'Splendid China' kicks off new season

The Shanghai Chinese Orchestra kicks off the 2019-2020 season with a dedication to the classical sound of China and its innovative new music.

“Splendid China — Fond Memories of the South” intends to present traditional music rooted in the aesthetics of Jiangnan (south of the lower reaches of the Yangtze River), an area long known for its water towns, small and delicate gardens, sizhu (string and wind music), amidst other ancient, cultural and artistic traditions.

Gathering the best musicians from the region, the concert will highlight both the shared traits and distinct features of different provinces and cities in the area.

The poetic romanticism of the West Lake in Zhejiang, the magnificent grandeur of Yellow Mountain in Anhui and the ancient famous gardens in Jiangsu, will be presented all on one stage in Shanghai, via a dozen traditional Chinese instruments.

It opens with the classic “Spring River in the Flower Moon Night,” one of the nation’s most widely-spread traditional music melodies.

The name of the piece, borrowed from a famous poem describing the intricate tranquility of a moon-lit night, also describes some of the iconic symbols used in poems, music and paintings of the Jiangnan style.

The Shanghai Chinese Orchestra, founded in 1952, was the nation’s first modern traditional orchestra.

In addition to carrying on the rich legacy of its past, it has also explored fresh ways to re-innovate traditional pieces and instruments, to engage a young generation of audiences.

The concert will close with one of its experiments, where East meets West and old meets new — “Shanghai Odyssey: The Bund.” It is a traditional Chinese musical piece by German composer Christian Jost.

Aiming to explore new possibilities for the orchestra, the composer combines his vast experience with classical music and his admiration for Chinese culture to create a unique piece that reflects his impression of contemporary Shanghai.

Time: April 27, 7:15pm

Tickets: 50-680 yuan

Tel: 6386-8686

Venue: Shanghai Grand Theater

Address: 300 People’s Ave.