Bronze musical instruments were generally played on the top of high mountains where the ceremonies to heaven and earth were staged, according to Zhou Ya, associate professor of the Bronze Research Department of Shanghai Museum.

To represent the ritual scene, from March 6 to 31, Shanghai Museum and Shanghai Grand Theatre will jointly stage a series of events including a symphony called "Heaven, Earth and Mankind," a dance drama "Age of Bronze," seminars on and a show of ancient Chinese bronze musical instruments.

Some musical instruments on display can be traced back as far as the Shang Dynasty (c. 21st century-16th century BC), including a 103.5-cm-high, 221.5-kg bronze musical instrument called a Nao which was unearthed from Central China's Hunan Province in 1983.

A bronze drum with an animal pattern, discovered in 1977 in Central China's Hubei Province, is reminiscent of a wood drum popular in the late Shang Dynasty. No one can find its wood prototype because wood can never be preserved as well as a bronze drum. That's why although only bronze music instruments were found where the big events were held, thousands of years ago, experts are not sure if only bronze music instruments were performed at that time.

Visitors can also enjoy the music played by chime bells in the symphony "Heaven, Earth and Mankind," written by the famous Chinese composer Tan Dun, to be held at Shanghai Grand Theatre.

Time: 9:00am-4:00pm

Place: 201 People's Boulevard

Admissions: 20 yuan

Tel: 6372-3500