Hu Yong-yan revealed his ambition when he took on the job at SBSO as its artistic director in early 2000 -- after it promised to give him a hand in hiring qualified foreign and Chinese instrumentalists -- of holding regular concerts and securing the Shanghai Grand Theatre as its home.
That spring, Hu, who was also still the musical director and chief conductor of the Duluth-Superior Symphony Orchestra in Minnesota, made headlines in Shanghai by persuading well-known Beijing-based violinist Liang Da'nan to lead SBSO as its new concert master -- for an annual salary of 250,000 yuan (US$30,000) plus expenses.
It was the highest pay a Chinese mainland orchestra had offered a concert master and three times more than Liang earned in Beijing.
Liang, who had been the concert master with the more prestigious China National Opera and Ballet Theatre, took the offer for the alluring salary and the chance to work with Hu.
"The artistic atmosphere in the young and dynamic SBSO and Hu's management and programs were appealing," Liang said.
"The seasonal repertoire has a rich variety and Hu has followed standard international practices in running the local orchestra."
The international methods include hiring by strict auditions and the contract system, to encourage members to maintain their quality.
Hu was also able to hire 10 musicians from Britain, Canada and the United States through a world-wide audition to transform SBSO into the first international orchestra on the Chinese mainland since 1949.
"Without good quality and attractive programs, the orchestra cannot survive in the market," Hu said.
"That was just my first step towards realizing my dream of creating a professional Chinese orchestra on a par with international counterparts.
"Usually, we say there's no poor orchestra, but a poor conductor; however, I say there's no poor orchestra, but poor management."
Through the hard work of Hu and his colleagues, SBSO has risen to be one of the best local orchestras in the country.
During the past three seasons, it has successfully co-operated with such celebrated musicians as Isaac Stern, Barbara Hendricks, Luciano Pavarrotti, Placido Domingo, Itzak Perlman and Yoyo Ma.
SBSO members also go to university campuses to appeal to potential concert-goers with the "Hello Friend" campaign.
Today, Hu has set three new goals -- to boost box office revenue, attain a high quality and make a larger impact within society.
"To keep the level is sometimes more difficult than reaching the level, but I will try my best," he said.
(China Daily December 4, 2002)
