Oldest civic symphony orchestra returns to Beijing

Renowned for its warm, profound sound, the orchestra has premiered works by Beethoven, Schubert, and Brahms, and has long been regarded as one of the leading ensembles in the international classical music scene.

The orchestra previously performed at the NCPA under Riccardo Chailly in 2009 and under Nelsons in 2019. Its highly anticipated return attracted music lovers eager to experience the ensemble's distinctive artistry once again.

The evening opened with Rachmaninoff's beloved Piano Concerto No 2, featuring Avdeeva, the gold medalist at the 2010 International Chopin Piano Competition, as soloist. Her nuanced touch brought dramatic intensity to the concerto's iconic opening chords, while the orchestra provided a rich and expansive backdrop to the sweeping first movement. In the lyrical Adagio, delicate exchanges between piano and woodwinds created an atmosphere of intimacy and reflection. The finale showcased the remarkable rapport between Avdeeva and Nelsons, culminating in a triumphant and emotionally charged conclusion.