Chongqing - On February 22nd, Belgian pianist Peter Ritzen premiered his second symphony, Love for China, at Chongqing Guotai Art Center. The Chongqing Symphony Orchestra accompanied him in the performance, which received a standing ovation from the audience. Ritzen's symphony not only showcases his musical talent but also reflects his love and admiration for China. The collaboration between Ritzen and the Chongqing Symphony Orchestra adds significance to the performance, highlighting the cultural exchange and friendship between China and Belgium.

The program opened with a stirring performance of the Light Cavalry overture composed by Franz von Suppé. This was followed by Ritzen's live piano solo of Franz Liszt's Ballade No.2 on center stage. His new symphony was performed in five movements and featured the opening piece 'Chongqing Starlight' he composed in Vienna as he reminisced about his fondness towards the city.

The impressive Chongqing Philharmonic Festival Orchestra was accompanied by a large chorus for the second movement, "Charm," and the fifth movement, named "Paradise." The latter's lyrics sing eulogies to the bond among the Chinese people, as well as the joy and harmony that reflect the deep fondness Ritzen holds for China, and are fully expressed through his latest symphonic work.

Popular Chinese tenor Fan Jingma joined in the grand finale with a performance of Chinese Rhapsody: My Beloved Motherland, composed by Ritzen in Vienna and premiered by the former concertmaster of Chongqing Philharmonic Festival Orchestra. This was conducted by Ritzen under his baton and famous works such as Beethoven's Fifth Symphony in May 2021 at the same venue.

When asked about his motivation for creating this new symphony, Ritzen explained that since he assumed the position of music director and composer in residence at the Chongqing Performance Arts Group, he wished to make an impact by creating a new work that blended western harmony with Chinese musical elements. This combination is particularly evident in the third movement 'Scherzo,' which is based on the Chongqing folk song "Leaf Jewellery Box" and features many traditional instruments played in China.

The first movement, "Chongqing Starlight," was first composed late one snowy evening in Vienna. Ritzen took inspiration from his experience of walking through Chongqing amid the dazzling city lights and developed upon the footstep-like rhythms to incorporate the scenic elements of skyline, bridges, and vessels sailing along the great rivers in a musical picture of harmony befitting this southwestern metropolis in China.

A deeply warming yet melancholic piece named 'Adagio' provides the fourth movement as a Chinese love story closely linked with the composer's personal life. Married to a Taiwanese lady, the melody captures the ups and downs experienced in any relationship, and stringed instruments take the lead in expressing feelings retained deep at heart.

Ritzen has enjoyed a colorful rise to fame in his musical career, which began at the precocious age of three under the tutelage of a distinguished pianist and nun. Later, he gained a scholarship at the Royal Music Conservatory of Ghent for piano and chamber music before moving on to the Mozarteum in Salzburg, Austria, where he studied with the renowned Russian pianist Tatiana Nikolayeva.

Finally, he graduated from the Ecole Normale de Musique de Paris "Alfred Cortot" with the diploma d'execution superior in 1984 and went on to secure a performing career in music when he relocated to Taiwan. There, he regularly appeared on television to play Chinese folk songs and improvisations during the late 80s and early 90s.

His next breakthrough came with the Hong Kong record company NAXOS in the early nineties. Since famous composers like Beethoven, Liszt, and Rachmaninov had already been widely performed and recorded by various musicians, the director of NAXOS wished to have Ritzen perform the works of a relatively unknown artist. The director was excited to learn that Ritzen played music written by the Polish composer Theodor Leschetizky, whose granddaughter he had previously met with in Vienna.

In total, Ritzen has released eight albums through NAXOS and related labels, including "The Art of Improvisation," which drew on his unique gift where he blends musical traditions dating from the nineteenth century.

Later, Ritzen recorded the Leschetizky Piano Concerto with the Shanghai Philharmonic Orchestra, an experience that founded his strong affinity and long-term association with Mainland China, ultimately leading him to the position of 'composer in residence' with the Chongqing Music Association.

Now, Ritzen's focus is on bringing the beauty of classical music to the next generation. He has taught masterclasses at numerous universities and conservatories worldwide, including in the US, Europe, and Asia, and has given lectures on a range of topics, from music history to performance technique.

In addition, Ritzen is committed to promoting cultural exchange and understanding through music. He has collaborated with musicians from different backgrounds and cultures and has composed works that reflect the diversity of the human experience. His latest symphony, which blends Western and Chinese musical elements, is a testament to his dedication to this cause.

As Ritzen looks to the future, he remains passionate about music and its power to connect people across borders and cultures. He hopes to continue creating and sharing his music with audiences around the world and to inspire future generations of musicians to follow in his footsteps.

(He Hanyue, as an intern, also contributed to this report)