To celebrate the 75th anniversary of the founding of People’s Republic of China, Shenzhen Symphony Orchestra (SZSO) and Shenzhen Opera and Dance Theater (SZODT) will jointly perform a concert featuring Chinese compositions Sept. 30.

(From L) Yang Xue, Xu Xiaonan and Zheng Di

Conducted by SZSO music director Lin Daye, the concert will feature soloists including erhu player Yang Xue, bayan player Xu Xiaonan, bamboo flutist Zheng Di, soprano Tian Siying, and tenor Ma Teng. Performing alongside these young musicians will be the choruses of SZSO and SZODT, as well as SZSO children’s choir.

Opening the show will be “Ode to the Red Flag,” a symphonic overture composed by veteran Chinese musician Lyu Qiming which premiered in 1965 at the Shanghai Spring Music Festival. The work has inspired generations of Chinese patriots with its exciting melodies.

The audience will then hear a new composition from Raymond Yiu and Li Bochan. Jointly commissioned by SZSO and the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra, the piece is titled “Nan Hai Xin Chao,” which translates to “Tides of Emotions by the South China Sea.” Yiu’s overture portrays the natural beauty of Shenzhen and Hong Kong in a grandiose manner, while Li’s three movements, respectively highlighting the erhu, bayan, and bamboo flute as solo instruments, symbolize a dialogue between the East and the West, evoking memories of the past and aspirations for a brighter future as the two cities collaborate and their residents forge strong bonds.

In the second half of the concert, SZSO will perform alongside the vocalists the familiar tunes of “The Story of Spring,” “I Love You, China,” “Long Live the People,” “My Motherland,” and “Pursuit,” the theme song of the 2009 blockbuster “The Founding of a Republic.”

Erhu player Yang and bayan player Xu are both teachers at the Central Conservatory of Music. Zheng is currently under the tutelage of Professor Tang Junqiao at the Shanghai Conservatory of Music. She was honored with the Platinum Prize in the World Music category at the Global Genius Music Competition (2023 spring season), an online competition dedicated to uncovering the next generation of classical musicians.

Tickets: 80-380 yuan

Time: 7:30 p.m., Sept. 30

Venue: Shenzhen Concert Hall, Futian District

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