Written by: Chen Yijia /Photographed by: Gao Jianping & Li Yonggang

A large variety of cultural and sports events have been held in Shanghai in this autumn and winter, and many people would still be enchanted with their memories of these exciting performances. Among these performances, those by the Berliner Philharmoniker, Yo-Yo Ma, Federer and Tiger Woods are particularly noteworthy.

Berliner Philharmoniker

Berliner Philharmoniker, the most acclaimed orchestra in the world, came to perform in Shanghai in November, and the 180-strong team of musicians was led by Sir Simon Rattle. On 10 November, the symphony orchestra presented its maiden and successful performance in Shanghai for the passionate Shanghai audiences.

Yo-Yo Ma

Yo-Yo Ma is no stranger for Shanghai audiences, although it was his first time to perform at the Shanghai International Arts Festival. In the evening of 13 November, Yo-Yo performed his favorite‘J.S. Bach's Suites for Unaccompanied Cello’, and his performance of this piece of music has been widely recognized as the insurmountable interpretation of the music after the performer Pablo Casals.

Roger Federer

This year, it is the second time for Shanghai to host Tennis Masters Cup, and also the 6th year since the event was initiated. The annual Masters Cup is not only a major Tennis event in the world, but also a festival and a pageant for the host city. The successful hosting of the 2002 Masters Cup has lifted the image of the city, and the event this year is even grander.

Roger Federer was the most eye-catching player. He was quite moved by the passion of local tennis lovers.

Tiger Woods

The 'HSBC Champions' tournament of Golf, offering the largest prize fund across Asia, was played in Shanghai at the Shanghai Sheshan International Golf Club on 10-13 November, 2005. Tiger Woods also showed up in Shanghai for the first time to take part in this official world ranking event.

There were no hurrahs, no flowers and banners from the audience in the SheShan International Golf Club, as most of the spectators of this event were corporate leaders and social celebrities.

In recent years, it would be difficult to find in Asia or in the whole world a city like Shanghai that has hosted world-class performances and events so frequently and so successfully. Starting from the second Masters Cup in Shanghai this year, the hot F1 race, Pavaroti’s farewell performance, and the concert by Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra following Berliner Philharmonic, there will be more celebrities coming to perform in this increasingly globalized city to witness the rapid development and the legendary history of this city.

Pictures：

1. Sir Simon Rattle, chief conductor of Berliner Philharmoniker.

2. Berliner Philhamorniker performing on the stage in Shanghai.

3. Yo-Yo Ma engrossed in his performing of Bach’s Suites.

4. Enjoy music together with Yo-Yo Ma.

5. Federer and his fans.

6. Federer playing on the court.

7. Tiger Woods Playing Golf.

8. A vigorous Tiger!