Chongqing - On the evening of December 27, the 2026 New Year Concert by the Voice of Vienna Symphony Orchestra of Austria, hosted by the Chongqing International Culture Association, was held at the Chongqing Grand Theatre, presenting local audiences with a musical feast that seamlessly blended Western classical masterpieces with beloved Chinese compositions.
At around 7:30 p.m., as the lights dimmed, conductor Mason David Lubert stepped onto the stage to warm applause, greeting the audience with a cheerful "Hello, Chongqing." With a graceful lift of the baton, Johann Strauss II's lively Overture to Die Fledermaus instantly ignited the atmosphere. The program continued with festive and familiar melodies, including Spring Festival Overture and Fritz Kreisler's Tambourin Chinois, allowing Eastern and Western musical elements to resonate and intertwine on stage, immersing the audience in the universal language of music.
On the evening of December 27, the 2026 New Year Concert by the Voice of Vienna Symphony Orchestra of Austria was staged at the Chongqing Grand Theatre. (Photo: Deng Yan)
The second half opened with Franz von Suppè's powerful Light Cavalry Overture, followed by a series of vocal highlights performed by Austrian soprano Tanja Ruzdjak. She delivered acclaimed arias from Mozart's Le Nozze di Figaro and Lehár's The Merry Widow, before presenting the Chinese folk song Jasmine Flower in Chinese. Stepping offstage, she interacted warmly with the audience, inviting them to sing along. Her expressive and lyrical rendition drew a gentle chorus from the crowd, creating a touching moment of shared emotion and cultural connection.
Tanja Ruzdjak said that she fell in love with Jasmine Flower the first time she heard it. She spent considerable time listening to the melody repeatedly, studying various recordings, and practicing Chinese pronunciation to capture its unique charm. "I care deeply about the audience's response," she said. "I hope they feel welcome to sing with me, so that we can build an emotional connection through music." Her wish came true as the audience responded with soft, heartfelt participation.
Soprano Tanja Ruzdjak. (Photo: Deng Yan)
Conductor Mason David Lubert, who was visiting China and Chongqing for the first time, said he was deeply impressed by the city. "Everything here is overwhelming in the best way," he said. "The warmth and enthusiasm of the Chinese people make both me and the orchestra feel truly welcomed." He added that Chinese music's distinctive character fascinated him, and performing Chinese works during the concert allowed him to feel strongly the joyful atmosphere shared by musicians and audience.
Conductor Mason David Lubert. (Photo: Deng Yan)
Ruzdjak also expressed her admiration for Chongqing, describing it as "a city that is both grand and beautiful." She was particularly struck by the skyline of towering buildings, lush greenery, and bridges spanning the rivers. What touched her most, however, was the friendliness of the people. "Everyone is open and willing to communicate and share their thoughts," she said. "That kind of atmosphere is incredibly precious."
The concert concluded on a high note with Johann Strauss I's Radetzky March. As the familiar rhythm filled the hall, the audience joined in clapping along, turning the theatre into a joyful sea of sound. Applause and music merged into a warm and festive New Year's symphony.
Music knows no borders, and culture thrives through exchange. The Voice of Vienna Symphony Orchestra of Austria's visit to Chongqing not only brought authentic European classical music to local audiences but also embraced Chinese works with openness and respect. As the final notes faded, what lingered in the Chongqing Grand Theatre was not only a beautiful melody, but a resonant harmony of dialogue between Eastern and Western civilizations.