(2002/09/30)

To mark 30th anniversary of normalization of diplomatic relations between China and Japan, China Philharmonic Orchestra visited Tokyo at the invitation of Japanese Cultural Agency to take part in 2002 Asia Symphonic Music Week and offered a special performance at Tokyo's Opera City Concert Hall. Chinese Ambassador Extraordinary of Plenipotentiary to Japan Wu Dawei wrote words of congratulation such as, A hundred flowers blossom— seeking understanding friends in the tune of 'high mountain and running water'; a hundred schools of thought contend—flowers blooming a riot of colors suggesting spring. The visiting vice Minister of Culture Zhou Heping, counselor with the rank of envoy of Chinese Embassy in Japan Qiu Guohong, former Japanese Prime Minister Haneda Hjime, deputy Chief of Japanese Cultural Agency Zeniya Sinki and an audience of over 1,200 from various circles in Japan attended the performance.

With by the celebrated young conductor Li Xincao taking the baton, China Philharmonic Orchestra played the symphonic poem Mooring by Maple Bridge at Night composed by Xu Zhenmin, Violin Concerto in D Minor by Khachaturian, and Symphony No.2 by Rachmaninov. The wonderful performance of 21-years-old violinist Li Chuanyun drew prolonged applause from the audience. At the request of the audience, two more pieces were added: One is a Chinese music named Enjoyable Night and the other is Orchestral Rhapsody adapted from a Japanese folk rhyme Yagi Koshirabe.

The brilliant performances of China Philharmonic Orchestra caused a sensation in Tokyo's Opera City. Chief of General Affairs Department of Japanese Symphonic Music League Wakayama said after the performance that China Philharmonic Orchestra deserves to be called a state-level orchestra in China, and that it is the most remarkable one performed in the 2002 Asia Symphonic Music Week as well as one with advanced world level.

This is the second time for the orchestra to give public performance in Japan since 1999. It is also the first leg of China Philharmonic Orchestra's performances touring the world in 2002. Their following stops will be Austria, Germany, and other places.

By Ma Xiaochen

(From Cultural Office of Chinese Embassy in Japan)