Tang poetry meets symphony under Xi’an skies

The Xi’an Symphony Orchestra staged its annual outdoor concert at the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, a historic landmark in Xi’an, Shaanxi province, on Sept 19.

Now in its 14th year, the concert featured works by composers including Saint-Saens, Verdi and Elgar, alongside Chang’an, an original symphonic recitation of Tang Dynasty (618-907) poetry.

Conducted by Sun Yifan, the performance brought together the Xi’an Symphony Orchestra, its chorus and the Xi’an Concert Hall Children’s Choir, with appearances by actor Zhang Guoli and violinist Wang Zhijiong. 

The concert highlighted two celebrated Tang Dynasty poems through excerpts from The Song of Everlasting Sorrow by poet Bai Juyi and Qiang Jin Jiu (Bring in the Wine) by Li Bai. Combining orchestral music, recitation and theatrical performance, the production offered a contemporary interpretation of the poetry. 

Xi’an has been promoting its vision of becoming a “City of Tang Poetry”, using historical sites and cultural events to bring the literary legacy of the Tang Dynasty into contemporary public life. The annual concert is part of that effort, transforming a landmark steeped in history into a setting for live music accessible to the public.

The 2027 edition is scheduled for Sept 17, with conductor Lio Kuokman and pianist Luo Wei set to join the artistic lineup.