In the summer of 2026, renowned French musical theatre star Laurent Bàn will grace the stage of the Guangzhou Opera House with his brand-new solo concert tour, "Thousand Layers of Love." Bàn is a familiar face to Chinese musical enthusiasts, having captivated audiences with his portrayal of the mysterious Master Ge in the original Chinese musical "The Longest Day in Chang'an", the charming antagonist Salieri in "Mozart, l'opéra rock", and Don Carlos in "Don Juan". This time, however, he steps out from behind his characters to take the stage as a storyteller, weaving his personal journey and musical repertoire into a compelling, autobiographical piece of stage art.
Since his first performance in China in 2005, Bàn has spent over two decades winning the hearts of countless fans with his rich, resonant voice and exceptional vocal prowess, earning him the affectionate nickname "Lao Hang Ban" (a phonetic play on his name). Bàn remains deeply touched by the fervor of his Chinese audience. He notes that after every show, fans—many of whom travel from afar—wait patiently at the stage door. "I try to spend as much time as possible signing autographs and taking photos," Bàn says. "They come to see me out of pure love, and I feel I must give back. It's all about sharing."
Returning to Guangzhou feels like coming home to a place filled with warm memories. This city's theaters and audiences have been witnesses to his enduring artistic dedication. In this upcoming performance, he promises a heartfelt reunion, allowing the soul of his music to transcend language and borders, creating a profound resonance with everyone in the house.
Notably, Bàn has invited three powerhouse performers currently active on the international stage to join him as guest stars: Chiara Di Bari, known for her role as Esmeralda in "Notre-Dame de Paris"; Maeva Méline, the original "Nannerl" from the official cast recording of "Mozart, l'opéra rock"; and David Bàn, who played the Prince in "Roméo et Juliette". Their participation will undoubtedly add layers of brilliance to this musical dialogue on love.
The tour, which kicked off in Chongqing on August 7, spans 10 cities and will conclude in Nanjing on Sept 12. As a pivotal stop on the tour, the Guangzhou performance has already generated significant excitement among fans.
(Reporter: Rachel Liu; Camerapeople: Julianne, Shuai Cheng, Rachel Liu; Video Editor: Julianne; English Editor: Rachel Liu, Darius)
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