Performance time：Apr 8,7：15pm

　　Performance place：Shanghai Symphony Hall—Concert Hall

　　

　　As the earliest and ongoing music festival after foundation of PeopleRepublic of China, SSIMF is realistic epitome and precious witnessof the developmentin practice and theory of Chinese music. SSIMF is the birth place of numerous historic music masterpieces and becomes common memoryof people for several generations. 2019 will greet the 70th anniversary of founding of PeopleRepublic of China. To celebratethe grandioseevent and stimulateaspirationand ambition of all Chinese in joint efforts for Dream of China, the classic works, full of spirit of patriotism and that of the times, will be selected from repertoires of past SSIMFs for Opening Ceremony of 36th SSIMF, composed by noted composers of the older generationin Shanghai or even in China. Opening Ceremony will be performed by Shanghai SymphonyOrchestra,"Trip of Love" Chorus of Jiangsu Province Performing Art Group,Shanghai Youth Choir and China Welfare Institute Children’s Palace Little Companion Art Troupe, conducted by ChenXieyang, with performance of Liao Changyong, Wei Song and Fang Qiong. These popular classic melodieswill be not only liberal presentsto the 70th anniversary of birth of PeopleRepublic of China, but also audio-visualfeastfor numerous citizens and music fans.

　　Programme

　　Orchestral Prelude"Ode to Red Flag" Composed by Lv Qiming

　　"Symphony of Long March" First Movement "Embark onExpedition"

　　Composed by Ding Shande

　　Soprano Solo "Singing Folk Song for CPC"Lyrics by Jiao Ping, Composed by Zhu Jian’er

　　Solo: Fang Qiong

　　Tenor Solo"Motherland, Amiable Mother"Lyrics by Zhang Hongxi, Composed by Lu Zaiyi

　　Solo: Wei Song

　　Symphony Chorus “Poems of Heroes”

　　Fourth Movement Male and Female Chorus "Three 16-charactersPoems"

　　Selected from Poems and Proseof Mao Zedong, Composed by Zhu Jian’er

------------------------------------------Intermission------------------------------------------

　　Symphonic Poem "Monument of People's Heroes"Composed by Qu Wei

　　MusicalLyrics "China, My BelovedMother"for Mixed Chorus and Symphony Orchestra

　　Fourth and Fifth Movement

　　Selected from Long Poem of Zhao Lihong with Same Name, Composed by Lu Zaiyi

　　Solo: Liao Changyong

　　Chorus "My Motherland and I"

　　Lyrics by Zhang Li, Composed by Qin Yongcheng, Arranged by Jing Xin

　　Leading Singers: Liao Changyong, Wei Song and Fang Qiong

　　Encore: Chorus "We Are Successorsof Communism"（Team Song of Young Pioneers）

　　Lyrics by Zhou Yuhui, Composed by Ji Ming, Arranged by Jing Xin

　　Conductor: Chen Xieyang

　　Performed by Shanghai Symphony Orchestra

　　"Trip of Love" Chorus of Jiangsu Performing Arts Group

　　Shanghai Youth Choir

　　China Welfare Institute Children’s Palace Little Companion Art Troupe

　　Orchestral Prelude "Ode To Red Flag", Composed by Lv Qiming

　　"Ode to the Red Flag"has been composed for more than fifty years. In May 1965, it was premiered by symphony orchestra, Shanghai Film Orchestra and Shanghai Philharmonic Orchestra jointlyin the opening ceremony of the 6th “Shanghai Spring” held in Shanghai Cultural Square, conducted by famous conductor Mr. Chen Chuanxi, and aroused a sensation.

　　In terms of musical form,"Ode to Red Flag"applies structure of three partswith single theme. The music begins with a brilliant and broad introduction based on the national anthem, describing the exciting scene of the first five-star red flag rising in front of the solemn and magnificent Tiananmen Square at the great historical moment of the birth of New China on October 1, 1949. After the introduction, the theme music of red flag, full of excitement, sprays-out in brilliant C major, expressing the joy of victory and praise of the red flag heartily. In the connecting part, the oboe plays a melodious Lyric melody like a song, as if people who have been baptized by struggle look up to the red flagwith surging emotion. The continuous tri-tone pattern in the middle of the music gives the rhythm more impetus, and the trumpet sounds again, ushering in an exciting climax. At the moment, the broad theme of the eulogy changes into powerful March song, as if people were guided by the red flag, strivingand marching constantly, as well as the courage to advance bravely with the red flag. Entering the recapitulation, the theme of the eulogy once again expresses the great joy and pride of hundreds of millions of people in the historical moment of victory. The final trumpet is magnificent and the music reaches its climax, which symbolizes the brighter future of the great motherland.

　　"Ode to Red Flag"has been performed repeatedly since its premiere in May 1965. It has been one of the most frequently performed and broadcasted music works on the music stage in China. It is popular to numerousaudiences."Ode to Red Flag"expresses the heart of authorfor the motherland and the Party. It has been an art work appreciated by both the refined and common people, dedicated to the times and the people.

