Future melodies in ancient keys

Beijing Music Festival promises audiences both classical masterpieces and contemporary innovations, Chen Nan reports.

As the 28th Beijing Music Festival prepares to open, the city is gearing up for a vibrant celebration of music that bridges tradition and modernity.

Running from Oct 10 to 24, this year's festival promises a dynamic fusion of classical and contemporary works, highlighting both Chinese and international composers, while fostering musical dialogues between the East and West.

According to Zou Shuang, the artistic director of the festival, this year's program showcases not only classical masterpieces but also new works from pioneering composers, reflecting a city that embraces its ancient roots while actively shaping contemporary creativity.

The festival's opening and closing concerts will be performed by the China Philharmonic Orchestra, marking its 25th anniversary this year.

The opening concert on Oct 10, conducted by Yu Long, founder of the festival and chairman of the Beijing Music Festival artistic committee, will be held at the National Centre for the Performing Arts and feature pianist Zhang Haochen performing Tchaikovsky's Piano Concerto No 1 alongside Shostakovich's Symphony No 5, commemorating the 50th anniversary of Shostakovich's passing.

The closing concert on Oct 24 will feature a fusion of Eastern and Western musical works, with conductor Yang Yang and soloists including American violinist Gil Shaham and Hungarian mezzo-soprano Ildiko Komlosi.

Under the baton of Yang, the China Philharmonic Orchestra and the chorus of the China National Opera House will perform excerpts from Chinese Kitchen, a music piece by composer Elliot Leung, who was born in Hong Kong and relocated to the United States at the age of 17. On Nov 23, 2024, the Shanghai Symphony Orchestra premiered Chinese Kitchen, a 10-movement piece about 10 Chinese delicacies. This work was commissioned by the Shanghai Symphony Orchestra for its 145th anniversary.