Beijing orchestra turns technology tuneful

The Beijing Symphony Orchestra held two concerts at the Shanghai Opera House on May 7 and 8, as part of the National Invitational Showcase of Leading Orchestras, co-organized by the Shanghai Musician Association.

On May 7, young conductor Jin Yukuang took the podium with the Beijing Symphony Orchestra, joined by rising vocalists including Zhang Wenqin and Tang Qijing, as well as percussionist Song Yang. Together, they brought to life the Symphonic Code, a suite by emerging composer Zheng Yang, which is an audiovisual experiment that pushes the boundaries of imagination.

"The orchestra has made significant efforts in innovation and cross-disciplinary integration. This symphony with a technological theme is a prime example. At the same time, this was the orchestra's first return to Shanghai in nearly a decade, and a demonstration of our commitment to the development and innovation of symphonic culture in China," said Li Changjun, president of the Beijing Symphony Orchestra.

"This is my second time conducting Symphonic Code. The format of the concert was innovative, and included interactive segments where the audience was invited to participate and experience instruments specifically designed for the performance — showcasing the fusion of music and technology," said Jin.

On May 8, conductor Tan Lihua led the Beijing Symphony Orchestra and cellist Mo Mo in presenting the concert Eternal Remembrance.

Tan conducted a performance of Wagner's Rienzi Overture, while Mo collaborated with the orchestra on Tchaikovsky's Variations on a Rococo Theme for Cello and Orchestra. For an encore, he gave a moving interpretation of the Sarabande from Bach's Suite No 4 in E-flat Major for Solo Cello.

This year is the 50th anniversary of the death of Shostakovich, and the orchestra paid tribute by performing its signature interpretation of his Symphony No 11 in G minor, Op. 103 (The Year 1905).

Tan followed the very score preserved by his late teacher Li Delun, and in doing so, brought the orchestra's original interpretation of the score to life once again.

The National Invitational Showcase of Leading Orchestras brought together 10 leading ensembles, including the China National Symphony Orchestra, the Shanghai Symphony Orchestra, and the Suzhou Symphony Orchestra. Over the course of nearly two months, each ensemble presented two dedicated concerts: one featuring classical masterpieces, and the other highlighting Chinese compositions.

The audience in Shanghai responded with warm praise to the two concerts by the Beijing Symphony Orchestra. While enjoying the audiovisual fusion of symphony and technology, they were also deeply impressed by the professional performance. In particular, the powerful rendition of Shostakovich's Symphony No 11 left them thoroughly captivated.