　　Lv Qiming(1930-)is a famous composer. He joined the New Fourth Army in 1940 and worked in the army art troupe during Anti-Japanese War and the War of Liberation. He joined the Communist Party of China("CPC")in September 1945. He arrived in Shanghai with the army on May 26, 1949, and transferred to Shanghai Film Studio in November of the same year. He worked as a film composer in 1951. From 1959 to 1965, he studied composing and conducting in Shanghai Conservatory of Music.

　　He has composed more than 200 movies and TV dramas,including"Railway Guerrillas","Sun Rising"(Cooperation),"Dr. Bethune","Nanchang Uprising","Lushan Love","My Memories of Old Beijing","Thunderstorm","Midnight","Cold Night","Jiao Yulu".At the same time, he composed more than ten large and medium-sized instrumental works,such as orchestral prelude "Ode to Red Flag", symphonic poem "Railway Guerrilla", orchestral suite"Bethune in Jinchaji District","Rain Flower Sacrifice", string ensemble "Longhua Sacrifice"and Symphonic Suite "Mission"(Cooperation), as well as more than 300 vocal works of different genres and forms,such as "Play My Favorite Pipa","All Praise MyHometown"(Cooperation),"Weishan Lake"and "Telling the Truth".

　　Since 1980, he has won dozens of music creation awards, such as the “Best Music Award” of the third Chinese film “Golden Rooster Award” in 1983with the music in the film “My Memories of Old Beijing”; the “Excellent Music Award “of “Flying Sky Award” on the 8thTV Series in 1988with the music in "Sacrifice of Qiubai"; and the 20th Century Chinese Music Classic”for the orchestral prelude "Ode to Red Flag"; the second “Golden Bell Award” for Chinese music in 2001for the ensemble "Longhua Sacrifice". In 2007, he won the “Lifetime Achievement Award” of Chinese Film Music; in May 2010, he won the “Special Contribution Award” inSSIMF; in December 2011, he won the “Lifetime Achievement Award” inthe 8th “Golden Bell Award” of Chinese Music; in December 2014, he won the “Lifetime Achievement Award” of the 6th “Shanghai Literature and Art Award”; and the “Best Creation Award” of the 10th “China Golden Record Award” in December 2017.

　　"Symphony of Long March", Composed by Ding Shande

　　"Symphony of Long March"was composed in 1960s, which is the first large-scale orchestral works themed great historical event of Long March of Chinese Red Army. The work reflects the significant revolutionary historical theme of Long March by dint of artistic form of symphony, which is an important practice in the nationalization of symphony. For the composition, the composer took pains to “take Long March again”, collected creative materials and music materials, and began composing in 1959. The first three movements were completed in 1961, and performed in “Shanghai Spring” in the same year. In the following year, he completed the whole song, and in the same year, Huang Yijun, a famous conductor, premiered it with Shanghai Symphony Orchestra. The work is divided into five movements, and the first movement “Embarking on Expedition” will be performed in the opening ceremony. The movement began with a strong bugleof the Red Army to display the heroism of the Workers' and Peasants' Red Army in its northward March to save the dying motherland. The refrain with folk song style, the developing part with fierce struggle and the reproduction part with abundant sound, vividly and affectionately depicted the scene of the old people seeing the Red Army off for an expedition.

　　Ding Shande (1911-1995), a famous composer, pianist and music educator. He has served as Vice President of Shanghai Conservatory of Music, Vice President of China Musicians Association and Shanghai Musicians Association. He was admitted to Shanghai National Acoustic College in 1928 and studied lute and piano. His first performance was "Piccolo for Herdsmen"and "Lullaby"by He Luting in 1934, and made records. He was the first pianist recordedin China. In 1947, he went to Paris Conservatory of Music for furtherstudy. During the service for Shanghai Conservatory of Music, he also composed many works of various genres, such as "New China Symphony Suite"and chorus "Ode to the Huangpu River", which has won many honors. He has been the judge of international piano competitions such as Schumann in Berlin, Chopin in Poland and Queen Elizabeth in Belgium. He has written textbooks such as Single-Counterpoint Law, Double-Counterpoint Lawand The Technique of Fugue Writing.

　　Soprano Solo "Singing Folk Song for CPC", Lyrics by Jiao Ping, Composed by Zhu Jian’er

　　"Singing Folk Song for CPC"is a song composed in 1963in the climax of learning from Lei Feng. Its lyrics are poems written by Yao Xiaozhou (pen name as Jiaoping), a coal miner in Jiaoping Coal Mine, Tongchuan Mining Bureau of Shaanxi Province. Later, Lei Feng excerpted them from the newspaper and excerpted them from Lei Feng Diary. Zhu Jian’er, a teacher of Shanghai Conservatory of Music then, read the first two paragraphs of Lei Feng's poem in Lei Feng's Diary, then composed a solo with strong folk song flavor. Later,it became an episode of the feature film"Lei Feng". The work has a strong style of folk songs, expressing the hatred of the masses for the old society and the love for the Party and the new society. Afterbirth of the song, the Tibetan singer Tseten Dolma, who was born as a serf and studied in Shanghai Conservatory of Music, sang the song in the 4th “Shanghai Spring” in 1963. It spread to the world quickly and became one of the most influential and representative works of Zhu Jian’er's vocal music.

