A symphony for all seasons

"One of the most important things about the development of the classical music scene is the younger generation of musicians," says Yu. "When I was a young conductor, many older musicians helped and inspired me. Now, we need to do the same thing for the young, who are always a major part of our performing season."

On Sept 21, trumpet player Yang Xunji, who just graduated from the Central Conservatory of Music with a master's degree, will play Shostakovich's concerto for piano, trumpet and orchestra, also known as Piano Concerto No 1 in C Minor, Op 35, under the baton of conductor Zhang Guoyong at the Forbidden City Concert Hall.

"It's one of my favorite pieces, it's witty and brilliant, and leaves plenty of room for sparkling virtuosity," says Yang, who joined the CPO in 2021 and has been its principal trumpet player since 2022.

Yang will also perform Chen Qigang's Joie Eternelle (Eternal Joy) for the trumpet and orchestra in a concert at the NCPA on Nov 22 under the baton of conductor Huang Yi.

"The piece sets up a lot of challenges for the player, not only in terms of musical expression and techniques, but also sheer physicality. I am thrilled to perform it, and hope that I can bring this unforgettable tune alive with the sound of the trumpet," says Yang.

The trumpet player recently won first place in the Orchestral Excerpts Division of the 2024 Ryan Anthony Memorial Trumpet Competition, which was held during the 48th Annual International Trumpet Guild Conference. The guild is a worldwide organization of trumpeters, and the conference took place in Los Angeles between May 28 and June 1.

"A Chinese player has won this international award for the first time, filling a gap in the field of the trumpet," the Central Conservatory of Music stated in a congratulation letter to Yang, which was released on June 6.

"The orchestra has provided many young people like me with opportunities and a platform. Since I joined, Yu has entrusted me with important solo passages from many challenging pieces," says Yang.

According to Yu, with more and more female conductors than ever before, the orchestra also wants to encourage young Chinese female conductors to take the stage.

Next April 27, 30-year-old female conductor Cui Linhan will perform a concert of music by Prokofiev, including Symphony No 1 in D Major, Op 25, which is often referred to as the "Classical", and Violin Concerto No 2, Op 63, which will feature violinist Julian Rachlin.