Still SSO young at heart

Three of China's leading male singers and a new conductor aim to show that the Shanghai Symphony Orchestra (SSO) is not graying with age at the official curtain-raiser for its 2009-2010 season on Sept 26, which also marks the orchestra's 130th anniversary.

Tenor Zhang Jianyi, baritone Liao Changyong and bass singer Shen Yang will work in concert to deliver their unique interpretation of conductor Yu Long's over-arching vision. Yu took the helm earlier this year.

"Their collaboration has special significance as they were all trained at the Shanghai Conservatory of Music. They are the pride of the city," said the 45-year-old music director of SSO and co-founder of the Beijing-based China Philharmonic.

Yu, who steps in to fill the shoes of Chen Xieyang, is preparing to usher in a season that will feature an unprecedented number of internationally acclaimed musicians. Of the 37 artists to appear, violinist Pinchas Zukerman, cellist Mischa Maisky and pianist Lang Lang are among the highlights.

"It's rare to collect so many renowned artists in one season," Yu said.

The SSO will also invite a resident artist for each season starting from this year. First on the list is cellist Wang Jian, a Shanghai local who will also hold a series of seminars in the city.

According to Yu, Shanghai has produced more classical musicians for the international stage than any other city in China.

The acclaimed chamber music group Shanghai Quartet also returns after making a name for itself on the world map. They will perform for three months in Shanghai as principle guest musicians of the SSO.

Yu also plans to stage a "legendary" concert for the coming New Year, and in successive years, to match the big blowouts seen at the end of the year in other major cities around the world like Vienna and Berlin.

Furthermore, the SSO plans on making its presence felt at next year's Shanghai Expo by performing opening day concerts for a number of national pavilions.

(China Daily 07/25/2009 page14)