　　Jiaoping(1933-), named Yao Xiaozhouoriginally, was admitted to the fifth branch of the Second Field Army (of PLA) Military and Political University at the age of 16. After graduation, he worked in the Political Department of the 51st Division of the 17th Army of Second Field,and participated in War Aidding North Korea against U.S. Aggression in the winter of 1951. He returned to Jiaoping Coal Mine of Tongchuan Mining Bureau after the armistice as a technician, and worked as an editor of Tongchuan Miner's Newspaper in 1984. He retired in 1992. He wrote many lyrics, essays and short stories.

　　Zhu Jian'er(1922-2017), a famous composer, was Chairman of Shanghai Musicians Association and Shanghai Federation of Literary And Art Circles. Since 1945, he has been engaged in music work in Front-line Theatre Troupe of the New Fourth Army Central Soviet Military Region and the Eastern China Military Region Art Troupe; since 1949, he has been working as a composer for Shanghai Film Studio, Beijing Film Academy and Central New Film Group; in 1955, he went to Composing Department of Tchaikovsky Conservatory of Music in Moscow for further study; and returned to China in 1960. He has worked as a professional composer in Shanghai Opera House and Shanghai Symphony Orchestra. His works include the orchestra "Festival Prelude", Symphony-Choru "Poems of Heroes", Symphony Fantasy "In Memory of Warriors Sacrificingfor Truth","Centennial Vicissitudes", Suona Concerto "Heaven Melody"and 10 well-known symphonies.

　　Tenor Solo"Motherland, Amiable Mother"Lyrics by Zhang Hongxi, Composed by Lu Zaiyi

　　"Motherland, Amiable Mother", composed in 1981, is a widely-spread art song. Over the past 40 years, it has been popularand won favor by Chinese singers at home and abroad. The work expresses the love and praise of hundreds of millions of Chinese people to their motherland. The song has been performed on the stage of “Shanghai Spring” for many times.

　　Zhang Hongxi, a lyricist and poet, wrote many lyrics with profound connotation and full of poetry.“Motherland, Kind Mother”(composed by Lu Zaiyi) is his representative lyrics. He has written lyrics for many movies and TV dramas, such as the theme song “Weishan Lake”(composed by Lv Qiming) of TV series “Railway Guerrillas”, the theme song “Broken Shoes and Hats”(composed by Jin Fuzai) of the TV drama"The Mad Monk", and other vocal works, such as the artistic song "Colorful Clouds and Flowers"and "Last Dream"(composed by Lu Zaiyi).

　　Lu Zaiyi (1943-), a famous composer, honored as a “music poet”. He was the Head of Shanghai Orchestra, Editor-in-chief of Shanghai Song, Vice Chairman of China Musicians Association, Chairman of Shanghai Musicians Association, Vice Chairman of Organizing Committee of SSIMF, Director of Art Committee, and Art Director of Shanghai Opera House. At present, he is the consultant of Chinese MusiciansAssociation and Shanghai MusiciansAssociation. He has composed more than 500 pieces of music in various genres, with particularly outstanding artistic achievements in chorus and artistic song creation. His works and himself has won numerous awards including the Golden Bell Award, Shanghai Top Honorary Award for Literature and Art--Shanghai Literature and Art Award, the Baosteel Elegant Art Award, the “Five-One Project” Award, the 30-year Achievement Award, Special Contribution Awardof SSIMF, and the 20th Century World Chinese Music Classics. His music has abundant emotions, profound connotation, strong singing personality and lyric temperament. Many of his works are widely circulated or used as classical teaching materials in music colleges.

　　Symphony Chorus “Poems of Heroes”, Selected from Poems and Proseof Mao Zedong, Composed by Zhu Jian’er

　　Symphony Chorus “Poems of Heroes” was composed from 1959 to 1960. It is Zhu Jian’er's graduation work from Tchaikovsky Conservatory of Music. It was premiered in the 3rd “Shanghai Spring” in 1962, which aroused sensation. The works adopt the artistic form of integral combination of symphony with chorus, and use the technique of dominant theme throughout the development to combine the movements with traditional western divertimento structure. The dominant theme tone is the artistic crystalof comprehensive creation of national tones. The whole song is divided into six movements. The lyrics are composed of six poems and lyrics written by Mao Zedong during Long March of the Red Army. Whole song has distinct symphonic, dramatic and epic features. The fourth movement,"Sixteen Characters Order", was performed in the opening ceremony. Vigorous rhythm and exciting melody demonstrates strongly the spirit of revolutionary heroism and optimism of the Red Army in the face of difficulties and obstacles.

