On August 6th local time, the China NCPA Orchestra successfully kicked off the first stop of its 2025 European tour. Making its debut at the Edinburgh International Festival, the orchestra delivered a triumphant performance. Nearly all 2,000 seats at the century-old Usher Hall were filled. The concert was attended by Chinese Ambassador to the UK ZHENG Zeguang and his wife, as well as Chinese Consul General in Edinburgh ZHANG Biao and his delegation. Also present were Francesca Hegyi, Chief Executive of the Edinburgh International Festival, and many prominent figures from Scotland's cultural and artistic circles.
This European tour is led by ZHAO Haiying, Deputy Secretary of CPC Leading Group of the NCPA and Executive Vice President of the NCPA. During the tour, the orchestra will collaborate with internationally renowned conductor Myung-Whun Chung, pianist Bruce Liu, among other artists, presenting concerts from August 6th to 15th in five cities across the UK, Spain, and Germany. In addition, two cultural exchange events will be held in Edinburgh, UK, and Frankfurt, Germany.
Following the tour's opening concert, Vice President of the NCPA ZHAO Haiying remarked that as the 15th anniversary of the orchestra's founding is marked, it is a great source of pride that the China NCPA Orchestra is able to join forces with world-class artists and take the stage at renowned European festivals to showcase the remarkable achievements of Chinese symphonic music in the new era. This is a powerful expression of China's cultural confidence. At the same time, through the works presented on this tour, China's stories are being told and China's voice is being conveyed in a more vivid way through the language of symphonic music, allowing more people to experience the charm of Chinese culture. It also helps to promote a trustworthy, lovable, and respectable image of China to the world.
The opening concert of the tour in Edinburgh also marked the China NCPA Orchestra's debut in the UK. Amid the vibrant atmosphere of the Edinburgh International Festival, conductor Myung-Whun Chung took the stage to enthusiastic applause and led the orchestra in performing Chinese composer CHEN Qigang's representative work Wu Xing (The Five Elements). Its profound philosophical rhythm quickly drew the European audience into an immersive artistic experience.
Following that, Chopin Piano Competition winner Bruce Liu performed Ravel's Piano Concerto in G Major with the orchestra, delivering a stunning interpretation to the audience. The richly layered and vividly coloured musical dialogue fully showcased the pianist's synergy with the orchestra and their undeniable artistic mastery. Amid cheers and applause, Bruce Liu returned for an encore with Chopin's Fantaisie-Impromptu in C-sharp Minor. His delicate touch and abundant emotion moved many in the audience to tears. Rosemary, a longtime Edinburgh local nearing seventy, said that this was the most moving performance she has heard in many years. If the orchestra visits again, she will definitely come.
In the second half of the concert, the orchestra joined forces with German organ master Hans-Jörg Albrecht to perform the monumental Symphony No. 3 in C minor, "Organ" by Saint-Saëns. Presented within the highly resonant acoustics of Usher Hall, the performance delivered a breathtaking audio-visual experience. The standing ovation lasting over ten minutes was a testament to the European audience's full recognition of the artists' excellence. Amid cheers and applause, conductor Myung-Whun Chung led the orchestra back on stage for an encore performance of Bizet's Overture to Carmen, receiving overwhelming acclaim once again. Many audience members lingered after the concert, unwilling to leave as they watched the orchestra depart.
A French audience member said that this was her first time hearing a live performance by an orchestra from China. The music was powerful and emotional, connecting people from different cultural backgrounds. Among the audience that evening was Mr. DAI, who traveled all the way from Hong Kong, China. He has been a loyal fan and friend of the China NCPA Orchestra for many years. He flew to Edinburgh specifically for the concert and planned to depart the following day. Mr. DAI said that he had been to Edinburgh many times, but this time feels completely different. This was a historic moment that fulfilled a decades-long dream—finally seeing his country's orchestra perform here. The performance was fully worthy of a world-class orchestra. He was extremely happy, satisfied, and fulfilled.
After the performance, conductor Myung-Whun Chung was visibly moved. He said that the last time he came to Edinburgh was thirty years ago. Thirty years later, many people wouldn't have imagined that he would return—this time, on tour with the China NCPA Orchestra. Some asked him why he chose to embark on this endeavour. He said, Edinburgh is just as enchanting as it was thirty years ago, still filled with a wonderful artistic atmosphere. And China has undergone tremendous changes in those three decades. Judging from the concert, this orchestra—still relatively young in its history—has already made remarkable progress in just a few years, let alone thirty years. Such an achievement deserves to be known by the world and will inspire the world. That was exactly why he wanted to tour Europe with the China NCPA Orchestra. The applause from the Edinburgh audience said it all.
The day after the concert, artists from the China NCPA Orchestra visited Edinburgh City Chambers to participate in the event "Moving Forward Together—The NCPA at Edinburgh City Chambers." Supported by the Chinese Consulate-General in Edinburgh, the City of Edinburgh Council, and the China NCPA, the event marked a new cultural bridge between China and Europe through the power of music, in celebration of the 50th anniversary of China-EU diplomatic relations.
Following this, the NCPA Orchestra will continue its tour to Saffron Walden in the UK, Santander in Spain, and Koblenz and Hamburg in Germany, performing at several renowned European arts festivals and prestigious concert venues.
The China NCPA Orchestra's 2025 European tour is supported by the orchestra's strategic partner, Bank of China, and the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries. The tour's cultural exchange activities are generously supported by the Arts Development Foundation of NCPA and Beijing Financial Street Capital Operation Group Co., Ltd.
