Volkswagen Import presents Staatskapelle Dresden China Tour 2015

Waves of thunderous applause rolled from the audience at the National Center for the Performing Arts in Beijing when the Staatskapelle Dresden, one of the oldest and finest orchestras in the world, ended its performance on Thursday.

The orchestra was on its third stop in China during its 2015 China Tour, and Volkswagen Import is presenting at the event.

Phaeton, a Volkswagen luxury model, is serving as the official car for the orchestra's tour.

Founded in 1548, the Staatskapelle Dresden represents more than four centuries of German commitment to high culture and tireless pursuit of perfection.

The orchestra's commanding performances of European classical music have captivated audiences throughout the world.

The orchestra began its China journey on Monday in Shanghai then played on Wednesday in Wuhan, Central China's Hubei province.

It is scheduled to perform in Beijing on Thursday and Friday and the last performance will be held in Tianjin on Saturday.

South Korean maestro Chung Myung-whun, who is known for his mastery of European music, is serving as principal guest conductor of the orchestra.

The musical journey reflects Volkswagen's belief that culture has a positive impact on society and the close bond between the company and Staatskapelle Dresden showcases Volkswagen's corporate values toward culture and social responsibility.

As part of "Volkswagen Culture Wave", the company is committed to building a platform of world-class art and cultural experiences across China, which represents its dedication to creating opportunities to experience high-level cultural events and performances for Chinese customers.

Till Scheer, managing director of Volkswagen Import, said: "Over the past 460 years, Dresden's name has become synonymous with Germany's tradition of musical excellence, even having been praised by Beethoven himself as'the best in Europe'.

"Volkswagen Import brings the excellence of German engineering to China, so we are very proud to bring the audiences the finest of German classical music. We hope the audience could sense the elegance, timelessness and sophistication of the music, just as they can with the cars."

As an ambassador for refinement, the acclaimed Dresden-based orchestra has been the strategic partner of Volkswagen's transparent factory, in Dresden, for more than eight years.

During its China tour, the orchestra is performing Beethoven's Symphony No 2 in D Major, Op 36, and Mahler's Symphony No 4 in G Major, Das himmlische leben.

Chung is one of the most celebrated conductors today. Since 2001, he has regularly collaborated with the Staatskapelle, conducting the orchestra in numerous concerts, opera performances and on tour.

Hanna-Elisabeth Muller, a leading soprano, has stolen the limelight during the performances.

Over its long history, many distinguished conductors and internationally celebrated instrumentalists have left their mark on the orchestra. At a ceremony in Brussels in 2007, the Staatskapelle became the first - and so far only - orchestra to be awarded the European Prize for the Preservation of the World's Musical Heritage.

Previous directors include Heinrich Schutz, Johann Adolf Hasse, Carl Maria von Weber and Richard Wagner, who called the ensemble a "miraculous harp".

A number of prominent conductors have also directed the orchestra.

As one of the world's most celebrated and popular symphony orchestras, the Staatskapelle regularly performs at the world's leading classical venues.

From 2013, the Staatskapelle Dresden has been the resident orchestra of the Salzburg Easter Festival, whose artistic director is Christian Thielemann.

Phaeton MY15

With outstanding performance, the Phaeton MY15, the 2015 edition of the luxury car, hit the Chinese market in June.

The vehicle perfectly combines safety, comfort and tranquility with driving pleasure.

The Phaeton MY15 features the unique 4MOTION and Adaptive Air Suspension.

No matter whether it is tackling the sharp turns of a mountain terrain or flat roads by the coast, Phaeton maintains excellent stability in accelerating, braking and cornering. Everything is smooth and quiet.

Coupled with the noise insulating, double-glazed windows and electric suction doors, driving at speed can be comfortable and peaceful.

Furthermore, the Phaeton MY15 utilizes a double safety system with a dual fuel pump supply system and dual battery system, ensuring the strongest endurance with uncompromising safety.

In addition to the 18-way adjustable front seats, the Phaeton MY15 also features a rear seat entertainment system with Bluetooth, onboard Wi-Fi and air conditioning, so that passengers can ride in comfort.

yangcheng@chinadaily.com.cn

South Korean conductor Chung Myung-whun (left), who is serving as principal guest conductor of the Staatskapelle Dresden's 2015 China Tour, stands beside a Phaeton, a luxury model in the Volkswagen family.