Interview: Orchestra landscape in China to be extremely excellent, says Vienna Philharmonic chairman

Source: Xinhua| 2018-10-26 22:25:48|Editor: Li Xia
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VIENNA, Oct. 26 (Xinhua) -- There will be "an extremely excellent orchestral landscape in China," with the ever increasing number of highly-talented musicians coupled with a strong public interest, Daniel Froschauer, chairman of the Vienna Philharmonic said.

China is witnessing a boom in its western classical music scene, said Froschauer, adding that orchestras in China, like the Shanghai Symphony Orchestra, are highly impressive.

Proof provided by Froschauer was Austrian conductor Franz Welser-Most, who was impressed by the performance while attending the 2018 Shanghai Grand Theatre New Year's Concert.

Continued exposure to the world stage will allow China to add finesse to the performance.

Numerous highlights were seen in Vienna Philharmonic's history since its establishment in 1842, including ones when members played at the premiere of renowned pieces such as Symphony No. 9 by Ludwig van Beethoven. All these experiences have helped shape the world famous orchestra, said Froschauer.

During visits to China, Froschauer noticed that the public expressed a keen interest in cultural aspects of music. Moreover, they understand it well.

Children in China are brought by parents to witness an orchestral performance, something Froschauer held as a positive phenomenon. They can then pick up the musical instruments and try for themselves. There is also a high number of respected Chinese musicians whom children can look up to for inspiration.

During its 2018 China Tour from Nov. 26 to Dec. 2, the Vienna Philharmonic will hold six concerts in Tianjin, Guangzhou and Shanghai.

For Froschauer, Welser-Most is the big star of the tour. The Vienna Philharmonic does not often have a home-grown conductor. Welser-Most certainly adds an Austrian character to the team, said Froschauer.

During last year's visit, Chinese audience appeared to prefer music with strong rhythms over the constant melody-based pieces, said Froschauer, adding that the orchestra will select music which match the Chinese audience's taste.

Dvorak's Overture Carnival, will be included, which, Froschauer anticipates, will be well-received.

Some of Froschauer's colleagues are teaching music in China and have established ties in order to enable Chinese students to study music in Vienna.

China's classical music has always impressed Froschauer with its tonal diversity and richness in melody, such as those in the Butterfly Lovers' Violin Concerto. The music has a melody seldom found in other modern music, he said.

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