The Harbin Symphony Orchestra — one of China's oldest symphonic ensembles — will perform Songhua River Suite by composer Zang Ting, a piece inspired by the changing seasons along the Songhua River. Meanwhile, the Kunming Nie Er Symphony Orchestra will explore the folk music traditions of China's southwestern ethnic groups, and the Guangzhou Symphony Orchestra will highlight the unique musical expressions of Lingnan culture, which encompasses Guangdong province, Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region, Hainan province and parts of Yunnan and Fujian provinces.

"Each orchestra will use distinctive melodies to portray the unique characteristics of their cities," says Wang.

"There are 63 professional symphony orchestras in China today," Wang notes.

"These orchestras not only showcase the vibrancy of the country's classical music scene but also influence the cultural, social, and historical fabric of the cities they represent."

One of the festival's most exciting debuts will be the Quancheng Symphony Orchestra, China's youngest symphony ensemble. Founded just five months ago in Jinan, Shandong province, the orchestra will make its first-ever appearance at the NCPA on April 23 under the baton of conductor Yang Li.

As the China Orchestra Festival returns for its ninth edition, it promises to be a grand celebration of musical heritage, and artistic innovation — bringing together seasoned maestros, star soloists, rising stars, and orchestras from across China and beyond.

Other highlights include a concert by China National Symphony Orchestra and conductor Shui Lan, staging music programs marking the 150th birth anniversary of French composer Maurice Ravel and featuring pianist Sun Yingdi on April 12.

On April 10 and 11, the China NCPA Orchestra will perform music pieces by Russian composer Dmitri Shostakovich, marking the 50th anniversary of his passing. German cellist Jan Vogler will join the concert.