Capital anticipates musical feast

The Guangzhou Symphony Orchestra will premiere the new piece on Oct 8 at the Poly Theatre. Conducted by Huang Yi, it will feature soloists, including pianist Jean-Yves Thibaudet, cellist Gautier Capucon, and erhu (two-stringed fiddle) player Lu Yiwen.

"We planned this year with the hope of giving Beijing audiences excellent performances and to explore new styles and formats to expand our fan base, especially among young people," says Zou. "The festival will emphasize community involvement and outreach. We will invite musicians to participate in activities like public rehearsals, preshow talks and educational events, as well as give performances. We want to engage a broader audience."

French pianist Helene Grimaud and the Camerata Salzburg — one of the world's leading chamber orchestras — will invite the audience to an open rehearsal before their concert at the Poly Theatre on Oct 7.

Trumpet player and composer Wynton Marsalis will meet students at Tsinghua University on Oct 8 before giving two concerts with the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra at the NCPA on Oct 9 and 10.

"It not only demonstrates the diversity of global musical traditions but also invites everyone to experience Beijing through the eyes of visiting artists, creating a truly immersive celebration of both music and places in Beijing," she adds.

Beyond traditional concert halls, the festival will be held at different locations, connecting music to the cultural landscape.

For example, in 2015, American composer Andy Akiho was commissioned by the festival to write the Ping-Pong Concerto in which an orchestra, a violin soloist, a percussionist and two table tennis players worked together. A real table for the match was set up in front of the members of the China Philharmonic Orchestra and conductor Zhang Yi's podium.