Imperial Ancestral Temple to stage a classical orchestra

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Shanghai Symphony Orchestra (SSO) on Wednesday announced a plan to hold a classical music concert in Beijing's Imperial Ancestral Temple on Oct. 10, marking the start of scores of events that celebrate the Deutsche Grammophon's 120th anniversary.

Established in 1898, the Deutsche Grammophon saw the ups and downs of classical music and recording industry throughout the past 20th century and is widely regarded as one of the most prestigious classical labels.

Clemens Trautmann, president of Deutsche Grammophon, said he believes the concert and its recordings will help build bridges between the two different cultures.

The SSO will perform German composer Carl Orff's Carmina Burana, directed by Chinese conductor Yu Long. Yu will be the first Chinese conductor stages in the Imperial Ancestral Temple.

Conductor Yu Long and the SSO perform at the UN headquarters in New York City, New York, US, August 28, 2015. /VCG Photo

As the oldest orchestra in China, the SSO has been at the forefront of the country's soaring interest in Western classical music since the 1980s. Founded in 1879, it will celebrate its 140th anniversary next year.

"It is a monumental sort of collaboration between the SSO and Deutsche Grammophon, both more than 100 years old," said Yu, adding that "and also a landmark that observes the SSO stands in the front of the global stage of classical music."

The two time-honored organizations have seen closer collaboration in all aspects since the SSO signed a recording contract - the first global label deal for a Chinese orchestra - with Deutsche Grammophon on June 7.

The Russian pianist Daniil Trifonov performing a solo recital at Carnegie Hall on Saturday night, Oct. 28, 2017. /VCG Photo

Renowned Russian pianist Daniil Trifonov, who garnered the Best Instrumental Soloist Performance prize at last year's Grammy Awards, will also join the concert by playing Rachmaninov's Piano Concerto No.2.

Built in the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), the Imperial Ancestral Temple is now home to the Beijing Working People's Cultural Palace. Multiple cultural activities have taken place there, including art exhibitions and solo concerts.

Before arriving in Beijing on Oct. 10, the concert will be previewed in Shanghai.

(With input from Xinhua)

(Cover: File photo shows that models perform to celebrate the new year during a countdown event in Imperial Ancestral Temple, Beijing, China, Dec. 31, 2015. /VCG Photo)

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