Moscow orchestra celebrates war victory and Eurasian splendor

The Moscow Conservatory Symphony Orchestra staged two concerts on Nov 14 and 15 at the concert hall of China National Traditional Orchestra in Beijing. Led by conductor Viacheslav Valeev, the orchestra gave an unforgettable performance celebrating the 80th anniversary of the victory in the World Anti-Fascist War.

The concerts marked the grand finale of the orchestra's 2025 China tour, which began in Shanghai on Nov 7 and concluded in Beijing.

The first half of the concert focused on the theme of "War and Peace", beginning with Symphonic Overture No 1 by Chinese composer Guan Xia, a work whose brass and strings resounded with the epic grandeur. The mood then shifted with Shostakovich's Symphony No 9 in E-flat Major (1945), performed with invigorating clarity, revealing the composition's nuanced emotions of melancholy and resilience.

In the second half, the orchestra transitioned from the historical narrative to an evocative journey through Eurasian folk music, presenting a dynamic blend of melodies from across the continent. Borodin's Polovtsian Dances, Khachaturian's Sabre Dance, Faure's Sicilian Dance, and Bizet's La Habanera, the famous aria from the opera Carmen wove together a rich tapestry of rhythm and texture, transporting the audience through the colorful and diverse cultural landscapes of Eastern Europe and Central Asia.

The evening's most moving moment came with a special medley of Russian and Chinese classics arranged exclusively for this concert.

Russian violinist Daniel Kogan joined the orchestra on Nov 15, playing Brahms' Violin Concerto in D Major.