Sarah Brightman thrilled a global TV audience of one billion people when she sang the theme song "You and Me" with Chinese tenor Liu Huan at the Opening Ceremony for last year's Olympic Games.

Now six Chinese cities are awaiting her imminent return to these shores amid an epic world tour to promote her album "Symphony."

Brightman's voice is synonymous with some of the best-known musicals of all time and each of her albums makes represents a strong personal statement that cuts right through to the heart and soul of the listener. "Symphony" is no exception and is a shining illustration of that word.

Exploring a bold range of styles, Brightman has created another collection of material that cannot be easily categorized and is entirely accessible to lovers of various musical genres. From the Gothic tempestuousness of "Fleurs du Mal" to the pleading "Let It Rain," "Symphony" is teeming with both audacious defiance and vulnerable sensuality.

"Whereas most singers gravitate towards vocal works, I have always been far more drawn to symphonic work," says the diva, "where the composer paints a story that the listener can see without opening their eyes. Over the past four years of recording this album, I have found myself approaching my music even more visually than I ever have before. I found that the canvas was endless for this album."

Brightman says of "Symphony": "The album is truly a coming together of many different elements to create harmonious textures that still hold true to a common thread.

"Throughout my career I have worked in so many different styles of music. This is the first album where all of these styles have come together to create a very diverse musical landscape."

True to form, Brightman's concerts feature new technology, with virtual and holographic stage sets that have never been seen before. The technology is highly sophisticated and dramatic, creating an otherworldly, ethereal experience. Enormous ballrooms meld into fairytale gardens and then morph into giant fish tanks, right before the audience's very eyes, creating a perfect backdrop for Brightman's silver voice.

The six Chinese dates for the world tour that kicked off last November are: March 22, Capital Gymnasium, Beijing; March 25, Olympic Arena, Nanjing; March 27 and 28, Grand Stage, Shanghai; March 30, Guangzhou Arena, Guangzhou; April 1, Asia World Arena, Hong Kong; April 4 and 5, Taipei Arena, Taiwan.

Capital Gymnasium, 5 Baishiqiao Lu, Xizhimenwai Street, Beijing

6590-3399, 6590-3737

(China Daily, March 13, 2009)