Harbin music festival set to entertain

The China Harbin Summer Music Festival will take place from June to September in Harbin, capital of Heilongjiang province, the Ministry of Culture and Tourism announced on Wednesday.

The festival, the 37th edition, will feature seven major parts, including the opening performance, national symphonic exhibitions, and international competitions, as well as programs displaying China's music academies, and public cultural activities.

The opening ceremony, which will be held on June 27, will stage singing, dancing, and drama, along with a rich variety of other art forms, offering the audience a spectacular audiovisual feast.

During the festival, the 16th National Vocal Performance and the 2nd National Excellent Symphonic Works Exhibition will be held in August. Besides professional vocal artists, grassroots singers are also encouraged to participate in the event. The symphonic performance will focus on showcasing new symphonic pieces created since 2020.

"We will host 62 performances with 79 sessions in the 'Symphony of the World' series, inviting renowned artists and performance groups from countries such as Russia, the United Kingdom, and Japan, showcasing the diversity and vibrancy of global music and arts," said Wang Bo, vice-mayor of Harbin. He further stated that this year's music festival aims to create a grand celebration of both Chinese and Western music, allowing people to immerse themselves in the art of music.

In addition to presenting classical music productions, the festival will feature contemporary music genres, such as jazz, pop, and electronic performances, along with large outdoor music events. Over 3,000 public cultural performances, including youth music seasons, choral art gatherings, and flash mob music events, will be organized across the city, making the Harbin Summer truly a festival for the public.

The city of Harbin is a popular tourist destination, particularly known for its stunning winter sports and attractions.

Since its inception in 1961, the China Harbin Summer Music Festival has become one of the largest events of its type in the country, enhancing the reputation of Harbin as a cultural hub in Northeast China.