While it played a different role and purpose during the revolutionary years, The White-Haired Girl has retained all her charms to this day and age. The music is haunting, and the choreography marries the elegance of Chinese music with the rigorous routines of modern ballet.

At the end of the performance, the young dancers of the Shanghai Ballet were given a standing ovation, and I saw many in the audience wiping their eyes surreptitiously.

I must admit that concert-going is a pleasure in Shanghai.

For one, unlike in Beijing, there are no rude and rigorous security checks manned by sulky young men and women who are probably paid less than the price of a ticket to a top-end concert.

It is the spouse who once again tugs me down from my high horse.

"Well, they chose to build the concert hall next to Tian'anmen Square and the government offices. Of course they have to be careful about security."

That's true. You have to be careful.

It gives me yet another reason to be very glad I am in Shanghai.

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