Maestro orchestrates a ripple effect

Symphony's newly appointed artistic adviser to add lesser-known masterpieces to its repertoire, celebrating exchanges and delighting fans, Chen Nan reports.

A year after maestro Shui Lan took up the baton as artistic adviser of the China National Symphony Orchestra, a quiet yet meaningful transformation has begun to ripple through its ranks.

On July 18, under Shui's direction, the orchestra brought its 2024-25 season to a close with a powerful performance at the National Centre for the Performing Arts in Beijing, featuring works by Wagner, Beethoven, and Brahms. On July 19, the musicians gathered again to unveil plans for the 2025-26 season, again under Shui's artistic leadership.

"What brings me the greatest satisfaction is conducting works that are rarely performed," says Shui, reflecting on his first year with the orchestra. "There are many extraordinary pieces that audiences seldom get to hear. We want to broaden the orchestra's repertoire, deliver performances at the highest artistic level, and bring these lesser-known masterpieces to life to offer audiences something fresh and unexpected."