"Over time, although the surroundings became more modern and accessible, the cultural presence faded," Song said. "Transforming the old site into a music hall gives the building new life while preserving its historical character."

That sense of connection is echoed by Zhang Tongtong, one of the orchestra's principal players, who described rehearsing in the restored hall as motivating and emotionally resonant. Performing regularly in a historic venue in their home city, he said, is something many local musicians aspire to.

The Fengle Theatre originally opened in 1935, during the period when Changchun, then known as Hsinking, was designated as the capital of the Japanese-controlled puppet state of Manchukuo. Over subsequent decades, the building underwent multiple name changes and functional shifts.