Northern highlights

Bamboo flute and dramyin performers work with the Shanghai Chinese Orchestra as part of the performance at the Shanghai Grand Theatre. [Photo provided to China Daily]

Also due to premiere in the new season is a concert about Chinese mythology named Hero, by composer Li Bochan. "I will create a symphonic epic, with each chapter named after an ancient Chinese hero," he says. "I will work hard to present the depth and dignity, as well as the exquisite and gentle side of Chinese national music, and will find an exclusive sound or expression for each hero," he said.

Hero will be performed on Dec 15, under the baton of Tang Muhai, chief guest conductor and honorary artistic director of the SHCO.

"Musicians at the SCHO view their instruments as if they are priceless antiques from the Palace Museum," Tang says in a video clip celebrating the SHCO's new season. "Each sound we make speaks of the beauty of Chinese culture - just like our language. It's time for the world to know about China's culture, and China's music."

Earlier this year, the SHCO made a successful European tour, New Oriental, which featured the sound of an ancient flute made from a bone that dates back 8,000 years, as well as compositions by contemporary Chinese artists such as Zhao Jiping and Tan Dun.

Last year, the orchestra premiered a new symphonic production Shanghai Odyssey - The Bund during the China Shanghai International Arts Festival, a piece created by German composer Christian Jost.

Since then Shanghai Odyssey has toured extensively, performing in Beijing and Guangzhou.

"It was a great way to introduce Shanghai to other parts of China," Luo says.