Commemorating Liu Tianhua and the 101st Anniversary of the Founding of the Peking University Music Training Institute  

In 1922, the New Culture Movement and the May Fourth Movement were heating up in China. A group of young musicians represented by Xiao Youmei, Yang Zhongzi, Yi Weizhai, and Liu Tianhua gathered in Beijing at that time. Suggested by Xiao Youmei and supported by President of Peking University, Cai Yuanpei, the Music Training Institute was founded at Peking University, marking the start of China’s professional music education. The institute brought together cutting-edge intellectuals and musicians, and Zhao Yuanren, Liu Bannong, Hu Shi and others often participated in the activities held by the institute. Therefore, the greatest works of the institute were produced in the midst of Chinese and Western music, which has become the spirit of Chinese musicians that drives the Chinese music industry. The first symphony orchestra composed of Chinese musicians was also formed at this institute. Since then, China has had a voice on the symphony stage. Looking back at the past century, the masters laid a solid foundation for China’s music industry with their youth, showing their breakthroughs and innovation and leaving their own marks on the culture of Beijing.

On September 22, 2023, the opening concert of the 25th and 26th Beijing Music Festival will be presented with the theme “A Centenary of Heritage” to commemorate the 101st anniversary of the founding of the Peking University Music Training Institute. The concert also pays homage to the breakthroughs and innovative spirit of the musicians represented by Liu Tianhua and commemorates the mission of cultural inheritance of Beijing, the cultural capital.

Classic works composed by Xiao Youmei, Zhao Yuanren and Liu Tianhua in the last century and Un temps disparu composed by contemporary composer Chen Qigang will be played in this concert. The melody represents the cultural inheritance of Chinese musicians.

Commemorating Liu Tianhua is a Concerto for Orchestra composed for the Chinese traditional orchestra and the Western orchestra.

Commissioned by Beijing Music Festival, composer Zou Ye composed Commemorating Liu Tianhua. The themes are selected from Liu’s erhu and pipa works. In the concerto, all parts play leading roles and support other instruments. The concerto is divided into three movements, named after Liu’s works: the first movement Progress, the second movement Pleasant Night, and the third movement Brightness. The entire concerto involves almost all themes of Liu’s erhu and pipa works, which are integrated into the whole work. By presenting Liu’s original works in the form of symphony, the concerto reflects the great age and Liu Tianhua’s spirit.

This orchestra concerto is performed by two different orchestras: a Chinese traditional orchestra and a Western orchestra. They are different in musical aesthetics and sound production, but this does not mean it is a mixed orchestra. Rather, the two orchestras play in harmony and serve as multiple facets of one orchestra.

Performance Information

Time: 19:30, Friday, September 22, 2023

Location: Poly Theater

Cello: Mo Mo

Soprano: Zhang Liping

Orchestra: China Philharmonic Orchestra, Beijing Chinese Orchestra

Conductor: Yang Yang

Composer: Chen Qigang, Zou Ye

【Programme】

Chen Qigang: Un temps disparu (cello and orchestra)

Xiao Youmei: Ask

Zhao Yuanren (adapted by Zou Ye): Listen to the Rain

Zhao Yuanren (adapted by Zou Ye): Vase Flowers

Zhao Yuanren (adapted by: Zou Ye): Teach Me How to Not Miss Her

—Intermission—

Zou Ye: Commemorating Liu Tianhua (orchestra concerto for Chinese traditional orchestra and Western orchestra)

(The themes are selected from Liu Tianhua’s erhu and pipa works.)

The first movement: Progress (sonata and allegro)

The second movement: Pleasant Night (andante cantabile)

The third movement: Brightness (finale and sonata rondo)