Composers in tune with the past

Among original Chinese symphonic works, Shajiabang is one of the most popular, and features Chinese musical elements inspired by Peking Opera.

Considered as a joint effort by composers of the China National Symphony Orchestra, formerly known as the Central Orchestra, the work was premiered during the 1960s and was adapted from one of the eight representative yangbanxi with the same name. Yangbanxi is a series of revolution-themed modern Peking Opera and ballet works produced during the "cultural revolution" (1966-76).

"We started the preparations of re-staging the piece about two years ago and the only video material we had was the concert recording by conductor Li Delun and the Central Orchestra staged in March 1971. It is very challenging to reenact this classic piece with Western symphonic music and Peking Opera performances taking place simultaneously," says Li Xincao, principal conductor of the China National Symphony Orchestra and also the head of the China Conservatory of Music.

"In the video from 1971, singers — sopranos and tenors — from the Central Orchestra sang Peking Opera songs. In our latest version, we invited Peking Opera actors and actresses to join us," says Li Xincao. "I was deeply touched when I studied the scores left by the older generation of musicians at the company. They left detailed notes on the score which allowed me to better understand and discover new information about the classic work."

According to Zhou Yu, Party secretary of the China National Symphony Orchestra, a photo exhibition is being held at the Beijing Concert Hall, displaying the history of the China National Symphony Orchestra and music scores of original works by composers of the company.

"In 2015, there were about 35 symphony orchestras in China. Now, we have about 80," says Chen Guangxian.

"It shows the vibrancy of the classical music scene in the country, the growing number of young musicians and its large fan base," Chen says. "Many cities have their own symphony orchestras now, which play a vital role in promoting classical music and playing original Chinese symphonic pieces."

Contact the writer at chennan@chinadaily.com.cn