Oldest civic symphony orchestra returns to Beijing

The world-renowned Gewandhausorchester returned to the stage at the National Centre for the Performing Arts in Beijing on May 29, marking its first appearance at the venue in seven years.

Led by its music director, acclaimed conductor Andris Nelsons, the orchestra joined forces with pianist Yulianna Avdeeva for a Russian-themed concert, delivering powerful interpretations of Rachmaninoff's Piano Concerto No 2 in C Minor and Shostakovich's Symphony No 10 in E Minor to enthusiastic applause from a packed audience.

Founded in 1743, the orchestra is the world's oldest civic symphony orchestra. Throughout its nearly three-century history, it has been closely associated with major figures including Felix Mendelssohn and Robert Schumann, while achieving numerous milestones in orchestral performance.