Shen Yuan

This Friday, the Shenzhen Symphony Orchestra (SZSO) will present the concert “Mastery Magnitude ? When East Meets West,” conducted by maestro Yan Huichang.

Hailing from the Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra, Yan will be leading a captivating evening with guest performers including the U.S.-based cellist Liang Xiao, associate professor Zhong Zhiyue from the Department of Folk Music at the Shanghai Conservatory of Music, and talented Shen Yuan, recipient of dual doctorates in organ performance. Together, they promise the audience an eclectic symphonic experience infused with an array of ethnic flavors.

The program includes “Carmen Overture,” “Journey to Lhasa,” “Zhuang Zhou’s Dream,” and “Reed” featuring the sheng, organ and orchestra, as well as the “Sketches of Qianling” symphonic suite. The audience will immerse themselves in the splendid blend of various ethnicities and cultures, and experience the beauty of Eastern and Western musical traditions.

Yan Huichang

Georges Bizet completed the opera “Carmen” in 1874, his final opera and one of the most frequently performed works worldwide. Based on the novel by the French realist Prosper Mérimée, Bizet’s music intricately weaves a tragic tale against a vibrant backdrop. The “Carmen Overture” is prelude to the opera, drawing from the aria “Song of the Toreador” in Act IV, renowned for its rich ethnic undertones.

“Journey to Lhasa,” crafted by the esteemed Chinese conductor and composer Guan Naizhong, is a four-movement suite. Premiered in 1984, it blends modern compositional techniques, innovative orchestration, and diverse percussion instruments to portray the mystical beauty and culture of Xizang. The composition has twice won the Hong Kong Composers’ and Lyricists’ Association’s Most Widely Performed Local Traditional Music Award.

Zhong Zhiyue

“Dream of Zhuang Zhou” by Zhao Jiping, a concerto for cello and traditional Chinese orchestra, took its current form in 2006 after a decade of meticulous refinement. It represents Zhao’s contemplation on ancient Chinese philosophy and skillful employment of traditional Chinese instruments and the cello. Cellist Liang’s interpretative skills enable him to transform the ancient philosophical theme of the piece into an impressive musical narrative.

Wang Yiyu’s “Reed” features the sheng — a Chinese reed instrument — alongside the grandeur of the organ and orchestra.

Liang Xiao

Finally, the concert features the symphonic suite “Sketches of Qianling” by Zhu Jian’er, comprising four movements that premiered at the 10th Shanghai Spring Music Festival in 1982. Each movement encapsulates vibrant aspects of folk traditions and contemporary musical techniques, blending folk content within a modern composition framework.

Time: 8 p.m., April 26

Tickets: 50-880 yuan

Venue: Shenzhen Concert Hall, Futian District (深圳音樂廳)

Metro: Line 3 or 4 to Children’s Palace Station (少年宮站), Exit E