A traditional Chinese orchestra and famed sketch comedy troupe will both perform in September at Western Carolina University’s Fine and Performing Arts Center.

The Chinese Opera Orchestra of Shanghai, an ensemble that plays traditional and contemporary Chinese music on traditional instruments, will perform at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 27.

The Second City, known for its trademark improvisation and launching talented actors and comedians from Alan Arkin to Gilda Radner and Stephen Colbert to Tina Fey, will present its “Laugh Out Loud Tour” at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 29.

Tickets for each event are $10 and $5 for students.

Boasting musicians from top conservatories and art institutions, the Chinese Opera Orchestra of Shanghai strives to preserve and renew centuries-old traditions of Chinese musical culture. Led by Maestro Wang Yongji, the orchestra specializes in richly crafted arrangements that include Chinese folk music and the best of traditional Chinese opera.

The Second City, launched as a cabaret in 1959 in Chicago and since expanding to venues in Toronto and Los Angeles, developed an experimental and unconventional approach to creating and performing comedy and theatre. Its “Laugh Out Loud Tour” features sketches, songs and improvisation from Second City history and encourages audience participation.  

For tickets call 828.227.2479 or visit bardoartscenter.wcu.edu.