Belgian Pianist Presents World Premiere of Symphony ‘Love for China’ in Chongqing

Chongqing - On the night of February 22, the world premiere of the symphony Love For China was unveiled on the stage of Guotai Arts Center Grand Theater in  Chongqing, China. Last year, the symphony, Love For China, was created by the renowned pianist, composer, and conductor Peter Ritzen in Vienna, Austria.

The concert of the symphony, Love For China (Photo/ Mu Xuelin)

According to the introduction, the symphony conveys the spirit of unremitting self-improvement etched into Chinese culture and civilization and depicted Peter Ritzen’s sincere passions and love for China as well as Chongqing after he traveled more than half of China and lived in Chongqing for two years.

Peter Ritzen introduced that the symphony Love For China has five movements with the themes of time, space, nature, love, and people. The first movement, “Starlight,” is the opening chapter of the whole symphony, expressing his impression of Chongqing. The movement “Fenghua” shows the charm of Chongqing. The movement “Earth” is inspired by the Chongqing folk song “Huyang Pole,” which is also the reason that he named the symphony “Love For China.” The movement “Love” tells a love story with twists and turns. The last movement, “Music Land,” expresses an ideal state full of happiness, love, and harmony and Peter Ritzen’s love for China.

Peter Ritzen is conducting the concert (Photo/ The organizer of the show)

Chinese art, paintings, architecture, operas, and folk culture have significantly impacted Peter Ritzen and his works. Therefore, an audience can apprehend Peter Ritzen’s extraordinary gift for music through this symphony that perfectly blends the western and Chinese music elements together.

Liu Guangyu, Chairman of the Chongqing Musicians Association and head of the Chongqing Symphony Orchestra, said that this concert symbolizes how Chinese stories and Chongqing stories can be expressed through a symphony by a world-class musician, and they hope that beautiful China and its profound culture can be displayed through a foreign musician’s understanding and passions.