Cultural creativity fuels the symphony, composing a magnificent chapter for the Star City-- Changsha. On the evening of November 12, the Changsha Concert Hall resounded with music and thunderous applause. As part of the 2025 Changsha Arts Creation Support Program, the original concert "Heat Wave in Changsha" was presented by the Changsha Symphony Orchestra at this venue.
"Heat Wave in Changsha" presented by the Changsha Symphony Orchestra.
Conducted by Liu Li, artistic director of the Changsha Symphony Orchestra, the concert featured his precise and captivating baton work, guiding the ensemble through a musical narrative that seamlessly blended ancient and modern elements. Centered on the Changsha spirit of "worrying about the nation's woes and daring to be the pioneer," this concert presented an audiovisual feast combining electronic, China-chic, pop, and classical elements through six original symphonic works. It vividly portrayed the millennia-old cultural heritage and contemporary vitality of the Star City.
Holographic projections paired with symphonic music create a dreamlike, ethereal experience.
The concert opened with 0731 Overture, where electrifying electronic beats collided with classical symphony, instantly igniting the atmosphere. The subsequent piece, Eternal Live, featured a masterful dialogue between strings and woodwinds, seamlessly integrating the digital current of Malanshan's "China V-Valley" with the millennia-old cultural heritage of Yuelu Academy. Endless Night recreated the nocturnal clamor of Jiefang West Road through waves of synthesizer sounds and percussion, while holographic projections cast the neon lights of the Xiangjiang River onto the stage, creating an intense immersive experience. The venue echoed with waves of applause and cheers. City Movie X captured the city's bustling vitality, while Nestle told the symbiotic bond between the Xiangjiang River and its people. Warrior celebrated the heroic spirit of Changsha residents with its stirring melody. The entire performance unfolded like a vivid "auditory city biography," culminating in a standing ovation from the entire audience.
Artists of the Changsha Symphony Orchestra at the concert.
"The concert was absolutely breathtaking! Each piece felt like it was telling a story about Changsha. It was vivid and captivating, leaving the audience utterly enthralled." Ms. Li, a local resident, exclaimed after attending the performance.
It was learned that the six original pieces created specifically for this concert were composed by Changsha-born composer Ye Xiao. He delved deeply into historical symbols such as Jia Yi's former residence and the Mawangdui Han Tombs, as well as local elements like the Changsha dialect. By infusing his years of cultural accumulation and profound affection for his hometown into his work, he has crafted pieces that possess both the artistic tension of diverse fusion and a rich emotional depth.
The concert. (All of the photos were provided by the correspondent.)
The Changsha Symphony Orchestra, which headlined the concert that evening, brings together a group of seasoned musicians and rising talents who possess both rich classical foundations and innovative perspectives. The orchestra champions "innovative fusion and classical modernization," incorporating contemporary musical elements popular among young audiences such as pop, jazz, electronic, and new folk. It has long dedicated itself to cultivating local cultural expression, creating renowned performance brands like the "Beautiful Vision Music Season" and "Opening the Door to Art." The orchestra has collaborated extensively with institutions like the Hunan Gordon Theater and the Changsha Flower-Drum Theater, contributing musical interpretations to major theatrical productions such as The Jade Dragon Gallops, Songs of Chu, and As the Lady Sees. Furthermore, the orchestra has actively engaged in arts popularization and talent cultivation, becoming a vital force in advancing Hunan symphonic music and promoting Changsha culture.