In a spectacular fusion of Eastern and Western musical traditions, the "INFINITY: A Symphonic Journey through East and West" concert made its domestic debut on November 19 at the Xinghai Concert Hall in Guangzhou after being performed overseas twice in Hungary.
The performance brought together 73 artists from the Budapest Scoring Orchestra of Hungary and local Guangdong musicians, creating a unique cross-cultural harmony that captivated the audience. The concert, featuring 19 original Chinese-style compositions by young Guangdong composer Jason Huang, showcased a decade of his work in game soundtracks and stage music, reimagined for a symphonic setting.
Jason Huang, Deputy Secretary-General of the Guangdong Musicians Association, shared his creative philosophy: "I really hope to use Chinese national folk music, Chinese melodies, and musical language, but my medium is a symphony orchestra." He emphasized his aim to create "a kind of Chinese language that overseas audiences can understand," blending Eastern and Western traditions to foster mutual appreciation.
The collaboration left a strong impression on the Hungarian musicians. Bálint Sapszon, Founder and Director of Budapest Scoring, noted: "The Hungarian audience really liked it very much. We're really excited about performing it in the hometown of Jason Huang." He described the composition as building bridges between Chinese and Hungarian cultures, calling it "a mixture of Western music and Chinese folk music, wonderfully composed together."
Péter Illényi, the orchestra's conductor, expressed his enthusiasm for the project: "This is the first time for us encountering Chinese instruments, additional melodies, and the sound of those instruments combined with the music we know. Jason did beautiful work." He also highlighted the inspiring energy of the young local choir members, noting how their participation enriched the performance.
The concert resonated deeply with international attendees. Paola Pasauali, wife of the Deputy Consul General of Ghana in Guangzhou, remarked: "I think this kind of cooperation, musical cooperation, can create real greatness. I wish there were more of this."
"INFINITY" has previously been performed twice in Hungary, in November 2024 and May 2025, at the Liszt Academy of Music Concert Hall in Budapest. Each performance has reinforced the program's role as a cultural bridge, introducing international audiences to contemporary Chinese music while honoring traditional elements.
As Jason Huang expressed, "We hope more countries and more orchestras can join forces in our performance," underscoring a broader vision for global cultural exchange. With its successful Guangzhou premiere, "INFINITY" has set the stage for further international tours, promising to bring the sound of East-West dialogue to even more listeners around the world.
Reporter: Guo Zedong
Script & Text: Guo Zedong
Video & Photo: Deng Yingheng
Editor: Yuan Zixiang, Ou Xiaoming, James Campion, Shen He
