEWS Plus Special English.
The Shanghai Disney Resort will feature attractions unseen in the five other Disney resorts worldwide when it opens next year.
According to a plan unveiled in Shanghai recently, new attractions will include those based on Marvel comics and Star Wars, and others inspired by the Chinese culture. They will distinguish the Shanghai resort from its peers in the United States, Europe and other parts of Asia.
The "Garden of the Twelve Friends" uses Disney and Pixar characters to recreate the 12 animals of the Chinese zodiac; and a section inspired by the new "Pirates of the Caribbean" film will feature a live stunt show.
"Wandering Moon Teahouse" honors the restless, creative spirit of China's itinerant poets and the diverse and beautiful landscapes that inspired them. The "Restaurant" features authentic Chinese architecture, combined with miniature natural landscapes.
In addition, the resort will provide traditional Shanghai food including Shaomai, a steamed dim sum made of sticky rice, pork mince, Chinese mushrooms and onions, to cater to Chinese visitors.
