A symphony for all seasons

"He composed the music during a period of immense artistic and cultural transformation. The symphony pays homage to the classical era, while it is infused with Prokofiev's signature modern style," says Cui. "The violin concerto is a captivating and emotionally charged piece that demonstrates his unique compositional style."

It will be the first time for Cui to perform with the China Philharmonic Orchestra and Rachlin, an opportunity she describes as exciting.

She will also interpret selected pieces from Prokofiev's most popular work, Romeo and Juliet, a ballet based on Shakespeare's tragedy, in which "the music is not only closely related to the stage action, but is also a masterpiece which can readily stand on its own".

"While classical music — especially leadership roles — used to be heavily dominated by men, things are starting to change as more women pick up the conductor's baton," says Cui, who currently holds the positions of principal conductor of the Guangzhou Symphony Orchestra, artistic director of the Toronto Artists Symphony Orchestra, and principal conductor of the Palermo Classica Festival in Italy.

Born in Shenyang, Liaoning province, Cui began studying the piano at the age of 4. She started conducting at 18, when she was the only student accepted at the Xinghai Conservatory and is currently pursuing doctoral studies in orchestral conducting at the Indiana University Jacobs School of Music under the guidance of Arthur Fagen. Cui also holds a Master of Music degree from the Peabody Conservatory, where she studied under Marin Alsop.

In 2025, the China Philharmonic Orchestra will celebrate its 25th birthday. One of the highlights of the celebration will be a performance at the NCPA on April 30 of Carmina Burana, a cantata for orchestra, chorus, and vocal soloists by Carl Orff.

The piece occupies a special place for the CPO, which has successfully performed it over the past 25 years, and is one of its most famous offerings. In 2019, in celebration of Deutsche Grammophon's 120th anniversary, a gala and recording of the piece was made at Beijing's Forbidden City, featuring conductor Yu and the Shanghai Symphony Orchestra.