The Belgrade Philharmonic Orchestra (BPO) celebrated its 100th anniversary with a mesmerizing performance at the National Centre for the Performing Arts (NCPA) in Beijing. This concert marked the BPO’s second visit to China, 23 years after its first visit led by the renowned Estonian conductor Neeme Järvi. Despite a last-minute change due to health issues that prevented legendary conductor Zubin Mehta from performing, Neeme Järvi delivered a captivating performance that exceeded expectations.
The BPO’s China tour, which began on November 4 and concludes on November 19, included performances in Xi’an and Weifang, in addition to their grand finale at the NCPA and an upcoming performance at the Shanghai Grand Theatre as part of the Shanghai International Music Festival.
The orchestra presented a remarkable program, featuring Verdi’s La forza del destino Overture and concluding with Berlioz’s Symphonie Fantastique, Op. 14. The concert also featured the exceptional talents of 25-year-old violinist Giovanni Andrea Zanon, who delighted the audience with his performance of Tchaikovsky’s Violin Concerto in D major. Zanon, who represented Italy at the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics closing ceremony, played the Italian national anthem, leaving a lasting impression on the global audience.
The BPO’s 2023 China tour was initiated by Zubin Mehta, who aimed to support the orchestra’s international promotion in prestigious music centers. Despite Mehta’s absence, Neeme Järvi, an 86-year-old conductor with a brilliant career spanning decades and over 450 recordings, took the helm and delivered an unforgettable performance.
Järvi commended China for its well-equipped concert halls, emphasizing the importance of acoustics in creating a perfect musical experience. He expressed his hope for young Chinese musicians to come to Estonia to study conducting and participate in the city of Pärnu’s summer music festival, where musicians from across Europe gather.
Concert Maestro Tijana Milosevic, who had visited China during the BPO’s first tour 23 years ago, expressed her delight at returning to Beijing and experiencing the city’s transformation.
The BPO’s performance is part of a flourishing live performance market in Beijing, with world-class orchestras and masters making their return to the stage. This cultural exchange between China and international artists not only revitalizes the local music scene but also fosters the growth of local orchestras.
Furthermore, the 2023 World Theatre Alliance Conference and World Symphony Beijing Forum opened in Beijing, bringing together representatives from 187 international art institutions to promote international collaboration and the development of performing arts on a global scale.
The Belgrade Philharmonic Orchestra’s visit to China serves as a testament to the enduring cultural exchange and collaboration in the world of classical music, enriching the global cultural landscape.
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