Ye Cong leads young musicians of national orchestra at concert

The concert opened with a classic work, Guo Feng, composed by Zhao Jiping, selected from the fifth movement of the composer's Fengya Song suite, drawing inspiration from Shijing (Book of Songs), an ancient Chinese collection of poetry from the 11th to 6th centuries BC.

Guzheng players Su Chang and Cheng Haoru performed a concerto, titled Rushi, by composer Wang Danhong. The lingering sound of the guzheng (Chinese plucked zither) created a striking contrast with the waves of the orchestra's sound. The two performers displayed exceptional synergy, and through the intricate and rich timbre of the traditional instrument, they conveyed the traditional ideas, cultural meaning, and philosophical essence embedded in the piece.

Sheng performer and professor Wang Lei and students from the department of traditional music performed Tahai together with the orchestra. The sheng (a mouth-blown, free-reed instrument), as the main instrument, contrasted with the energetic fast-paced theme and the tender slow theme, using rich harmonies to create a vivid and cinematic scene of the people's struggle to pursue their dreams.

Other highlights included Green: Song of the Wind, the first movement of the orchestral suite Seven Colors in Harmony by composer Zhang Zhao, which vividly depicts the culture of the Mongolian ethnic group, and The Great Tide by composer Wang Yunfei, depicting the grand scene of the Qiantang River flowing eastward and merging with the sea.