A concert presented by Suzhou Chinese Orchestra is held for local residents on June 8 at Suzhou Great Hall of the People. [Photo/subaonet.com]
The Suzhou Chinese Orchestra held a concert for local residents on June 8 at Suzhou Great Hall of the People.
Under the baton of its artistic director, Pang Kapang, the Suzhou orchestra performed the works of renowned British composer Gustav Holst and Chinese composers such as Zhao Jiping, Liu Changyuan, and Hao Weiya.
The Symphony for Traditional Stringed and Woodwind Instruments by Liu was the most popular with the audience. It integrates pingtan (storytelling and ballad singing in Suzhou dialect), Kunqu opera (one of the oldest forms of folk operas in China), and folk songs from Jiangsu province.
Lotus composed by Hao for the Suzhou Chinese Orchestra made its debut at the concert. Its beautiful melody, elegant lyrics and wonderful mood offered the audience a different kind of folk music.
Founded on Dec 24, 2017, the Suzhou Chinese Orchestra held its inaugural concert on the next day at the Suzhou Culture and Arts Centre Grand.
The young Suzhou Chinese Orchestra has over 90 musicians from more than five countries and regions, including the Chinese mainland, Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong and Taiwan.
