AI-driven music takes center stage at 7th China Now Festival in New York

The Orchestra Now from Bard College, in collaboration with the CCOM, also performed several contemporary works inspired by Chinese aesthetics. Gong Tianpeng's "Beijing · Opera" and Du Yun's "The Hundred-Headed Beast" stood out as modern interpretations of traditional Chinese culture. Gong's Tenth Symphony, adapted specifically for the festival, integrated elements of Peking (Beijing) opera.

In "Beijing · Opera," instruments such as strings, percussion, and organ were skillfully combined to evoke the traditional charm of Peking opera while incorporating modern symphonic techniques. The violin and cello conveyed the emotional depth of the opera's characters, while the diverse percussion added rhythm and dramatic effect. The organ's inclusion enhanced the work's spatial and solemn qualities, creating a profound experience for the audience.

Paula Meneses, an attendee from the central United States, told Xinhua, "I really enjoyed this concert. The combination of Chinese and American music was fantastic, and I will definitely come again next year!"

The China Now Music Festival, founded in 2017, is dedicated to promoting an understanding and appreciation of music from contemporary China through an annual series of concerts and academic activities. In the previous six seasons, China Now has attracted more than 10,000 live audience members, and nearly 100,000 viewers have participated in online programs.