To celebrated the 40th anniversary of the establishment of the Shenzhen Special Economic Zone, Guangzhou Symphony Orchestra worked with famous Chinese musician Li Haiying to present a brand-new symphony entitled “The Symphony No. 1 Pearl River”.

(Photo provided to Newsgd.com)

The symphony had its world premiere at the Xinghai Concert Hall on the evening of December 1st, conducted by famous conductor and music director of Guangzhou Symphony Orchestra Yu Long. Soprano Li Jingjing, tenor Zhang Xueliang, and South China Normal University Choir also joined the special concert. The Symphony No. 1 Pearl River is composed of four chapters, “Adagio, Allegro con brio”, “Andante, Moderato”, “Scherzo”, “Largo, Allegro, Maestoso”.

Composer Li Haiying pointed out at the press conference before the concert that traditional Cantonese music has been integrated into the whole symphony. Li said that Cantonese music is unique in the development of Chinese folk music because its formation was influenced not only by folk music from central China but also by western music. He believes using Cantonese music in the symphony is the best way to pay tribute to the elder generation who participated in reform and opening up.

At the end of 2019, Yu Long approached Li Haiying to compose a piece to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of China (CPC). The music piece will be presented by Guangzhou Symphony Orchestra and premiered on June 12th, 2021.

Li Haiying (front left) and Yu Long (Photo provided to Newsgd.com)

Li Haiying was born and lives in Guangzhou. In his opinion, the Pearl River is not only a geographical symbol of Guangzhou, Guangdong and the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, but also the epitome of reform and opening up between 1978 and 2020.

In 1997, Li Haiying was invited to compose a song “Song of Seven Sons” for a documentary about Macao's return to the motherland in 1999. The song became a big hit in China after the documentary was broadcast. Soon after, it was designated as the theme song for Macao's return to the motherland in 1999. Li then was named "Special Contributor to Macao" by the city's government in 2009. Only one other person who was not a Macao resident has been granted the honor.

The symphony is also the curtain-raiser of Xinghai Concert Hall’s New Year Music Season. More info about the concert series will be released on Newsgd.com. Stay tuned.

Author | Monica

Editor | Jerry