Yunnan's roses bring a touch of warmth to Beijing concert

Conducted by Huang Yi, the Kunming Nie Er Symphony Orchestra performed at the National Centre for the Performing Arts in Beijing on Thursday.

Through a range of commissioned work, including Symphonic Cycle: The Poem of Colorful Clouds by Zhang Zhao, Hunting Song by Huang Hui, and Symphonic Suite Ashima, arranged by Zou Ye and based on the soundtrack of the film of the same name, the orchestra put on a symphony of musical elements from Yunnan province.

According to Huang Yi, who is also artistic director, the orchestra began its professional journey in 2016, and is now entering its ninth concert season.

It is named after Nie Er (1912-35), the famous songwriter born in Kunming, who moved to Shanghai in 1930. In 1935, under his real name of Nie Shouxin, he and poet, scriptwriter and lyricist Tian Han (1898-1968), composed March of the Volunteers. The song that encouraged soldiers and civilians during the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression (1931-45) and was later chosen as the national anthem.

Other pieces included the Symphonic Suite Nine Er and National Anthem by Li Cangsang.

After the performance, the orchestra gave everyone who attended a red rose to symbolize the warmth of Yunnan.