　　Symphonic Poem "Monument of People's Heroes", Composed by Qu Wei

　　It took three years to complete the symphony poem "Monument of People's Heroes". It was premiered in the second “Shanghai Spring” in 1961, and performed again in the fourth “Shanghai Spring” in 1963. The music is a sonata structure, describing the associations of composers in looking up to the ten reliefs in the Monument of People's Heroes, and summarizingthe dedication and great achievements of the martyrs sacrificed in the revolutionary strugglesin China for more than a hundred years. The slow introduction of the song begins with deep and solemn playing of the cello and bass, and then the small and viola playing clear and bright chords to express their feelings of remembrance and respect for the martyrs. The main part is the March, showing the broad mind of the martyrs who love the motherland and the people. The refrain is a theme of folk song style, which shows the broad mind of heroes and their love for the motherland and the people. The struggle image of the main part of the developing part has become vigorous and unstoppable. Finally, the surging and strong music converges into an unprecedented climax, which shows that people inherit the legacy of the martyrs and continue to strive for better future. This song has been listed in the “Chinese Music Classic of 20thCentury” and is one of the most influential representative works of the composer.

　　Qu Wei (1917-2002), the famous composer, once worked as Vice Chairman of China Musicians Association and Shanghai Musicians Association. In 1933, he studied music and fine arts in Shanghai Xinhua Art College,and participated in the anti-Japanese and national salvation movement led by the Party actively; he joined CPCin 1938; he taught in Yan'an Lu Yi Music Department since February 1940, and participated in the music creation of the landmark new opera "White-haired Girl"; after the victory of War of Resistance, he took leading positions in various cultures in Northeast China,and has done pioneering works for local culture. After the founding of People' Republic of China, he worked as a composer in Changchun and Beijing Film Studios successively; he went to Moscow Tchaikovsky Conservatory of Music in September 1955 for further study,and returned to China in 1959,and worked as a resident composer of Shanghai Symphony Orchestra. His representative works include the suite "Glorious Festival", symphonic fantasy "White-haired Girl","Caprice of the Red Guards on Honghu Lake","Caprice of Wuzhi Mountain", piano music "Flower Drum"and the song "Strong Mind of the Working Class". As one of the editorial team leaders, he participated in the editing and publishing of "Complete Worksof Nie Er"and"Complete Worksof Xian Xinghai", and also wrote many academic music articles.

　　MusicalLyrics "China, My BelovedMother"for Mixed Chorus and Symphony Orchestra, Selected from Long Poem of Zhao Lihong with Same Name, Composed by Lu Zaiyi

　　MusicalLyrics "China, My BelovedMother"for Mixed Chorus and Symphony Orchestrais composed by the composer Lu Zaiyi from 1991 to 1993. It is based on the immortal masterpiece "Lovely China"and "Poverty"by Fang Zhimin. The lyrics are mainly selected from Zhao Lihong's long poems of the same name. This is the first symphony chorus written in the form of confession in the history of Chinese chorus. Through the monologue of a patriot in a specific time and space (in prison and before the uprising), the work summarizes the Chinese people’s infinite concern for the fate of the motherland typically, and is full of noble and magnificent tragedy and heroism. In every performance, the actors and audiences are strongly influenced and shocked by the tear-provoking music of the work. Many experts have commented that this is a rare work of “Clearing Soul”,“its ideological connotation and artistic appeal far exceed the theme itself”.

　　The work has been awarded Excellent Works Award of 15th SSIMF (Gold Prize), Shanghai Literature and Art Award (Top Honorary Award for Literature and Art in Shanghai), Baosteel Elegant Art Award, National “Five-one Project” Award (No. 1 of the same types of art), Chinese Music “Golden Bell Award” and many other awards.

　　The workconsists of five movements:

　　1."China, My BelovedMother"(mixed chorus)

　　2."Save Our Motherfrom Distress"(baritone solo and mixed chorus)

　　3."Scanty Yet Regretless"(female chorus)

　　4."Let It Come,Death!"(male chorus, baritone solo and orchestra)

　　5."Expectation"(mixed chorus)

　　(1-3 movements and 4-5 movements are uninterrupted. The 4th and 5th movements will be performed in the opening ceremony)

　　Zhao Lihong(1952-), a famous writer, essayist, poet, member of the CPPCC National Committee, is member of the Committee of the Chinese Writers Association, Vice Chairman of Shanghai Writers Association, President of Shanghai Literature Magazine, the part-time professor of East China Normal University and Shanghai Jiaotong University. He graduated from Chinese Department of East China Normal University in 1982 and was awarded as Honorary Fellow of Beijing Normal University - Hong Kong Baptist University United International College (UIC) in 2014. His works include more than 60 collections of poems, essays, reportages and four volumes of Zhao Lihong's Selected Works, as well as literary reviews and film literary scripts. He has won National Excellent Essays Award in the New Period, the first “Bing Xin Prose Award”, Shanghai Literature Award and the National Prize of “Five-One Project”.

　　Chorus "My Motherland and I", Lyricsby Zhang Li, Composed by Qin Yongcheng

　　"My Motherland and I"was born in the early 1980s. Different from general song creation mode of “melody followed by words”, the work is composed by composer Qin Yongcheng first and then written by the lyricist Zhang Li. The song tells the closeand inseparable connection with motherland ed in the first person. The melody of the work is stretched and graceful,blending into the delicate and sincere lyrics, and thus becomes a well-known classic song.

