Japanese audience applauds Chinese classical performance
Japanese classical music lovers have a deep appreciation for the works of Chinese composers, giving a standing ovation to the New Japan Philharmonic orchestra at a recent concert. Playing under the baton of Xia Xiaotang, principal conductor of China Philharmonic, the New Japan Philharmonic delivered a special performance in Japan, marking the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China titled, China Day.
More than 1,300 audience members filled the Tokyo Opera City Concert Hall on Oct 22 to hear the special program that opened with Ode to the Red Flag, written by Chinese composer Lyu Qiming in 1965 and premiered in Shanghai the same year.
"When we prepared the repertories, we wanted to portray China through music," says Xia, who worked with the New Japan Philharmonic for the first time. "The program, featuring pieces written by Chinese composers of different generations, combines Western symphonic music with Chinese ethnic folk music."