The China National Symphony Orchestra is one of the most outstanding professional orchestras in China. Previously known as the Central Philharmonic Society, which was established in 1956, its establishment and development was a result of the hard work of many great leaders and conductors over the past five decades: famous Chinese musician Li Ling and conductors Li Delun, Yan Liangkun, Han Zhongjie, Qiu Li, Chen Zuohuang and Tang Muhai. The orchestra, which boasts a series of top artists with exquisite skills, is currently led by president Yu Linsong. The China National Symphony Orchestra has a long tradition of high quality performances and state officials have always attached great importance to its development.

The orchestra also has a chorus with a long history, consisting of top graduates from the best musical academies in China. The orchestra has maintained the highest chorus level in China since it first won the golden medal of the International Youth Chorus Contest in the 1950s.

In the early 1950s, the orchestra realized its transition of symphonic performances from the primary to the mature stage and interpreted a considerable number of important works. For instance, it gave its first successful performances of Beethoven's and Dvorak's "Symphony No 9," Berlioz's "Symphonies Fantastique," Jean Sibelius' "Symphony No 2" and Chinese composer Luo Zhongrong's "Symphony No 1," to name a few. In the 1960s, the orchestra originated the well-received "Weekend Concert." For more than half a century, the orchestra has performed a considerable number of classic, romantic and contemporary symphonic works, with live concerts often broadcast around the world via radio and TV. With the Philip Corp, the orchestra has also recorded a series of gramophone records of western classics and Chinese national music.

The orchestra has always played a dominant role in developing and promoting Chinese symphonic music. After several generations of hard work, today, the orchestra not only has an enduring and profound influence in China, but also enjoys an increasing reputation on the international stage. For many years, the orchestra has been working to improve its professional skills, assist in musical education and training, disseminate symphonic knowledge, encourage and propel Chinese symphonic creations and advance international communications.

It had co-performed with celebrated orchestras, such as the Berlin Philharmonic and Boston Philharmonic and distinguished conductors such as Karajan, Seigi Ozawa, Minuhin, Auestrakn, Stein and Tortery.

It has also visited America, Britain, Germany, Austria, Spain, Japan and Mexico. With well-known conductors Yan Liangkun and Qiu Li as its leaders, the Society's choral group visited the United States, Canada and Taiwan, winning prizes in competitions at home and abroad.

In 1998, with Dr Chen Zuohuang as president, the China National Symphony Orchestra successfully held a series of concerts in Vienna, London, Frankfurt and other cities known as classical music metropolises. The London Times praised the orchestra as a sophisticated musical group with vigorous sounds and excellent technique.

With the support of state leaders and people from all circles, the orchestra will continue in its aim for excellence.

Address: No 1 Building Section 11, Heping Street, Dongcheng District, Beijing
Postal code: 100013
Tel: (010) 64211277
Fax: (010) 64213541

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