Celebrating the imminent start of the Chinese New Year on February 10, 2024, China’s NCPA Orchestra presents an astounding selection of works by Chinese and Western composers. The rousing Spring Festival Overture begins the programme with a performance done in partnership with the China National Traditional Orchestra along with three other orchestras. We also hear Ravel’s Boléro and MA Sicong’s Second Symphony following. Listeners will be thrilled by pipa virtuoso LI Jia’s performance of the concerto Little Sisters of the Grassland, and the broadcast closes with LÜ Jia conducting Brahms' Symphony No. 3.

Violinist NING Feng performs ZHAO Jiping’s beautiful violin concerto with the National Centre for the Performing Arts Orchestra in a performance led by LÜ Jia. Fair Flowers Under Full Moon by HUANG Yijun is heard in a presentation with the China National Traditional Orchestra and others. Mahler’s Symphony No. 6 closes out the programme, with ZHANG Yi at the podium.

GUO Wenjing’s Passacaglia for Orchestra is a work inspired by prehistoric rock paintings in ancient caves on Riyue Mountain. LI Biao leads the orchestra, painting a stunning tonal picture underpinned by a repeating phrase punctuated by deep drum hits and lush strings. Bruckner’s lyrical Seventh Symphony completes the programme, conducted by LÜ Jia.