Curtain up on 'New Oriental Chinese Music Scene'

The Shanghai Chinese Music Orchestra is bringing its "New Oriental Chinese Music Scene" concert back to the Cadillac Shanghai Concert Hall, staging a new round of residency performances through July 31.

The show wowed audiences when it premiered at the 2016 China Shanghai International Arts Festival, as it managed to weave traditional Chinese music with modern electronic and elements of multimedia in an innovative manner.

The ethereal tones of the shakuhachi (Japanese bamboo flute) resonate in harmony with the modern timbre of the hang drum. The suona's vibrant voice collides with electronic beats, evoking an interstellar soundscape. The 9,000-year-old bone flute and unbridled Chinese calligraphy intertwine.

Nine musical pieces weave together an immersive journey through poetry, calligraphy, painting, dance, and traditional opera – a multisensory tapestry of Eastern aesthetics.

The musicians of Shanghai Chinese Music Orchestra have continuously refined their interpretations of the pieces over the years.

Percussion chief Wang Yinrui actively seeks growth from audience feedback.

"After every performance, I make a habit of collecting audience suggestions," he said. "One comment praised how I integrate physical expression into percussion performances - this inspired me to explore incorporating more complementary body language across different compositions and instruments."

Pipa artist Li Shengnan reveals how motherhood transformed her musical interpretation.

"When I returned as a mother, the moment my fingers touch the pipa strings, I suddenly realized what 'resilient softness' truly means," she said. "I once pursued technical brilliance, but now I treasure the life force pulsing through every note."

Performance info

Date: Through July 31, 2pm/7:30pm

Tickets: 100-880 yuan

Venue: Cadillac Shanghai Concert Hall 凯迪拉克上海音乐厅

Address: 523 Yan'an Rd E 延安东路523号