Festival will mark 80th anniversary of popular cantata

The Central Conservatory of Music will hold a festival from May 23 to 27 to celebrate the 80th anniversary of The Yellow River Cantata.

Written by composer Xian Xinghai (1905–1945) in Yan'an, Shaanxi province, in early 1939, the piece was inspired by a patriotic poem by Guang Weiran, and the lyrics were adapted for the cantata. Premiered on April 13 of the same year in Yan'an, the work became, and remains, popular.

The conservatory's symphony orchestra, choirs and chamber music groups will join in the festival with 20 concerts, including the opening concert on May 23 conducted by Yu Feng, president of the university. The Yellow River Cantata will be performed by young singers.

Veteran Chinese musicians and singers, including Guo Shuzhen and Wang Xiufen, will perform during the festival.

Besides concerts, masterclasses and forums will be held in Yan'an.

The music festival will also celebrate the 70th birthday of the country.