"The Miraculous Mandarin" is a sumptuous, erotic ballet telling a fantastical tale of a girl forced to act as a decoy by thugs, luring a wealthy Mandarin to his tragic fate. Its theme of the tragic, dark passions between men and women is equally as gripping and powerful — and as controversial — as when it first premiered. This program’s Concert Preview lectures will be presented by Kevin McBrien, Editorial Assistant, and conducted by Franz Welser-Möst.