Harbin Symphony Orchestra to perform in Madrid on Tuesday

The Harbin Symphony Orchestra is set to perform a grand symphony concert titled Ode to Civilization on Tuesday evening in Madrid, Spain.

Jointly organized by the Chinese Embassy in Spain and the city of Harbin in Heilongjiang province, the performance is designed to be a cultural exchange between the two cities demonstrating a mutual appreciation of civilizations.

Founded in 1908, the Harbin Symphony Orchestra was the first truly symphonic orchestra in China. It has a reputation for giving vigorous and elegant performances.

Ode to Civilization is an original symphonic arrangement created by the Harbin Symphony Orchestra in collaboration with 10 other domestic symphony orchestras. It was commissioned from composer and conductor Wang Ning, who dedicated a year and a half to the creation.

The symphony was conceived in response to the United Nations General Assembly's establishment of June 10 as the International Day for Dialogue Among Civilizations and premiered in Harbin on June 10, 2025.

The orchestra will break the boundaries of the stage by engaging in square exchanges and street flash mob activities. They will also present relaxed and flexible chamber music and small instrumental performances, using music to transcend the boundaries of language and culture.

A photo exhibit of Harbin's ice and snow culture will be held alongside the performance.