　　Zhang Li(1932-2016), a famous lyricist, was Honorary Chairman of ChinaMusic Literature Association and member of ChinaWriters Association and ChinaMusicians Association. In 1988, he went to Department of Theatre of Luxun Literature and Art School in Northeast University to study literature. In 1950, he graduated from Literature Research Office of Luxun Literature and Art School in Northeast University and stayed at school to engage in literary creation. In 1955, he joined Chinese Department of Beijing Normal University as a teacher,and later became a professional writer of Jilin Writers Association and a first-grade producer director of China National Traditional Orchestra. Over the past 50 years, he has written a large number of widely-praised lyrics, such as "Asian Mighty Winds","Painful and Happy Years","My Motherland and I" and "Shadow of Fencing Wall".

　　Qin Yongcheng (1933-2015), a famous composer, served as member of Liaoning CPPCC Standing Committee, President of Chinese Musicians Association and Chairman of Liaoning Musicians Association. He began to publish songs at the age of 14. In 1950, he joined CPC. In 1952, he was taught by Li Jiefu and Huo Cunhui to study music composition in Department of Music of Luxun Literature and Art School in Northeast University. In 1957, he entered Central Conservatory of Music,and taught by Soviet composer Lexi Gulov for one year. Since 1978, he hadserved as ViceHead of Liaoning Orchestra Composition and Director of Department of Shenyang Conservatory of Music successively. From 1986 to 1996, he served as Dean of Shenyang Conservatory of Music. In the past decades, he has composed musical works of diverse genres after teaching and work, such as orchestral music "Happy Prairie", violin music "Seaside Tone Poem", song"I Exploit Oil for Our Motherland"and "Chairman Mao Traveled the Motherland", music of film "Entrepreneurship", etc. The vocal concerto "Petrel"won the Cheng Liang Award of the Second National Musical Works (Symphony Music) in 1981.

　　Chorus "We Are Successorsof Communism"（Team Song of Young Pioneers）, Lyrics by Zhou Yuhui, Composed by Ji Ming

　　"We Are Successor of Communism"is the theme song of film "Little Heroes"released in 1961. The melody of the song is resounding,full of revolutionary passion. With release of the film, the song has been famous, sung widely. In 1978, it was designated inFirst Plenary Session of the Tenth Central Committee of Chinese Communist Youth Leagueas Team Song.

　　Zhou Yuhui(1927-1987), a professional scriptwriter, was admitted to Yasan Branch of the Anti-Japanese Military and PoliticsUniversity at the age of 17. After graduation, he worked in Jiaodong Military Region. In 1946, he joined the CCP, engaged in culture work in troops of the Third Field Army. In 1950, he joined the voluntary army to go to North Korea for publicity. In 1955, he transferred to Shanghai as Vice Chief of Publicity Division of Publicity Department of the Municipal Committee,and acted as professional scriptwriter of Tianma Film Studio later. In 1965, he was transferred to Beijing as scriptwriter of Beijing Film Academy, member of the leading group of the Central Philharmonic Orchestra and Vice Director of Publicity Department of Foreign Culture Committee. He participated in the establishment of Children’s Film Studio.

　　Ji Ming(1917-1997), a famous composer, formerly known as Wu Yazhen, was admitted to Shanghai National Music Technical College to study Pipa and piano in his early years, and participated in the anti-Japanese and national salvation campaign actively. In 1939, she served as a teacher in Luxun Literature and Art School in Yan’an University, was the first female pianist in Yan'an period. She joined the Communist Party of China in January 1942, and served as VicePresident and Dean of Northeast Music Technical College later. After the founding of People's Republic of China, she worked as a film composer at Shanghai Film Studio for a long time, composing music for more than 30 films,such as "Ordinary Cause","Li Shizhen","Song of Phoenix","Along the Jinsha River"and"Return of Swallow"."We Are Successors of Communism"won the first prize for the second national children's literary and artistic creation from 1954 to 1979,and the first prize for children's musical works in 1980. In addition,"I Love Our Class" won “Little Lark” excellent song award of Shanghai "Song of Children"magazine in 1980, and "Youth, Youth, Spring of the Motherland"won Excellent Award of national children's songs from 1976 to 1981.

　　Shanghai Symphony Orchestra

　　Shanghai Symphony Orchestra is the earliest and the best-known ensemble of its kind in Asia, through which the Chinese symphonic music develops. Originally known as the Shanghai Public Band, it was renamed the Shanghai Municipal Orchestra in 1922. Notably under the baton of the Italian conductor Mario Paci, the orchestra promoted Western music and trained Chinese young talents very early in China, and introduced the first Chinese orchestral work to the audience, hence reputed as the "the best in the Far East".

　　Practically, the history of Shanghai Symphony Orchestra may be referred to as the history of China's symphonic music development. It has held over ten thousand concerts – giving premiere performances of several thousand musical works and has played a major role in collaborations between world-class musicians on both the international and domestic stages, gained a reputation as the most authoritative explainer of Chinese symphonic compositions while promoting them with every possible endeavor. The orchestra created a series of musical products, including: the Concert Season, the Shanghai New Year’s Concert, the Spring Festival Concert, the Music in the Summer Air. These performances have not only fostered cultural exchange but have also built a bridge between people, orchestras and nations.

