Resounding through time

On Aug 8, Chinese composer and conductor Tan Dun's Beethoven-inspired work, The Nine Project, will premiere in Bonn. Tan will conduct the German National Youth Orchestra and the World Youth Choir to perform the work that inspired him: Beethoven's 9th Symphony.

The Bonn Beethovenfest 2020 will invite orchestras from Germany and abroad to perform the virtuoso's compositions, including all nine of his symphonies, between March and September.

"Bonn will hold live concerts of Beethoven's works throughout the year," Birkner says.

"It's also rare that audiences will be able to enjoy his works that are less frequently played."

Such neighboring cities as Leipzig and Dresden will also host orchestra performances of Beethoven's music.

A special project aspires to "complete" the maestro's 10th and final symphony, which exists only as fragmented drafts, using artificial intelligence and an algorithm that analyzes all of his works, Birkner says.

The GNTB is developing a WeChat mini-program to introduce information like travel tips to Chinese travelers, Li says.

As for the impact of the recent outbreak of the novel coronavirus in China, the GNTB authorities say it's estimated that it may cause a decrease of inbound visits to Germany and they're adjusting their marketing strategies in China to tackle the issue.

Contact the writer at xulin@chinadaily.com.cn