Unveil the Secret

Rolf Lovland from Norway and Fionnuala Sherry from Ireland are probably better known in their professional roles as Secret Garden.

Rolf's first brush with composing came at age 9 when he formed his first band. From then on, and throughout his youth, music came to be his constant companion and focus in life. By the time Secret Garden was founded, he already earned a reputation as Norway's most successful popular songwriter with over 60 national chart-topping hits.

Fionnuala grew up in a musical family that ignited her early passion for music. After college, she was employed by the RTE Concert Orchestra. In addition to a classical symphonic and operatic repertoire, she possessed a much wider musical interest, which led her to conceive, write and present her own music series for children on Irish national TV.

A fated first meeting of Rolf and Fionnuala took place in 1994. In the following year, Secret Garden made history by winning the Eurovision Song Contest with "Nocturne," an entry that was more an instrumental piece than a song. In the 40-year history of this prestigious European television extravaganza, an instrumental piece had never previously won. The surprising victory was the ultimate showcase that successfully launched their first album "Songs from a Secret Garden." The band gave Rolf the freedom to explore a deeper emotional dimension and wider musical landscape than the earlier phase of his career had allowed. The unique violin virtuosity of Fionnuala provides the heartstrings, voice and wings for Rolf's composition. Onstage, she enchants audiences with her musical intensity and striking beauty.

Secret Garden first visited China in 1997. Later in the same year, they held concerts in Shanghai. In September 1999, they performed at the Beizhan Theatre. The organizer of the new concert on September 30 promises that those who were in the audience in 1999, who still possess their tickets, will get a 20 percent discount and a Secret Garden album.

Time: September 30-October 2, 2004

Venue: Beizhan Theatre

Admission: 180, 380, 580, 880, 1,000 yuan

Tel: +86 10 8447 7308/9