Concert pays tribute to a brilliant composer

Aconcert featuring the works of Russia-born Jewish composer Aaron Avshalomov (1894-1964), commemorating his 130th birthday, took place on Sept 12 at the Shanghai Symphony Hall. Conducted by the composer's grandson, David Avshalomov, the Shanghai Symphony Orchestra opened the evening with his best-known piece, Peiping Hutongs.

The audience was treated to a unique audio feast including familiar Peking Opera tunes, a bustle at a marketplace, and even a solemn funeral procession, giving them a vibe of life in Beijing's byways and broadways from dawn to dusk.

Peiping Hutongs is widely recognized as one of Aaron Avshalomov's most iconic works. Previously, the Shanghai Symphony Orchestra took this piece in 2017 to Switzerland, playing at the Lucerne Festival, one of the leading international classical music festivals.

Aaron Avshalomov was born in Siberia, Russia, and came to China in 1918. He lived in Beijing for several years, and settled in Shanghai in 1929, where he kicked off a prolific music career before leaving for the United States to join his family in 1947.