Mask-wearing symphony orchestra livestreams concert in Shanghai
Facing an empty auditorium, four musicians of the Shanghai Symphony Orchestra (SSO) played the first note of a livestreamed chamber concert Saturday evening as their formal resumption of work.
Themed "A greeting of love," the concert's repertoire list consisted of the classic String Quartets of Joseph Haydn, polkas composed by Johann Strauss, among others.
The performance, which adopted standard lighting with high sound effects, was livestreamed on several online platforms. The audience could participate in interactive discussions with the performers by leaving messages online.
The performers put down their instruments between the chapters and answered questions from the audience.
"Wearing masks was uncomfortable, and the players needed to get used to it and overcome difficulties when adjusting the breath," said Li Pei, the concertmaster.
Zhou Ping, director of SSO, said there will be three similar chamber concerts held by late April. The orchestra had previously posted short videos on musical instruments learning as well as livestreamed practicing by its performers.
