Commissioned music creates cultural bonds

The Beijing Music Festival has commissioned and premiered new works collaborating with composers from home and abroad. For example, at the festival's 10th anniversary, Polish composer and conductor Krzysztof Penderecki performed his Symphony No 8, Songs of Transience. In 2017, the festival premiered the violin concerto La Joie de la Souffrance (The Joy of Suffering) by composer Chen Qigang.

"Commissioning new music allows festivals to push the boundaries of artistic expression and introduce innovative ideas. It provides composers and musicians the opportunity to explore fresh concepts, sounds and forms. By encouraging creativity, the festival stays at the forefront of musical development and remains relevant to contemporary audiences," says Yu.

During the concert on Tuesday, another commissioned work premiered in Beijing — Eros Athanatos Op 69 — a concerto for piano, cello and orchestra composed by French-Swiss composer Richard Dubugnon.

Performed by French pianist Jean-Yves Thibaudet and cellist Gautier Capucon, the music piece had its world debut in 2018.

"We have been friends for 24 years and this music piece is a gift for us," says Capucon, referring to Thibaudet.