'The show will go on'
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Responding to questions concerning unconfirmed acts, Garson said his Divas in Beijing Global TV Special at the National Center for the Performing Arts, was one of the "premier cultural events" at the Beijing Olympics. The three-day event featured renowned sopranos Renee Fleming, Sumi Jo, and Angela Gheorghiu.
"People told me, 'Rick you can't get these opera stars, they plan 3 to 5 years in advance', and yet we put this together in 8 weeks. It's not that we like to do it this way, but it happened," he said.
The success of that event won Garson "the trust and understanding of the Chinese government, and CCTV, and related government divisions," he said.
Industry insiders said he may have the green light for the initial artist list, but final approvals are still pending.
The Ministry of Culture's final approval is usually obtained a few weeks before the actual event, said one industry insider, who also requested anonymity.
In addition to musical acts, Garson said his team is finalizing talks with major financial sponsors. So far, ZZYX Entertainment is picking up the tab for the free concert.
He expects to eventually fund the event by selling the rights to global TV and other multi-media outlets.
"I'm about Internet, mobile, ring tones, all new media, downloads — all this other stuff we are going to do to raise money for this cause."
According to the website the show is intended to promote: "Peace = Green + No War + Water + Food + Health + Education" and has "unprecedented" support from the United Nations. It is set to be staged on the 40th anniversary of Earth Day.
Garson said preparations are moving full steam ahead. He vowed to release an updated list of confirmed musicians late this week.
In related news, Garson's group has announced a Green Ball VIP party, to be held at the Forbidden City's Imperial Ancestral Temple, on April 16, the day before the peace concert. This VIP-only event will feature local and foreign talents.
"We will have an extra satellite stage in the Forbidden City that will be linked through our (international) TV coverage to the rest of the concert at the Bird's Nest," Garson said in the statement.
An official from the China Arts Foundation vowed full support for the event.
"As a co-host of the Show of Peace concert, we want to offer our support for peace and green development around the world," said Shang Hua, director of the Foreign Affairs Department of China Arts Foundation.
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