Making classical music his mission

Flutist's life took a turn when he encountered The Yellow River Cantata for the first time, Chen Nan reports.

At the age of 17, Li Xincao stood on the threshold of a life-changing moment. As an apprentice flutist in the Kunming Symphony Orchestra in Yunnan province, he was still finding his place in the world of classical music.

Then, a distinguished visitor from Beijing, the renowned conductor Yan Liangkun (1923-2017), came to collaborate with the orchestra, now recognized as the Kunming Nie Er Symphony Orchestra. Among the pieces he brought with him to perform was one that would leave an indelible mark on Li's heart — The Yellow River Cantata, a patriotic composition written in 1939 by Xian Xinghai (1905-45), with lyrics by poet Guang Weiran (1913-2002).

For Li, this was more than just another performance; it was his first formal encounter with a Chinese symphony.

Under Yan's baton, the cantata became a vivid, stirring embodiment of national spirit. Originally composed during the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression (1931-45), it fueled patriotic fervor and inspired hope during a time of great struggle.

With Yan's guidance, Li was not merely playing music; he was stepping into a legacy.

Decades later, Li stood onstage with the China National Symphony Orchestra on May 8 and spoke of his journey with The Yellow River Cantata. He reflected on how that first encounter unexpectedly shaped the entire trajectory of his career.

To Li, Yan was more than a mentor; he was a torchbearer. In 1989, Li moved to Beijing to pursue conducting at the Central Conservatory of Music, crossing paths with Yan once again.

Having conducted the piece over 1,000 times during the course of his career, Yan's dedication to the cantata had not wavered.

"Yan believed that The Yellow River Cantata should be passed down to future generations," Li says.

"He sensed my passion for the music and advised me to learn it from the inside out, to try every part and gain hands-on experience."

Li took the advice to heart. He sang in the chorus, rehearsed with the choir, and studied the score obsessively.

Over the years — moving from flutist to choir member to conductor — Li estimates he has participated in more than 100 performances of the cantata.

"Each one brings back the memory of that first stirring moment in Kunming," the now 54-year-old Li says.

"More importantly, each performance is a new opportunity to bring the soul of the music and the spirit of the Chinese people to audiences around the world."