Another maestro also joined the new year’s celebration here in the capital. World-renowned conductor Christoph Eschenbach led a group of musicians from home and abroad to present a concert at the National Center for the Performing Arts.
Johann Strauss’s classic tunes open proceedings, the overture to Die Fledermaus setting the tone for the festive celebration.
Then it’s Voices of Spring Waltz invoking the joys of spring. and Soprano Marisol Montalvo wowing the packed house.
Producing a cheerful melody is the resident Orchestra of National Center for the Performing Arts. They are led by world-renowned conductor Christoph Eschenbach, who has had great collaborations with various Chinese musicians including Lang Lang and Zhu Dan.
Christoph Eschenbach said, "The idea is global unity and friendship. I think that music is an international language that connects everybody."
Another highlights was Judith Howarth, one of the most sought-after sopranos in Europe, singing an extract from Chinese Opera "White-haired Girl". She was joined by Chinese tenor Chi Liming. The authentic rendition proved a pleasant surprise for the audience.
Then came the Symphonic Fantasia "Farewell My Concubine", a seamless fusion of western orchestra and traditional Chinese music.
The performances left music fans reluctant to leave their seats.