　　The Orchestraalso pioneered co-commissioning with world leading orchestras from well-known composers:“One Sweet Morning” was co-commissioned by the Orchestra and New York Philharmonic from composer John Corigliano; Duo was co-commissionedby Shanghai Symphony Orchestra, Chinese Philharmonic Orchestra and Guangzhou Symphony Orchestra from Zhao Lin; also the commission works such as Symphonic OvertureInstants d'un Opera de Pekincomposedby Qigang Chen and SymphonicSuite Dunhuang composedby Xiaogang Ye. It has premiered the greatest number of contemporary Chinese works. The original soundtrack to Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon performed by the Orchestra even won the Oscar and a Grammy Award - a first in Chinese musical history.

　　Since the 1970s, it has toured extensively abroad: In 1990, the orchestra made its debut at Carnegie Hall in New York; in 2003 it performed in 11 cities in the US; while in 2004, it toured Europe to celebrate the Sino-French Cultural Year. Its 125th Anniversary Celebration Concert given at the Berliner Philharmonie (the first Chinese symphony orchestra to play in this hall), was hailed as a great success. In 2009, under the direction of Maestro Long Yu, now the Music Director, the Orchestra embarked on a 12-concert North American tour. Between 2012 and 2015, Long Yu conducted the orchestra in several concerts in Germany, Netherlands, United States, Brazil. Shanghai Symphony Orchestra and Maestro Long Yu have signed an exclusive record contract with Deutsche Grammophon in June 2018. Enhancing the SSO’s “Music Connecting Worlds” ethos, the new partnership will help promote the orchestra’s powerful blend of tradition and ambitious future vision.

　　Promoting the popularity of high art is SSO’s obligation and also a powerful method of Urban Cultural Contextualism. The SOA – a joint-initiative between the Shanghai Symphony Orchestra, New York Philharmonic and the Shanghai Conservatory of Music held the orientation for their students. The SSO chamber concert which started in 1984 and held regularly since 1991 will be passed on into the new Chamber Hall.

　　After 139year history, the Shanghai Symphony Orchestra will continue to always practice its mission -"Music Connecting Worlds". Therefore, SSO has become the promoter and builder of East-West cultural exchanges and Asian music education, and continues a three century old glorious dream.

　　Chen Xieyang

　　Renowned conductor Chen Xieyang graduated from Shanghai Conservatory of Music and was then appointed resident conductor of the Shanghai Ballet Orchestra. In 1982 Chen was invited to conduct the Asben Festival Orchestra in America and was hailed as a success. In 1984, Chen was appointed President of Shanghai Symphony Orchestra, and in 1991 he was appointed Music Director, the first music director of any performing groups in Chinese history. Since 1985, Chen has appeared in nations and regions including the former USSR, Japan, Italy, the USA, the Great Britain, Switzerland, Korea, the DPRK, Thailand, Singapore, Australia, Germany, Denmark, Austria, France, Spain, Russia, Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan, conducting native orchestras. In 1998, 1999, and 2000 he led the Central Chinese National Orchestra on its tours to many cities in Austria, Germany, Denmark. His concerts at the Großer Saal Musikverein of Vienna and the Lincoln Center of New York have won enormous successes. In August, 2000, he led again the Central Chinese National Orchestra to perform in the “Chinese Culture in America” Festival, appearing in musical centers including the Lincoln Center. In September 2003, he conducted Shanghai Symphony Orchestra in aan 11-city tour in America. The next year saw the pair touring in Europe for the Sino-French Culture Year. Both tours were widely acclaimed. On June 20, 2004, celebrating the 125th Anniversary of Shanghai Symphony Orchestra, he conducted the orchestra in the Berlin Philharmonie.

　　Chen’s recording of the Violin Concerto The Butterfly Lovers won the Gold Record prize in 1989. Since 1987, he was for many Verdana included in the Who’s Who in the World compiled by International Biographical Center, Cambridge. In 2002 he issued the recordings of Zhu Jian-er’s Complete Symphonies. In 2006, he published recordings of Zhu Jian-er’s Orchestral Works and Lv Qiming’s Orchestral Works.

　　Chen Xieyang is now Honorary Music Director of Shanghai Symphony Orchestra, Guest Conductor of China National Symphony Orchestra, member of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference and the Shanghai Municipal Committee of the People's Political Consultative Conference, vice chairman of the Shanghai Musicians' Association, member of the Standing Committee of the China Musicians' Association, and chairman of the Shanghai Symphonic Music Lovers' Society.

　　“Trip of Love” Chorus of Jiangsu Performing Arts Group

　　The Chorus was established in 2007, and is affiliated to Jiangsu Performing Arts Group. Its predecessor is Opera Troupe of Jiangsu Opera and Dance Theatre. The Chorus is full of youthful vitality and vigor, which can not only interpret well-known Chinese and foreign famous songs and world-famous operasin various types, such as duet, male and female voice, mixed voice and unaccompanied music, but also arrange works skillfully, such as popular songs, film and television episodes and musical fragments.

