The Land of Smiles

An Operatic Dialogue Across Cultures

Experience the timeless allure of Franz Lehár’s 1929 masterpiece, The Land of Smiles (Das Land des Lächelns). In this bold new production by Hong Kong Grand Opera, the stage is transformed into a vibrant space where East meets West. The story follows the Austrian aristocrat Lisa, who falls in love with the Chinese Prince Sou-Chong and travels with him to Beijing. However, their romance faces the stern test of tradition, family pressure, and cultural divergence, forcing them to choose between their love and their heritage.

A Unique Linguistic Approach

Unlike traditional stagings, this production, directed by Huang Xiaochu (黃曉初), breaks the conventional boundaries of operatic performance. While the music retains the richness of the original German score, the dialogue is creatively woven with a mixture of English, Mandarin, and Cantonese. This approach highlights the cultural collisions between the protagonists, making the emotional stakes and character conflicts resonate more deeply with local and international audiences alike.

Artistic Excellence

This grand production is helmed by renowned conductor Pia Vanni (皮亞．華尼) of the Metropolitan Opera, leading the Hong Kong Grand Opera Symphony Orchestra and the Hong Kong Grand Opera Chorus. The production features an outstanding ensemble of singers, including:

• Prince Sou-Chong: Tenor Li Yi
• Lisa: Sopranos Zeng Liting and Li Yang
• Mi: Tan Lexuan and Huang Huashang
• Gustl: Cai Jiyu and Chen Zaiying

Under the production guidance of Gong Dongjian, the team promises an aesthetic that discards stereotypes in favor of a modern, minimalist interpretation of Eastern grandeur, perfectly capturing the poignant beauty of this tragic-comic tale.

Performance Details

Join us at the Shatin Town Hall Auditorium for this unforgettable operatic event:

• Dates: June 6–7, 2026
• Venue: Shatin Town Hall

Ticket Information

Tickets are priced at $480, $350, $200, and $100. Early booking is highly recommended via URBTIX or art-mate. Please refer to the ticket information section below for full details.