For the China National Traditional Orchestra, which will perform in Montpellier on Feb 10,Geneva on Feb 13, and Paris on Feb 15, the program includes a variety of styles, from traditional pieces like Dance of the Awakening Lion, a vibrant Guangdong-style work, and Yearning for Lovers in the Embroidery Building, a delicate, lyrical piece, to contemporary compositions, such as Snow over the Vermilion Palace and Bell of the Dragon Vein. With conductors Liu Sha and Tang Muhai, the orchestra is composed of nearly 70 musicians.
Notably, the orchestra also embraces innovative performance techniques, such as the 360-degree surround sound in Little Bird, a wind instrument concerto, where musicians interact directly with the audience, bringing an immersive aspect to the experience.
Tang Feng, president of the China National Traditional Orchestra, says the repertoire showcases the diversity of Chinese folk music through various styles and eras.
Some of the pieces are rarely performed, such as Awa Mountain by composer Guo Wenjing, who takes musical inspiration from the Va people and other ethnic groups living in Yunnan province to symbolically paint a picture of the place, expressing the eternal power of the unity between humanity and nature.
"These pieces are deeply rooted in the diverse cultures of China's ethnic groups, and offer a rich palette of sounds and styles that reflect the country's vast musical heritage. We not only want to present a showcase of traditional Chinese music but also send an invitation to European audiences to experience the depth and richness of Chinese culture from various regions," Tang Feng says, adding that the orchestra has toured Europe since 1998.
The orchestra will also perform three movements from the piece Harmony of Seven Colors by composer Zhang Zhao, who was inspired by the sun's spectrum, deeply embodying the concept of harmonious coexistence and multicultural symbiosis. Through the delicate arrangement of seven movements, this piece showcases the cultural charm and emotional landscape of seven different ethnic groups of China, constructing a vibrant and harmonious musical world.
