Shanghai's Grand Halls marks anniversary with new music piece

The Grand Halls, a new conference center sitting on the bank of Huangpu River in Shanghai's Hongkou district, celebrated its second birthday on Friday night with the premiere of its new theme music piece Boundless.

The composition by young Chinese musician Luo Wei was presented by Shanghai Symphony Orchestra under the baton of Zhang Jiemin, a resident conductor with the orchestra.

Inspired by the idea that "music is liquid architecture", Luo created four variations to feature the changing landscape of different seasons, for the theme that reflects "the inclusive and forward-looking spirit of Shanghai", according to the composer.

The Grand Halls is a world-level convention center consisting of three buildings, two of which are reconstructed historical warehouses. Since its opening two years ago, the center has been a "window to the world, and we hope it could be a hub for international cultural exchanges in the future," said Bian Min, deputy GM of the Shanghai North Bund Management Co Ltd.

The theme music will become part of the Grand Halls' branding, and be used in major events, ceremonies and promotional videos, she said.