Impressions Of The West Lake is a modern day opera conceived and directed by internationally acclaimed filmmaker Zhang Yimou (Hero, Curse of the Golden Flower), the visionary artist behind the opening and closing ceremonies of the 2008 Olympics in Beijing. The production is highlighted by music composed by the Grammy and Golden Globe Award winning artist Kitaro. This pairing of East-meets-West is a rare combination of two artists at the peak of their creative talents.
The opera also marks a reunion for Kitaro and music arranger Randy Miller, the pair’s first effort together since the Golden Globe-winning soundtrack to Oliver Stone’s 1993 film Heaven and Earth. This opera is another impressive credit for Miller, whose lengthy career as a composer, orchestrator, and conductor for films includes such highlights as Without Limits, First Snow, and The Soong Sisters (Best Original Score, Hong Kong Film Award). The show’s soundtrack also features rising Chinese pop star Jane Zhang, a gifted young performer who provides stunning vocals to the production on the title track, “Impressions Of The Westlake”.
Only 4 CDs left at the time of writing. More information here.