Chinese conductor opens Novosibirsk festival

On March 19, the 12th edition of Trans-Siberian Art Festival opened at the Arnold Kats State Concert Hall, in Novosibirsk, Russia. For the first time, a Chinese conductor was involved at the opening ceremony.

Lin Daye conducted the Novosibirsk Philharmonic Orchestra, renowned violinist Vadim Repin, and contrabassist Artem Chirkov.

Highlights included Mikhail Glinka's Ruslan and Lyudmila Overture, Giovanni Bottesini's Double Bass Concerto No 2, and two pieces by Ottorino Respighi, Fontane di Roma and Pini di Roma.

A piece by Li Shaosheng, Meng Yue Qu Tian, or Melody of Dream and Sky, was also given its world premiere.

The Trans-Siberian Art Festival is an annual music and arts festival in Novosibirsk. It was started by Repin, who was born in Novosibirsk, and the inaugural event took place in 2014. Named after the Trans-Siberian Railway, the world's longest railway line, the festival is meant to connect Novosibirsk to the world art scene.

The collaboration between musicians from China and Russia is a key event in the China-Russia Year of Culture, which was organized by Armstrong Music Arts Management Ltd and Poly Armstrong International Arts and Communication Co.