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E-mail chinadaily.com.cn, August 9, 2024
The Ningbo Symphony Orchestra recently concluded a successful European tour on Aug 3 after enchanting audiences in Italy, Slovenia and Austria with a blend of Eastern and Western music.
Commencing their journey at the renowned Emilia Romagna Festival in Italy, the orchestra, hailing from Ningbo, Zhejiang province, marked the 700th anniversary of Marco Polo's passing with a mesmerizing performance led by Chinese conductor Yu Ji. The audience was transported through time with evocative melodies from Ennio Morricone's Marco Polo, setting the tone for a memorable tour.
In Slovenia, the orchestra participated in the Ljubljana Street Art Festival, a global platform celebrating culture and art. Chinese Ambassador to Slovenia, Wang Shunqing, emphasized the unifying power of music, highlighting the strong bond between China and Slovenia.
Austria welcomed the orchestra with open arms, where Austrian conductor Ernest Hoetzl's passion for cultural exchange led to a special concert in St. Veit. The performance featured the vibrant Dance of the Yao People, showcasing the rich traditions of Chinese ethnic music and reinforcing the impact of cross-cultural collaborations.
"We always talk about business, but I think culture is the most valuable point of exchange. When I had a chance to invite the Ningbo Symphony Orchestra, I was very happy to do so," said Hoetzl.
The tour culminated in Vienna Neustadt, where the orchestra presented a stellar lineup of international singers as part of the post-competition tour following the 2023 Ningbo International Vocal Competition. Among them was Russian baritone Andrei Marksimov, who participated in last year's competition.
"It was an unforgettable experience, and I'm delighted to share the stage with the Ningbo Symphony Orchestra once again, this time in Austria," said Marksimov.
Ningbo has been promoting its cultural heritage on the global stage, with the Ningbo Symphony Orchestra at the forefront. Established in 2015, the orchestra has gained international acclaim, showcasing its musical excellence in countries like South Korea, Bulgaria, Poland and Italy, bridging Ningbo with the world through the universal language of music.
