Orchestra begins a yearlong musical journey

China National Traditional Orchestra announced on Tuesday the launch of its "Year of the Horse" music season.

The occasion carries special significance as it comes on the eve of the orchestra's 66th anniversary, offering a unique blend of time and space to introduce its first-ever music season.

The orchestra has structured its season around the Chinese calendar. This year's music season opened on Lantern Festival on Tuesday and will conclude with the Chinese New Year in 2027.

Each concert throughout the season will correspond to the changing seasons, traditional Chinese festivals and solar terms, with specific themes and musical pieces crafted to reflect the rhythm of these cultural milestones. This concept not only redefines the annual music season timeline but also serves as a conscious effort to highlight cultural identity, offering audiences a distinctly Chinese musical journey.

According to the orchestra, the season embraces an open and inclusive artistic vision. It has commissioned composers from both China and abroad to create new works, drawing from diverse regions, generations, and styles. In addition, the orchestra will collaborate with a wide range of international conductors, including those from China. The season aims to bridge established names with rising talents, featuring well-known virtuosos alongside young prodigies.

The grand opening concert was staged on Tuesday at the National Centre for the Performing Arts in Beijing. Under the baton of Chen Xieyang, the orchestra, joined by principal soloists including flute virtuoso Dai Ya, percussionist Wang Jianhua, and guzheng (Chinese zither) master Wang Zhongshan, showcased the artistry of Chinese traditional instrumental performance.

The concert featured performances across four core categories of Chinese music: blowing (wind instruments), plucking (string instruments), striking (percussion), and bowing (strings). Together they demonstrated the orchestra's technical mastery, the depth of its repertoire, and the philosophical scope of Chinese traditional instruments.

The evening's program included Awakening Lion Dance, Colorful Kiln Caves, and Lantern Festival: Watching the Lanterns, each representing a milestone in the evolution of Chinese national orchestral music over the last century.