Innovative ensembles adapt to life during the pandemic

This is not the first time the orchestra has brought classical works out of the Xinghai Concert Hall, its home since 1998.

Since 2017, the orchestra has collaborated with Canton Tower-the 600-meter-tall Guangzhou landmark designed by Dutch architects-to broadcast pieces performed by the ensemble, which have been warmly received by local residents and tourists.

The tower overlooks Baiyun Mountain, the Pearl River, and offers a panoramic view of the city. Classical works from different eras by composers such as Johann Sebastian Bach, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and Antonin Dvorak are played at the location every day.

Last year, to mark the third anniversary of Baiyun International Airport's Terminal 2 being put into operation, the terminal worked with the Guangzhou Symphony Orchestra to bring classical music to passengers via the airport app and sound systems in the departure and arrival halls.

"A city should have a symphony orchestra, which provides classical music to engage and inspire audiences of all ages," said Chen Qing, who has worked with the Guangzhou orchestra for 30 years. "An orchestra also grows and develops with a city.

"We are happy to see that classical music audiences in Guangzhou are becoming much more diverse and younger. The same is true for many Chinese cities."

Celebrating its 65th birthday this year, the Guangzhou Symphony Orchestra gives about 100 concerts annually, including those provided to audiences for free and also low-priced performances. According to Chen Qing, it is the first and only Chinese symphony orchestra to play on five continents.

On Feb 3, 2020, the orchestra stopped performing live due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and next day, it launched online music programs. For more than 100 days, the orchestra updated its online music program every day, before returning to the concert hall for a live performance on July 7, 2020.

Chen Qing said, "COVID-19 has radically changed our experience of classical music. Before the pandemic emerged, we announced our performance seasons annually. Tickets sold out fast, as we have a loyal fan base in Guangzhou. Now, classical music is less elitist, as concerts are available just like any online movie, which has allowed us to reach new audiences.

"This inspired us to think about the relationship with our audiences. We've observed their needs and we want more people to enjoy classical music."