China National Symphony Orchestra
Founded in 1956 as the Central Philharmonic Society, China National Symphony Orchestra (CNSO) is directly administered by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of China. Its orchestra and chorus rehearse and perform in the Beijing Concert Hall, its permanent home. It is the top Chinese orchestra with remarkable domestic and international presence. As the first Chinese orchestra to have a team of professional composers, CNSO has created more original Chinese scores than any other orchestras in China.
As a state-level art troupe, CNSO has been undertaking major performances on significant national and diplomatic occasions for more than 60 years, such as G20 2016 China "Enduring Memories of Hangzhou" Symphonic Concert, "Sailing for the Future" Gala for the BRICS Leaders' Meeting in Xiamen, performance for the Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation, "Boao Forum for Asia", "APEC Summit", "Shanghai Cooperation Organization Summit" in Qingdao, etc. The outstanding techniques and performances of CNSO's musicians were acclaimed by foreign state leaders and have won the honor for the country, demonstrating the image of a great power.
As a pioneer, promoter and leader in the development of China's symphonic music and choral career, CNSO unremittingly strive for artistic excellence and makes outstanding contributions to the dissemination and promotion of the world's classical music works. In 1959, CNSO performed Beethoven's Symphony No. 9 for the first time in China and introduced many timeless works by master composers including Bach, Mozart, Brahms, Johann Strauss, Tchaikovsky and Shostakovich to the Chinese audience. Furthermore, the orchestra is dedicated to fostering creativity and originality of Chinese music. In 1970, CNSO composed and premiered the piano concerto "Yellow River". In recent years, CNSO has presented widely acclaimed concerts including "Charm of the Chinese Music" "Charm of the Classics" "Opera Concert" and "Talents of CNSO", all of which have garnered widespread praise from audiences both at home and abroad.
CNSO is also a dedicated cultural ambassador, as it has initiated intercultural dialogues and promoted friendship between China and the world through music during their many international tours. It has performed on various renowned stages, including the Musikverein in Vienna, Berlin Philharmonie, L'Auditori in Barcelona, the Big Hall of the State Kremlin Palace, Symphony Hall of the Boston Symphony Orchestra, Lincoln Center in New York City, Symphony Center of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Sydney Opera House and Tokyo Opera City Concert Hall. In 1974, CNSO visited Japan and gave 20 performances in 18 cities. In 1987, it made a historic tour in the United States, putting on 26 concerts over 42 days in 13 states and 24 cities. In 2002, CNSO was invited to perform in Berlin for the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Germany, and then went to Spain and Portugal for more than ten concerts. In 2013, invited by Columbia Artists Management Inc, CNSO went to the United States for a commercial tour on an unprecedented scale, presenting 30 symphonic concerts in 29 cities of 16 states over 53 days, with an audience of more than 40,000 people, triggering an unparalleled response across the United States.
CNSO has collaborated with many world-renowned musicians, among whom are maestro conductors Eugene Ormandy, Herbert von Karajan, Lorin Maazel, Kurt Masur, Seiji Ozawa, Gennadi Rozhest vendsky and Michel Plasson; soloists such as David Oistrakh, Yehudi Menuhin, Isaac Stern, Martha Argerich, Fu Cong, Anne Sophie Mutter, Lyu Siqing, Yo-Yo Ma and Lang Lang; and top voices such as José Carreras, Giuseppe Giacomini, Kathleen Battle, and Sumi Jo.
Over the past 70 years, CNSO has been at the forefront of China's symphonic music, and active in connecting China and the world, building bridges of understanding and mutual appreciation through music. Proud of its heritage and commitment to intercultural dialogue, CNSO is always ready to share the best of Chinese music and culture with global audience.
