Experience an extravagant performance by an exquisite array of performing artists from China's southwestern city of Chengdu at one of three performances at the Musical Instrument Museum in Phoenix. A spectacle for the whole family, the shows will offer "face-changing" artistry, traditional music and dance, and stunning costumes.

One of Phoenix’s “sister cities,” Chengdu is the capital of the Chinese province of Sichuan (Szechuan) and is known for its fiery cuisine and colorful culture. A city with more than 10 million people, Chengdu is home to the Panda Breeding and Research Center and is an important business hub in southwestern China.

Highlights of “Celebrate China” include magical “face-changing” artistry by the Sichuan Opera Institute of Chengdu and traditional folk songs and dances from Chinese ethnic groups, presented by Chengdu University School of Performing Arts. Local groups from the Eastern Art Academy of Arizona will supplement the show with performances of traditional Chinese instruments such as the pipa.

Performances will be held in the MIM Music Theater on Friday, Oct. 14 at 7 p.m. and on Saturday, Oct. 15 at 2:30 p.m. and 7 p.m.

In addition, on Saturday, Oct. 15 at 11 a.m., three instrumentalists and two vocalists will treat MIM guests to a sample of their performance during a Museum Encounter in the North El Rio section of the museum lobby. The “Celebrate China” Museum Encounter is free with museum admission.

The performances are sponsored in part by Merrill Lynch Wealth Management and the Confucius Institute at Arizona State University. The MIM Music Theater Fall Concert Series is sponsored in part by Sanderson Lincoln, Sanderson Volvo of Phoenix and Sanderson Ford.

Tickets to the performances are $35 each and may be purchased online at www.theMIM.org, by calling 480-478-6000, or onsite at the MIM Ticket Office.

To view the complete 2011-2012 concert season, visit www.theMIM.org.