On the evening of October 5th, the 27th Beijing International Music Festival kicked off with an exciting opening concert at the National Grand Theatre. Renowned composer and conductor Tan Dun took the stage alongside talented musicians including pipa player Zhao Cong, suona performer Liu Wenwen, violinist Lu Wei, and cellist Wang Jian, all performing with the China Symphony Orchestra. When reflecting on the festival’s importance, Tan remarked, “The Beijing International Music Festival is like an ever-flowing river of music, bridging Eastern and Western musical exchanges.”
The concert commenced with Tan Dun’s composition “The Bell of the Dragon Vein of Beijing.” This piece held particular significance as it coincided with Beijing’s Central Axis being recently added to the UNESCO World Heritage list. Celebrated as the backbone of the city, this iconic axis captures the essence of Chinese civilization and its ongoing evolution. Through the use of the ancient sound symbol of “bell tones,” Tan’s work encapsulates the historical depth of the Central Axis while showcasing the cultural confidence of contemporary China. On stage, Zhao Cong delivered a breathtaking solo on the pipa, merging its enchanting sound with the rich textures of the orchestra.
Next came “The Hundred Birds Paying Homage to the Phoenix,” a traditional folk song from Central China often performed at weddings. The composition imitates the sounds of various birds, creating a festive atmosphere that was reimagined by composer Guan Xia as a suona concerto. Liu Wenwen, a vibrant performer in her twenties, held the audience captive with her impressive suona performance, perfectly complementing the symphony orchestra’s sound.
Titled “The Hundred Birds Pay Homage in East and West Harmony,” the concert also included classical pieces from composers such as Stravinsky, Mozart, and Ravel. A highlight was Stravinsky’s famed ballet score “The Firebird,” which blended fantastical modern musical elements with the romantic nuances of earlier compositions. Tan Dun offered his own interpretation of this iconic 20th-century work during the performance.
In the second half, the symphonic concerto in E-flat major, composed in 1779, kicked off the segment. Mozart’s ingenious fusion of symphonic and concerto forms was showcased by soloists Lu Wei and Wang Jian, whose elegant bow strokes beautifully conveyed the intricacies of Mozart’s music. The concert wrapped up with Ravel’s “Boléro,” a piece famous for its catchy melody, which resonated throughout the hall, particularly accentuated by the snare drum’s repetitive beats that echoed over 168 times, tying the entire performance together.
As both conductor and composer, Tan Dun thoughtfully curated the concert’s program. “In the first half, Zhao’s pipa and Liu’s suona intertwine like Eastern musical traditions, merging harmoniously as a tribute to Chinese culture. In the second half, Lu’s violin and Wang’s cello evoke the emotions of Western music, bringing classic pieces to life and creating a cross-cultural musical dialogue.”
This concert heralded the beginning of the 27th Beijing International Music Festival, running from October 5th to 13th under the theme “Music Gathers in Beijing, Enjoy the World.” The festival features performances from ensembles and artists representing countries such as China, the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, South Africa, Austria, France, and Italy, taking place across venues like the National Grand Theatre, Poly Theatre, Zhongshan Park Music Hall, and the Temple of Heaven. Attendees can look forward to a diverse lineup of nine concerts and engaging public activities centered on themes like exploring the Central Axis, encountering masters, and experiencing international music.