　　For many times,“Trip of Love”has cooperated with famous music conductors,such as Tang Muhai, Zheng Xiaoying, Cao Ding, Aaron Griller, Du Mingyuan and so on, and has received guidance and praise from numerous noted conductors. The Chorus has performed inconcert of “Chinese Poetry Tour” in Hong Kong successively, and performed “String Songof Song Dynasty”,“A cappella Kunqu Opera 1699 Peach Blossom Fan”, as well as the opera “Story of the Forbidden City” that co-performed with Dutch National Opera House, which were widely acknowledged and praised by people from all walks of life. It was praised by the Queen of the Netherlands, politicians and people from all walks of life during its tour in ten cities in the Netherlands.

　　In recent years,“Trip of Love”has participated in original musicals and operas,such as "Fleeting Clouds","Grand Canal","Zheng He","Jian Zhen Crossing the East". The Chorus has won Golden Award of Dutch 2010 MIK International Music Festival, Belgium 2010 International Chorus Festival, the “Special Award of Wenhua Award”, the first prize of Hong Kong International Yellow River Chorus Exhibition Invitational Competition, the Silver Award of the 7th China Music Golden Bell Award Chorus Competition, and the Special Award of "UnderBright Sunshine" Chorus Competition in Jiangsu for commemorating the 30th Anniversary of Reform and Opening and so on.

　　“Trip of Love”, full oflove and music;“Trip of Love” conveys comprehension of love, the interpretation of music and the praise of harmony with songs.

　　The children’s Chorus part of this concert is performed by Shanghai Youth Chorus and "Little Companion" Art Troupe of China Welfare Institute Children's Palace

　　Shanghai Youth Chorusis an art troupe representing the highest chorus level of teenagers in Shanghai directed by Shanghai Municipal Education Commission and founded by China Welfare Institute Children’s Palace. The Chorus was founded in July 2012. Yin Yicui, Vice Secretary of Shanghai Municipal Party Committee then, awarded the plate for it and Han Zheng, Vice Secretary of Shanghai Municipal Party Committee and Mayor then,as well as other leaders watched the first concert and gave high appraisal. The Chorus gathers excellent teachers worldwide together,and establish an excellent youth student art troupe actively,with demonstration and leading role and wide influence and global popularity,via professional training of high starting point and high level and various performances, exchanges and competitions. Since the establishment, the Chorus has planned and held many special concerts, and participated in international chorus competitions in Russia, Singapore and Hungary successively, obtaining gold medals and wining honorsfor Shanghai; furthermore, it has visited Finland, Iceland, Spain and other countries for exchange, won widely praisefrom international friends and all walks of life

　　"Little Companion" Art Troupe of China Welfare Institute Children's Palacewas founded by Ms. Soong Ching-ling, Honorary President of China, on June 1, 1955. As an excellent children’s art troupein China, it was invited to participate in the 9thAPEC conference, the opening ceremony of the 35th Annual Conference of Asian Development Bank, the opening and closing ceremonies of the 2010 Shanghai World Expo, the evening party of the Fourth Summit of the Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia and other major performance events worldwide, winning praise widely and obtaining awards for many times. The troupe has been invited to visit more than 20 countries and regions successively, honored as “Little Ambassadorof China” and “City Card of Shanghai”. The Little Companion Art Troupe is a children’s art group with high level in Shanghai. For a long time, it has been focusing on cultivating students’ sentiments with vocal art to develop and enhance children’s receptivity and expression to music. Moreover, the Troupe has built a bridge of friendship with its beautiful singing, highly appraised by many experts in the same field worldwide,and honored as “Golden Cradle of Singers”.

　　Liao Changyong

　　the most distinguished baritone singer in modern China, an internationally renowned opera performer and a vocal music educationist, enjoys the reputation of the “No.1 Chinese baritone in the world.” He studied with famous vocal educator, Professor Luo Wei and Professor Zhou Xiaoyan, who is known as the “godmother of China’s vocal music”. He has won a number of awards in major domestic and international vocal competitions, especially between 1996-1997 when he won the top prize in the 41st French International Toulouse Singing Competition, Placido Domingo International Operalia Competition and the Norwegian Queen Songja International Music Competition, creating the miracle of a Chinese singer winning consecutively in the world’s top level competitions.

　　Currently serves as the president of the Shanghai Conservatory of Music, Liao Changyong is also a Chinese national second-grade professor, academic leader, doctoral supervisor, deputy of the National People’s Congress of China, member of the National Education, Science, Culture and Public Health Committee, vice chairman of Chinese Musicians Association and Shanghai Musician Association.

