Therefore, when working with orchestras or on music pieces from different countries, he can grasp the nuances in styles, which correspond with the relevant cultures and languages, such as the light and airy sounds of French impressionism, or a German orchestra's emphasis on articulation.

Li also says that, although he works mainly with international orchestras, he believes Chinese orchestras are making steady progress. Sometimes, he notes, Chinese orchestras are not lacking in technique, but in the understanding and expression of culture.

The concert hall's New Year series began with two shows by Li, followed by a recurring performance of film soundtracks on Dec 30, which gained popularity following its first performance in September.

On New Year's Eve, veteran conductor Yang Li and soprano Guo Fei, along with the Beijing Symphony Orchestra, presented a range of classical works by composers from different parts of the world and from different historical periods.

The series ended with a concert on Jan 1 with conductor Xia taking the baton. Soprano Zhang Liping gave performances of works from home and abroad, including Italian composer Giacomo Puccini's arias and the Chinese song, I Love You, China. Harpist Sun Shimeng performed Spanish composer Joaquin Rodrigo's Concierto de Aranjuez arranged for harp.

"Li's two performances kicked off the 2023 New Year concert series. It is especially meaningful that we are once again gathering here and enjoying live music," says Xu Jian, director of the concert hall.

"Each concert featured a different conductor, from the young emerging Li Haoran, to the veteran conductors Fan Tao, Yang and Xia. Every conductor brought their own arrangement of pieces with different styles."

Xu says that, for the upcoming Spring Festival, the concert hall will host another series that centers on traditional and folk music, including classic excerpts of Peking Opera performances, Chinese cross-talk pieces, as well as an amalgam of regional opera styles.