Flowing Melodies, Summer Cool: a Decade of New Oriental Sound

The Shanghai Chinese Music Orchestra's signature concert "New Oriental Chinese Music Scene" is staging a new round of performances at Shanghai Concert Hall, bringing a flowing musical enjoyment to Shanghai's sweltering summer.

Premiered exactly 10 years ago, the concert manages to weave traditional Chinese music with modern electronic and elements of multimedia in an innovative manner.

The nine pieces are diverse in style – some elegantly ethereal, others powerfully passionate – interweaving the essence of Chinese culture, including calligraphy, painting, opera, and poetry.

The opening piece, "Drawing from Antiquity," begins with Chinese wind instruments, followed by "Flowing Water," which blends the ancient shakuhachi (Japanese bamboo flute) with the modern handpan to interpret the Eastern philosophy of "the highest good is like water."

Other pieces include "Fire Dance," which brings together Chinese drums and percussion instruments from various countries; "Song of Parting," a cross-genre fusion of pipa and Peking Opera; and "Crossing," where the suona goes head-to-head with modern electro-rock.

Over the past decade, the performers and stage design team have continuously refined "New Oriental Chinese Music Scene" based on audience feedback, giving those who have already seen the show another reason to return to the concert hall.

According to the orchestra, "New Oriental Chinese Music Scene" has become a popular choice for inbound tourists seeking to experience Shanghai's cultural life, thanks to its fusion of Chinese and Western elements.

After concluding this round of performances in Shanghai, the ensemble will embark on a six-city tour of Brazil with another production, "Digital Splendor."

Performance info

Dates: July 28-August 1, 2pm/7:30pm

Tickets: 80-580 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