China Coal Mine Art Troupe to stage major new composition

Musicians rehearsing for the concert in Beijing on Tuesday. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

The China Coal Mine Art Troupe will present a musical work, titledMountains and Rivers Evergreen, on May 5 at the Beijing Concert Hall.

The new composition, created by composer Li Shangqian, is set to be a major cultural event, blending traditional Chinese and Western orchestral elements to depict a profound musical journey through the themes of homeland, preservation, and national memory.

In a recent interview, Li said that in the title, "mountains and rivers" refers to one's homeland, while "evergreen" symbolizes the concept of protection and safeguarding. The composition's thematic melody weaves throughout the entire piece, culminating in the final movement, where the melody is carried by the voice, symbolizing the hope that the audience will come to cherish and safeguard their shared home. The composer hopes that the music will transform the notion of "home" into a recognizable and unforgettable musical symbol, one that resonates deeply within the hearts of all who hear it.

Musicians rehearsing for the concert in Beijing on Tuesday. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Conducted by Yuan Bei, the performance promises to be a feast for the senses. Yuan describes the work as a reflection of contemporary realism in Chinese national orchestral music, filled with philosophical reflections and deep cultural resonance.

He explains that the piece includes a variety of emotional landscapes — from the warmth and expansiveness ofHomeward, to the sorrowful sighs of thehuqin(a traditional Chinese bowed string instrument) inLament of the Land, and the playful animal imitations inForest Repose. These elements, along with the explosive warning sounds of the twin percussion inThe Self-Ringing Bell, all contribute to a complex and thought-provoking orchestral narrative.

Musicians rehearsing for the concert in Beijing on Tuesday. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Notable collaborations within the performance include flute virtuoso Hou Chengyu and bamboo flute master Feng Tianshi, who will showcase the unique aesthetics of cross-cultural exchanges between Western and Chinese wind instruments.

The two musicians will demonstrate the artistic ingenuity that arises when traditional Chinese music merges with Western wind instruments, creating a harmonious fusion of cultures.

Percussionists Song Yibo and Yin Fei will also highlight the interplay and seamless coordination between Chinese and Western percussion instruments, offering a captivating display of rhythmic dialogue.