Infront takes ‘Art on Ice’ to China – with famous pianist Lang Lang as main act
The show introduces the Chinese audience to a new sports and entertainment experience and brands to the world’s biggest growth market
Well-established in Europe – now adapted to China
‘Art on Ice’ was established in 1995 in Switzerland, based on the compelling theme of figure skaters performing to live music. These features will also build the essence for the show in China, which is particularly adjusted to the interest of the local audience.
The musical cast will be led by Lang Lang, one of the world’s leading and China’s most famous concert pianist, who will perform some of the greatest classical pieces. His great popularity will help draw the public’s attention to this cultural crossover concept that is new to China. Furthermore, the interest sparked across the country from China’s recent results in the world’s top international skating competitions will add to the appeal of the event. The show will feature a cast of the very best international figure skaters including:
• Aliona Savchenko & Robin Szolkowy, Germany – Gold Medallists in Pair Skating at the 2008, 2009 and 2011 ISU World Figure Skating Championships, Bronze Medallists at the 2010 Olympic Winter Games
• Qing Pang & Jian Tong, China – Gold Medallists in Pair Skating at the 2006 and 2010 ISU World Figure Skating Championships, Bronze Medallists in 2011; Silver Medallists at the 2010 Olympic Winter Games
• Tatiana Volosozhar & Maxim Trankov, Russia – Silver Medallists in Pair Skating at the 2011 ISU World Figure Skating Championships
• Isabelle Delobel & Olivier Schönfelder, France – Gold Medallists in Ice Dancing at 2008 ISU World Figure Skating Championships
• Stéphane Lambiel, Switzerland – Gold Medallist at 2005 and 2006 ISU World Figure Skating Championships
• Sarah Meier, Switzerland – Gold Medallist at 2011 European Figure Skating Championships
The Mercedes-Benz Arena in Shanghai – one of the structures used for the World Expo and one of China’s most prestigious multi-purpose arenas – offers capacity for 14,000 spectators. In addition, the ‘Art on Ice’ show on 19 June will be broadcast live on CCTV, China’s national state broadcaster, and covered across various media channels including Sohu.com, one of the country’s largest new media portals.
Successful ‘Gateway China’ initiative for Infront
The introduction of this event to China is another successful example of Infront’s ‘Gateway China’ service, specifically designed to encourage European based companies and sports to access the Chinese market and vice versa.
Ma Guoli, Managing Director of Infront China, said: “Sport and music – the top choices of most audiences – will provide an appealing marketing platform for brands seeking to associate themselves with a premium property that is new in China, but well-established in Europe. Infront is a leader both in Asian and European sports business. It will continue to facilitate the exchange between markets contributing comprehensive know-how in sports marketing as well as its international network.”
The cross-continental project is jointly coordinated and implemented by Infront’s Swiss headquarters and Infront China. Together with the Art on Ice Production AG, Infront is following a long-term strategy to establish the show across Asia.
Oliver Höner, CEO of the Art on Ice Production AG, said: “Organising Art on Ice in Shanghai is a tremendous challenge, but also an enormous joy. Fortunately, we have teamed up with a strong partner, Infront Sports & Media, to manage the local operational aspects of the event as well as the global marketing. Our joint aim is to grow Art on Ice in China into an annual highlight of the sports and entertainment event calendar.”
About Infront Sports & Media
Infront Sports & Media, based in Zug, Switzerland, has grown impressively in recent years to become one of the leading international sports marketing groups in the world. Known for its high standards of delivery, the company covers all aspects of a successful sport event – including distribution of media rights, sponsorship, media production and event operations. As a key player in winter sport, football and other summer sports, Infront enjoys long-lasting partnerships with 120 rights-holders and hundreds of sponsors and media companies. With an experienced and passionate team of 500 staff in over 20 offices across 10 countries, the Group helps to annually deliver more than 2,300 event days of top class sport around the world.
For further information, please contact:
Jörg Polzer / Nike Möhle
Corporate Communications
Infront Sports & Media AG
Tel. +41-41-723 15 15
Fax +41-41-723 15 16
press infrontsports.com
www.infrontsports.com
Gabriela Buchs
Team Project Leader
Art on Ice Production AG
Tel. +41 44 315 40 20
Fax. +41 44 315 40 29
Gabriela.buchs carre.ch
www.artonice.com
