Colorful Guizhou dazzles Sydney Opera House

Famous souna performer Zhang Qianyuan plays Hundred Birds Paying Homage to the Phoenix at the concert. [Photo provided to China Daily]

The "Folk Reimagined: East in Symphony" concert, a collaboration between Guizhou Chinese Orchestra and the Australia Orchestra, was held at the Sydney Opera House Concert Hall in Australia on July 7, fostering cultural exchanges between China and Australia.

The concert, conducted by Long Guohong and Luke Spicer, saw over 80 musicians from China and Australia perform together. It opened with the Yellow River Piano Concerto, where Australian pianist Tamara-Anna Cislowska and Chinese artists expressed themes of history and peace through majestic sounds.

This was followed by the Symphonic Suite: The Four Great Classical, which blended traditional folk music with Western symphonic elements, allowing the audience to resonate with Chinese literary classics.

After intermission, pieces like Spring River Flower Moon Night and the Colorful Guizhou Suite took the audience on a journey across time and culture. Suona performer Zhang Qianyuan performed Hundred Birds Paying Homage to the Phoenix, highlighting the unique charm of folk music.

Jiang Kemei mesmerized the hall with the jinghu concerto Deep in the Night, winning applause for her artistry harmonizing strength and subtlety. The concert culminated in the Australian premiere of the symphonic adaptation Black Myth: Wukong, which combined multimedia visuals and Chinese mythological themes, delivering a powerful finale that sparked fervent acclaim.

Following its Sydney success, the Melbourne edition will premiere on July 9 at the Melbourne Recital Centre.