Chinese orchestra plans surprises for French, Austrian audiences

A 12-member ensemble from the China National Traditional Orchestra will embark on a tour to Paris, France, and Vienna, Austria, to present a series of four concerts and a variety of cultural programs at iconic venues across both cities from Friday to June 13.

The performances will offer a dynamic blend of traditional Chinese music and modern influences, celebrating the universal power of music in bridging cultural divides.

"I particularly love the theme of the tour: 'dialogue' and zhi yin," says Li Chao, erhu player and the associate principal of the China National Traditional Orchestra.

"Zhi yin is a Chinese expression that refers to someone who understands and resonates with another person's thoughts and feelings. In the context of music, especially traditional Chinese music — which may be unfamiliar to audiences in Paris and Vienna — we want to build a meaningful connection with our listeners."

The tour will take the ensemble to a variety of celebrated locations, including the China Cultural Center in Paris, which, the first of its kind in a Western country, is located along the Seine River, and Mozart's former residence in Vienna, where the legendary composer lived from 1784 to 1787.

"Beyond these landmarks, we'll also surprise locals and tourists alike with flash mob performances at iconic spots like the Louvre Museum, the Arc de Triomphe, and the Eiffel Tower," Li says. "It will be an exciting and dynamic way to engage with the public and introduce Chinese music in an unexpected and interactive way."

The ensemble's performances will showcase some of the most cherished pieces of traditional Chinese music, highlighting the rich textures and virtuosity of China's classical instruments. Among these is Shimian Maifu (Ambush from All Sides), one of the most famous works in the Chinese musical repertoire. The piece, featuring the pipa (a four-stringed Chinese lute), is renowned for its rapid tremolos, intricate arpeggios, and high-speed plucking techniques that demonstrate the instrument's remarkable versatility and technical complexity.

Another centerpiece of the tour will be Ye Shen Chen (The Deep Night), a hauntingly beautiful piece performed on the erhu, a two-stringed bowed instrument. The composition is famous for its evocative portrayal of a tranquil night, conveying a sense of serenity and introspection. As a solo piece, Ye Shen Chen showcases the instrument's ability to express both melancholy and joy, capturing a broad emotional range that resonates with listeners.

"Traditional Chinese music is like traditional Chinese painting," Li reflects. "Both value simplicity and subtlety, emphasizing depth over excessive detail. In Chinese painting, artists often leave space on the canvas to create a sense of atmosphere and evoke emotions. Similarly, Chinese music uses silence or pauses — especially in pieces for the pipa or erhu — to allow the listener to reflect and absorb the deeper meaning."

A graduate from the China Conservatory of Music, Li has been performing with the China National Traditional Orchestra since 2012.

He continues: "I've performed in Western countries, like France and Austria, many times with the China National Traditional Orchestra. While many audience members may not be familiar with Chinese history or philosophy, the emotions expressed in the music — from tranquility to longing — are universal. That's what makes it resonate with people from all cultures."

In addition to the classical pieces, the ensemble will also feature contemporary compositions, such as the soundtrack from the popular Chinese video game, Genshin Impact.

"I had the honor of recording music for the game," says Li. "Incorporating traditional Chinese instruments into video games has become an innovative way to enhance the gaming experience and introduce a wider audience to China's rich musical heritage."

Also joining the ensemble will be 25-year-old erhu player Niu Qianqian, who will perform as part of the group and as a soloist.

"One of my favorite pieces to perform during the tour will be Beijing Story," says Niu, who joined the China National Traditional Orchestra in 2022 after graduating from the Central Conservatory of Music in Beijing. "The piece features traditional instruments like the banhu (a bowed string instrument) and xiaoluo (a small gong). It also incorporates elements of Peking Opera and rock music, which creates a really exciting fusion of old and new sounds."

The incorporation of rock music into traditional Chinese compositions is part of an effort to modernize and globalize China's cultural offerings. It's an innovative way of connecting diverse musical traditions, blending the powerful rhythms and electric energy of rock with the delicate nuances of traditional Chinese music.