Zhao Xiao'ou

The Shenzhen Symphony Orchestra (SZSO) will stage a concert of original works by contemporary Chinese composers this Friday evening, offering the audience the latest update on the Chinese music landscape. Cellist Nie Jiapeng and pipa player Tang Xiaofeng will be the soloists.

Conducted by the young talent Zhao Xiao’ou, SZSO will perform Liu Hao’s “A Dream of Chang’an,” Zhu Bin’s “Ningibra,” Li Yanwen’s “Bubble Gum Symphonic Poem,” Xu Zhitong’s “Love in a Fallen City Suite,” and Li Bochan’s “New Era Symphony Overture.” Rooted in Chinese musical traditions and aesthetics, these works merge the creativity of Chinese musicians with influences from various styles.

Tang, a faculty member of the Shanghai Conservatory of Music and winner of multiple awards, including the Golden Bell Music Award, will headline the pipa concerto “A Dream of Chang’an.” Once the name used for today’s Xi’an, Chang’an was the capital of 13 Chinese dynasties and an ancient city known for its well-planned streets, magnificent buildings, and city walls.

The concerto, featuring traditional Chinese music elements with the pipa as the solo instrument, depicts the grandeur of the city and embodies wishes for the revival of the Chinese dream.

Nie, who toured with SZSO to the U.K. in March, will headline “Ningibra,” a piece for cello and orchestra inspired by Tibetan folk music. A pupil of cellist Qin Liwei and Arto Noras, Nie is praised for his nuanced interpretation of Tan Dun’s “Crouching Tiger Cello Concerto.”

Li Yanwen’s “Bubble Gum Symphonic Poem,” inspired by the composer’s joyous memories of blowing bubbles, is a lively piece reminiscent of carefree childhood, mesmerizing the audience with its simplicity and beautiful melodies.

Commissioned by SZSO in 2018, “Love in a Fallen City Suite” was based on the composer’s scores for the 2009 Chinese TV series adapted from Eileen Chang’s namesake novel. The suite consists of six pieces from the original series, familiar to Chinese audiences and quite popular, three of which will be performed at this concert.

Li Bochan’s “New Era Overture,” another commissioned piece for SZSO, with its beautiful melodies and passionate emotions, paints with music a vision for China’s prosperous future.

Time: 8 p.m., May 24

Tickets: 50-880 yuan

Venue: Shenzhen Concert Hall, Futian District (深圳音樂廳)

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