Suzhou Symphony Orchestra revisits 'Dream of the Red Chamber' in new production

"I am not playing Baoyu," Ouyang says. "I am remembering him."

That distinction shapes the original symphonic music drama A Dream of Red Mansions— Resound, produced by Suzhou Symphony Orchestra.

The orchestra, founded in 2016, is composed of nearly 90 musicians from 15 countries and regions and is one of the most internationally diverse orchestras in China.

Combining symphony orchestra, folk instruments, narration, singers and film projections, the production marks the 40th anniversary of the television series while asking a broader question: How should one of China's greatest novels speak to contemporary audiences?

Instead of adapting the sprawling classic in full, the creators concentrate on its emotional center — the tragic love between Jia Baoyu and Lin Daiyu.