Chongqing - On December 12, the Chongqing Grand Theater buzzed with an atmosphere of busy efficiency. Lighting technicians were meticulously adjusting angles, while traditional Chinese instruments like the erhu, ruan, and pipa were tuned to perfection. 

Under the guidance of He Jianguo, the director and chief conductor of the Chongqing Symphony Orchestra, every member of the orchestra diligently rehearsed for the upcoming large-scale orchestral concert Sailing Towards the Sky, scheduled for December 15. This intensive preparation, a hallmark of their commitment to excellence, will persist until the day of the performance, aiming to deliver an unparalleled audio-visual experience to the audience.

The convergence of Chinese and Western instruments - erhu with violin, pipa with piano - raises an intriguing question: what kind of musical magic will emerge from their collaboration? "Symphony of Epochs," a creative support project endorsed by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of the People's Republic of China, will feature prominently in the upcoming large-scale orchestral concert Sailing Towards the Sky. This event, showcasing the combined talents of the Chongqing Symphony Orchestra and the Sichuan Philharmonic Orchestra, promises to be a spectacle of harmonious allure.

The rehearsal of Sailing Towards the Sky on December 12 at Chongqing Grand Theatre (Photo/Chongqing Daily)

The Chongqing Symphony Orchestra takes an innovative approach by blending traditional Chinese orchestral instruments with modern musical styles. This fusion encompasses solos, a diverse repertoire, popular music vocals, instrumental performances, and a melding of Chinese and Western orchestral elements. The result is a multi-faceted musical structure, presented in various stages, offering a diverse and vibrant interpretation. This approach passionately captures the essence of the new era, reflecting the dynamic charm of Chongqing's landscape and weaving a romantic narrative between its scenic beauty and the emotions it evokes.

On the other hand, the concert is structured into eight distinct chapters, each movement infused with a distinctly Chongqing flair. Capturing the city's ever-changing and memorable landscapes, the Sailing Towards the Sky concert promises to offer audiences a journey through profound and timeless emotions, much like the enduring beauty of Chongqing itself.

The rehearsal of Sailing Towards the Sky on December 12 at Chongqing Grand Theatre (Photo/Chongqing Daily)

On the morning of December 11, Feng Yunle, the conductor of the Chongqing Symphony Orchestra, made his way to Chengdu to commence rehearsals with the Sichuan Philharmonic Orchestra. "The orchestration of Chinese folk and symphonic music differs greatly in terms of frequency distribution and intensity," Feng Yunle explained. "It's crucial to balance these elements, harnessing the grandeur of the symphony while encapsulating the distinctiveness of the national style." He highlighted that the Sailing Towards the Sky concert uniquely blends the two orchestras, incorporating both refined segments and authentic local folk melodies. The program, enriched with popular songs, spans a diverse range, promising a concert experience that is as innovative as it is rejuvenating for the audience.

The Chongqing Symphony Orchestra's attempts at innovation extend well beyond Sailing Towards the Sky. Throughout the year, the orchestra has presented over 200 performances, consistently introducing fresh and distinctive themes. This includes the Quartet of Folk Music Through the Seasons, a concert series inspired by the twenty-four solar terms, and the Journeying with Renowned Mentors series, among others. These performances, characterized by their unique themes and styles, offer audiences an engaging and enjoyable way to connect with traditional Chinese culture.

The impact of the Chongqing Symphony Orchestra's innovative approach is markedly evident. Wang Yali, the orchestra's principal, and a talented young erhu player, shares her insights from her firsthand interactions with audiences. She explains how each performance subtly conveys an artistic aesthetic, guiding the audience on how to appreciate the concert. This guidance is not prescriptive but rather a gentle, permeating influence. "For instance, in a suite with multiple movements, knowledgeable audience members, after referring to the program, typically refrain from applauding mid-performance to maintain the flow," Wang Yali observes. "Now, the majority of our audience, even those new to our performances, instinctively follow this rhythm, which is a testament to their deep immersion in the music." Wang's observations reflect a growing sophistication and engagement among the audience, indicating a successful cultural exchange through music.

The profound connection between the performers and the audience is a significant source of inspiration for musicians like Yali Wang. "It's especially heartening when, after numerous performances, the conductor exits the stage, yet the audience lingers, still immersed in the experience," Wang Yali reflects. She anticipates a similar response when the melodies of Sailing Towards the Sky echo through the Chongqing Grand Theatre, envisioning an audience so captivated by the performance that they are hesitant to depart, basking in the afterglow of the musical journey.

(Cheng Jialu, as an intern, also contributed to this report.)