New symphony celebrates northern frontier

A symphonic music piece, titled New Movement of the Northern Frontier, which portrays the natural scenery, rich resources and people safeguarding the regions, from Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region to Inner Mongolia autonomous region, premiered in Ordos city, Inner Mongolia, on Aug 22.

Co-produced by the Otog Banner of Ordos city and Inner Mongolia Arts University, the piece was composed by Chinese musician Liang Mingheng, a university teacher who traveled to the northern frontier regions several years ago.

The initial creative concept was to create a concerto featuring the traditional Mongolian ethnic musical instrument, the morin khuur (horse-headed fiddle), and the guzheng, alongside a symphony orchestra. Inspired by Qin Wenchen, the vice-president of the Central Conservatory of Music in Beijing and the chief consultant for the piece, Liang adjusted his creative approach. Instead, he integrated the unique timbre, texture, and emotional charm of the morin khuur and guzheng into all sections of the orchestra, allowing the rich grassland atmosphere to flow naturally through the ensemble's overall texture.

Under the baton of conductor Xia Xiaotang, the Ordos Symphony Orchestra performed the music piece on Aug 22, paying tribute to the vast northern frontier regions through six chapters.