The new global cultural series opens in Shanghai with an intimate behind-the-scenes look at the making of Ayanga’s acclaimed musical, The Message.

SHANGHAI, China — The Langham Hotels and Resorts has launched “Luminaries in Residence,” a new global event series celebrating the creative journeys of artists, designers, culinary talents and other cultural figures connected with the luxury hotel brand.

Over 25 photographs are on display at “The Artistry of Ayanga” exhibition at The Langham, Shanghai, Xintiandi.

The series made its debut in Shanghai with “The Artistry of Ayanga,” a photography exhibition at The Langham, Shanghai, Xintiandi. The exhibition offers visitors a rare behind-the-scenes perspective on The Message, an original musical created by acclaimed Chinese actor and composer Ayanga.

Known as one of China’s leading musical theatre performers, Ayanga has gained widespread recognition for his stage work, including his role in the Chinese production of The Phantom of the Opera. He joined The Langham’s community of cultural ambassadors, known as Langham Luminaries, earlier this year.

A Behind-the-Scenes Look at The Message

Featuring more than 25 photographs, “The Artistry of Ayanga” takes visitors beyond the polished production and into the creative process behind The Message.

The musical is adapted from celebrated Chinese author Mai Jia’s acclaimed spy novel of the same name. The exhibition captures the many stages of its development, from rehearsals and moments of quiet concentration to the energy shared by Ayanga and his creative team before and after performances.

Rather than focusing solely on the finished production, the photographs highlight the people, passion, and collaboration that brought the musical to life.

Visitors can see intimate rehearsal moments, creative exchanges and the anticipation surrounding performances, culminating in the excitement of audiences giving the production a standing ovation.

The exhibition is open to the public at The Langham, Shanghai, Xintiandi until September 10, 2026.

LHG CEO Bob van den Oord (left) with Ayanga at the launch event.

Celebrating Creativity at The Langham

“Luminaries in Residence” expands The Langham’s “Your Story. Our Legacy.” brand campaign, which launched in 2025.

The campaign celebrates individuals whose achievements and personal stories reflect the brand’s longstanding connection to culture, design and gastronomy. Through the new global series, The Langham is bringing those stories to life through exhibitions, performances, and other immersive experiences at its hotels around the world.

For Langham Hospitality Group CEO Bob van den Oord, the initiative continues a tradition that has been part of the brand since its beginnings.

“The Langham has been a gathering place for artists and visionaries for 160 years,” van den Oord said. “We are extending that tradition through ‘Luminaries in Residence’ by creating experiences that allow guests to engage more closely with our Luminaries and their work.”

He also described Ayanga’s commitment to his craft as an inspiration and a fitting way to launch the new global initiative.

Luminaries In Residence – Artistry of Ayanga

A New Chapter for the Langham Luminaries

Ayanga’s appointment as a Langham Luminary adds a prominent figure from China’s performing arts scene to the brand’s growing community of creative ambassadors.

Through “Luminaries in Residence,” The Langham plans to bring more of these personalities and their work directly to guests and local audiences. The format will vary from one destination to another, allowing each Luminary’s creative discipline and personal story to shape the experience.

The series will continue at The Langham properties around the world, with upcoming collaborations expected to feature other members of the brand’s Luminary community.

Among those announced is Grammy Award-winning violinist and Langham Luminary Joshua Bell, with further collaborations to be revealed.

For travelers visiting Shanghai, “The Artistry of Ayanga” offers more than a conventional hotel exhibition. It provides an opportunity to explore the creative process behind a major theatrical production while experiencing The Langham’s continuing role as a platform for art and culture.

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