Encouraging a festival atmosphere

Zhao Cong, head of the China National Traditional Orchestra, said that the concert is rooted in China's rich musical heritage and threaded by the Spring Festival Overture, a well-known orchestral work composed by Li Huanzhi, the first-ever head of the orchestra.

"Apart from the prelude and the coda, the concert comprises four main sections — 'heaven, earth, humankind and unity'. The 11 pieces celebrate, and present to the world, Chinese civilization in the new era, Eastern aesthetics, the spirit of the Chinese people and the ancient value of harmony and peace," Zhao says.

Digital technology will also be employed, including stage designs using augmented reality and a performance featuring a collaboration between a pipa (a four-stringed plucked instrument) player and virtual idol Luo Tianyi.

Internationally renowned pianist Lang Lang was announced as the cultural ambassador of 2023 Happy Chinese New Year.

"From my own observation, I can see that Spring Festival is increasingly popular across the globe and it is an excellent opportunity and time for us to promote our music, culture, art and spirit to the world," Lang says.

"The celebrations often last for nearly two weeks from the Lunar New Year to the 15th day of the first lunar month, which is plenty of time for many activities, including a concert tour, an exhibition or a spring camp. It's such an opportune moment that symbolizes a good start for everything."