John Owen-Jones Praises Changsha as a “Magical City” After Concert

Hong Kong Economic Herald reporter: Liu Zhongwei, correspondent Ning Shaou

British musical actor and singer John Owen-Jones recently performed at the Changsha Concert Hall, and he was thoroughly impressed by the city. On the evening of August 31, Jones took to Xiaohongshu to share his thoughts on Changsha, calling it a “magical city.”

John Owen-Jones is a renowned British musical actor and singer, known for his performances in classic musicals such as Les Miserables and The Phantom of the Opera. He has performed in over a thousand shows worldwide and holds the record for being the youngest actor to play the role of Jean Valjean in Les Miserables at the age of 26.

Jones shared his experience of trying stinky tofu, crispy pigeon, and noodle soup in Changsha, praising the city’s food scene. He also expressed his gratitude to the people of Changsha for their hospitality and warm welcome.

The Changsha Concert Hall and the audience also received high praise from Jones, who described the energy of the concert hall as “incredible.” He thanked the team at the concert hall for their efforts in making the performance a success and appreciated the support of the audience.

Known as “the most popular Jean Valjean after Colm Wilkinson,” Jones is recognized for his majestic yet gentle voice, steady breath, and ability to switch between high notes with ease. His vocal skills, stage performance, and acting abilities are highly regarded among his peers.

According to the staff at the Changsha Concert Hall, 2024 marks the ninth anniversary of the concert hall, and it will be celebrating with the theme of “Enjoy the International Vocal Art Year.” The concert hall will be hosting a series of music events featuring well-known artists from around the world, showcasing Hunan charm, Chinese style, and international standards.

Changsha’s culture and tourism are also going global, with the city participating in cultural tourism exchange and promotion activities in the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Japan, and South Korea. The city is promoting its historical culture and rich tourism resources through various events and activities, laying the foundation for foreigners to understand Changsha.