The ancient city of Dunhuang, in the Chinese province of Gansu, emerged as an oasis in the middle of the desert. For centuries, this unique enclave on the Silk Road functioned as a center of Buddhist worship and learning. Generations of monks and pilgrims carved shrines into the rocky cliffs of Mogao, whose cave complex was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Chinese composer Tan Dun (Hunan, China, 68 years old) traveled there in 2012 to study on the spot the paintings, sculptures and manuscripts that appeared hidden in a mysterious sealed chamber. From that trip emerged his monumental oratorio Buddha Passionwhich the National Orchestra and Choir of Spain will perform in three concerts, from today, Friday, to Sunday, at the National Auditorium in Madrid, conducted by the composer himself.
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