Tang-era riches

"Xi'an, once known as Chang'an, was the capital of the Tang Dynasty. Each part of the music piece tells a different story, which is still shared by today's audience. The scenery portrayed in the Tang poems is of Xi'an," he says.

Qin says the symphony orchestra performed during the venue's China Orchestra Festival in 2015 under the baton of Lin Daye, who now is the artistic director of the Shenzhen Symphony Orchestra.

A creative spark is ignited when the Xi'an orchestra performs with traditional operas, guqin and poetry recitations, Qin says.

"The atmosphere is quite different compared to other classical music concerts. It's unique, in Chinese style," he says.

Chen Xinyi, 83, is the director of the concert. She was born and raised in Xi'an and is known for her theatrical productions, including Peking Opera, Western operas and plays.

"I grew up by listening to Qinqiang Opera (a local art form of Shaanxi province) and I am still inspired by my hometown," says Chen.

"We named the concert Chang'an because the city has a great history and profound culture, among which are great Tang Dynasty poems.

"I am also happy to work with the Xi'an Symphony Orchestra, a young and vibrant orchestra, which connects with the city's past."