Vienna Radio Symphony Orchestra's Beijing Premiere Scheduled for SeptemberThe Vienna Radio Symphony Orchestra is scheduled to premiere in Beijing on September 28, as part of the 30th anniversary celebrations of Sino-Austrian diplomatic relations.On the program for the event, to be held at the Beijing Concert Hall, are classical works by Mozart, Brahms and Beethoven. The orchestra's visit to China is considered by the Austrian Government to be an important part of the commemoration of the 30 years of diplomatic relations between China and Austria. Austrian President Dr. Thomas Klestil, Premier Wolfgang Schussel, and Michael Haupl, Mayor of Vienna, all sent messages of congratulations to China. The Premier said that he hopes the Viennese classical music and the Austrian waltz will help deepen the Chinese-Austrian friendship, and promote cultural exchanges between the two nations. As early as 1973, the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra first brought Viennese classical music to China. The performance of Chinese music has also become a tradition in Austria, drawing more and more Austrian fans to the annual Chinese Spring Festival Concert staged in Vienna. The Vienna Radio Symphony Orchestra is the sole national orchestra of Austria. The Wu Promotion Company, which is sponsoring the event, has invited the entire orchestra to come to China, which will be led by conductor Michael Stern, the eldest son of renowned violinist Isaac Stern. Altogether five concerts will be performed in Beijing and in cities in south China's Guangdong Province. The orchestra mainly performs 20th-century music, and endeavors to bring to the stage unknown compositions of romantic music. |
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