　　He has performed in a number of operas and concerts in cooperation with master musicians such as Plácido Domingo, Sergi Giménez Carreras, Ruth Ann Swansm, Lorin Maazel, Michel Plasson, Yu Long, Lü Jia, and dozens of the world’s top orchestras. Placido Domingo said,“He is the best baritone I have ever seen. He is a great singer,” and praised him as “a genuine, China-made, world-class singer.” According to the chairman of the panel of judges of Toulouse Singing Competition,“The ten panel members and all the audience have unanimously cast their ballots for Liao Changyong, which is the first time in 25 years.” Queen Songja of Norway said excitedly,“Liao Changyong is the greatest singer of contestants of all previous years and I will designate today as the China Day.” The New York Times gave the highest estimation of Liao Changyong’s performance,“He is the best baritone among those we heard in the past several years”. The Washington Post reported that “he understands Verdi’s opera. It seems he is born to sing Verdi’s opera.”

　　Liao has also been appointed as the director of the China Vocal Music Art Center and devoted himself to fostering the classicalization of Chinese art songs through their discovery, compilation and promotion. As part of his efforts, the album series A Centennium of Chinese Art Songs and Tribute to the Classics have been published and the Online Vocal Music Course Series of Chinese Art Songs has been produced, aiming at spreading traditional Chinese music culture and bringing it to the world stage.

　　Wei Song

　　National Class-A actor, member of Chinese Musicians Association, Vice Chairman of Shanghai MusiciansAssociation and member of National Committee of CPPCC,with special allowance of the State Council. He is also one famous ethnic Chinese tenor and one of three top tenors in China who is active in opera stage both in China and of the world. He graduated from Shanghai Conservatory of Music and learnt after Zhou Xiaoyan, Wang Weide, Li Weibo, Du Ma and other professors. Once, he went to France to study and acted as the Dean of Shanghai Opera House. At present, he acts as Art Director of Shanghai Opera House and Head of Conservatory of Music of Shanghai Normal University. As one dramatic tenor, his singing was once honored as “the voice full of passion and typical bel canto of Italy.” His timbre is graceful and bright with accurate language sense and clear articulation. His voice is simple but magnificent, graceful but not flighty. Twenty years ago, the great master of vocal music named SherrillMilnes praised him that “he had world-class singing skills.” Recently, his singing was highly praised by Chief Art Director of the Metropolitan Opera House-Joan Dolman and the famous tenor of Italy-Andre Marenzi and both of them praised him as “one of top tenors in the world today”.

　　Operas Performed:"Turandot", "Rural Cavalier", "Eugene Onegin", "Tosca", "Carmen", "ButterflyLovers", "Lady of the Camellias", "Jester", "Othello", "King of Chu", "Thunderstorm", "Zan Yuen", "Yelling to the Sky", "Torch of Paris" "Musicians at Night", "Le Villi"and so on. After he acted as the leading actorOthello as the most difficult tenor in world opera, he was awarded as “one of best actors of Othello in the world”. He participated in and hosted many large-scale symphony concerts and solo concerts worldwide, and cooperated with many famous symphony orchestras and chorus. He has acted tenors in many large vocal works,such as "Requiem"of Verdi and "Ninth Symphony"of Beethoven,etc. Moreover, he also participated in various show of Spring Festival held by CCTV, Spring Festival Gala Evening, closing performance of Shanghai World Expo, artistic performance for APEC Conference in Beijing and other important celebrations and artistic performances.

　　Once, he has won the first prize in Vocal Competition of Bel Canto for National Minorities,“Magnolia Award” of Drama Performing Arts,“National Wenhua Grand Prize of Performing Arts”,“Outstanding Performance Art” in the first opera festival in China and other prizes. He also acted as judges in the 23rd Paris International Vocal Music Competition, Grand Prix Competition of CCTV,“Golden Bell Award” of China and senior titles of art in Shanghai.

　　Fang Qiong

　　Famous singer, Director, Professor and Doctoral Supervisor of Vocal and Opera Department in Shanghai Conservatory of Music, Vice Chairman of National Vocal and Art Institution of China,as well as ViceDirector of Vocal Musical Committee of Shanghai Musicians Association.

　　She graduated from Department of Vocal Music and Opera in Shanghai Conservatory of Music,tutored by Professor Zheng Ti and Zhou Xiaoyan; in 2000, she went to Conservatory of Music in University of Maryland in America to study as one government-sponsored visiting scholar. In 1996, she won the first prize ofProfessional Group of Folk Style Singing in the 7th National TV Competition of Yong Singers; besides, she also won Shanghai “Yucai Award”,“Advanced Individual Award of National Unity” and “Baosteel Education Foundation Award” issued by the State Council,as well as “Title of Model Worker in Shanghai” and so on.

　　She has held more than 60 solo concerts successively in Shanghai, Beijing, Guangzhou, Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan, Europe and America, Southeast Asia and other countries and regions. Moreover, she has acted as judges of Golden Bell Award in China, National TV Competition of Young Singersand National Vocal Competition. For 17 years of teaching in Department of Vocal Music and Opera and Department of Music and Drama, she has devoted herself to teaching and made great achievements. Her students won many prizes in National TV Competition of Young Singers, Golden Bell Award and other national competitions,and thus won honors for school. In recent years, her project of classical poem singing of “Long Acquaintance” of Shanghai Conservatory of Music has been project of national art foundation, which madea great success and well received in Shanghai, Beijing, Guangzhou and Taiwan.