Chongqing - The esteemed Russian State Symphony Orchestra, celebrated as one of Russia’s most historic symphony orchestras, graced the Chongqing Grand Theater with a spectacular New Year’s Concert on January 10. Under the baton of the globally renowned conductor Ayub Guliyev, the orchestra presented a magnificent array of Russian symphonic masterpieces.
The Russian State Symphony Orchestra held a New Year’s Concert at the Chongqing Grand Theater on January 10. (Photo/Xin Fei)
Established in 1936, the Russian State Symphony Orchestra stands as a bastion of Russia’s rich cultural heritage. Their first international performance dates back to the 1950s. Since then, touring Europe, North America, and Asia, the orchestra has garnered universal acclaim, enchanting audiences of diverse ages and backgrounds.
The Russian State Symphony Orchestra held a New Year’s Concert at the Chongqing Grand Theater on January 10. (Photo/Xin Fei)
Ayub Guliyev, a celebrated conductor, alongside the eminent pianist Theodosia Ntokou, were special guests at Chongqing’s New Year’s Concert. Both artists are revered figures in the world of symphonic music, fueling high anticipation for the concert among the audience.
The orchestra invited Ayub Guliyev, a famous conductor, to play at the New Year’s Concert in Chongqing. (Photo/Xin Fei)
The famous pianist Theodosia Ntokou is performing. (Photo/Xin Fei)
The performance commenced at 7:30 p.m. with the Light Cavalry Overture, captivating the audience with its brisk tempo and grandeur. The orchestra’s repertoire included Russian classics such as Shostakovich’s Piano Concerto No. 2 in F Major and Johann Strauss II’s Kaiser-Walzer. A highlight was Tchaikovsky’s iconic The Nutcracker, showcasing the orchestra’s exquisite string section. The music transported the audience into a whimsical world, responding with enthusiastic applause.
A notable moment occurred during the Blue Danube Waltz. As the conductor’s baton swayed, the audience’s applause synchronized with the orchestra’s rhythm, creating an unforgettable symphonic experience.
The outstanding performance won rounds of applause from the audience. (Photo/Xin Fei)
“Happy New Year!” echoed through the concert hall as the performance concluded. Ayub Guliyev and the orchestra extended their New Year greetings with three beloved pieces: Liuyang River, Moscow Nights, and Spring Festival Overture. The atmosphere was electrifying as the concert culminated with these cherished melodies. The audience’s cheers and applause mirrored the warmth and joy of the festive music.
Ayub Guliyev’s dynamic conducting style was particularly memorable. An Songsong, an audience member, remarked, “This was my first time witnessing such a vibrant conductor. His ability to embody different characters through the music was truly remarkable.”
For many attendees, the New Year’s Concert was more than a musical event; it was a celebration of the year gone by and a hopeful welcome to 2024. He Wen, General Manager of the Chongqing Grand Theater, shared, “With music, we and the audience stepped into a new year filled with hope and dreams.”
He emphasized the global tradition of ringing in the New Year with symphonic music. The Chongqing Grand Theatre hosted several such concerts this year. “Our aim with these New Year’s concerts is to offer cultural enrichment and inspire more people to appreciate and love classical music,” he added.
(Zheng Siyu, as an intern, also contributed to the report)