Artists from Beijing, Tianjin and Hebei jointly perform at National Center for the Performing Arts National Day Concert
During the National Day celebration, the Tianjin Symphony Orchestra had the honor of performing in the Beijing and Hebei regions, presenting the concert “Motherland, I Sing for You – National Centre for the Performing Arts 2024 National Day Concert” at both the National Grand Theatre and the Silk Road International Arts Exchange Center.
The concert was deeply rooted in the rich traditions of Chinese culture, showcasing a remarkable lineup of celebrated artists and ensembles from the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei area. The program was organized into four distinct segments: “To the Mountains and Rivers,” “To Youth,” “To the Original Intention,” and “To the Future.” It featured enduring classics such as “Loving Land,” “Love of the Republic,” “My Affection Awaits You,” “Forever Young,” “Ten Thousand Miles of Spring Breeze,” “Remarkable Chinese,” and “Marching Towards the Future.” Additionally, the audience was treated to excerpts from the original national opera “Canal Ballad,” including “We Are the Waters of the Canal,” as well as segments from “Mountain and Sea Love” titled “Traveling Through the Northwest Mountains” and pieces from “Fang Zhimin,” such as “If I Could Still Live.” The performance was seamlessly woven together through dramatic storytelling, providing a cohesive and immersive experience.
A highlight of the concert was the original symphonic poem titled “The Great Wall,” which included the segment “Dancing Swords.” This piece, commissioned in 2023, was created by composer Zhang Qianyi and lyricist Qu Yuan, exuding a strong patriotic sentiment. As the concert drew to a close, performers and audience members joined together in singing “Ode to the Motherland,” with the crowd standing in unison and clapping along to the rhythm, enveloped in a vibrant atmosphere of applause and cheers.
The concert was led by principal conductor and chief of the Tianjin Symphony Orchestra, Dong Junjie. The event brought together talented artists from the National Centre for the Performing Arts Opera Ensemble, National Centre for the Performing Arts Drama Company, Tianjin Symphony Orchestra, Hebei Symphony Orchestra, Central Opera House Choir, and the associated Tianjin Symphony Choir. Through their beautiful melodies and heartfelt performances, they conveyed a profound love for the nation.
Reflecting on the experience, Dong shared his gratitude for the enthusiastic reception the orchestra received, stating, “As a conductor, I feel the undeniable power of music and the unity among artists from the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region. Through art, we have harmonized a beautiful chapter of cultural collaboration.”