The Ningbo Symphony Orchestra kicks off its European tour in Italy. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

The Ningbo Symphony Orchestra recently commenced its European tour with a triumphant performance at the Emilia Romagna Festival in Italy.

Celebrated as one of Italy's most prestigious art festivals, the Emilia Romagna Festival invites both established and emerging artists to showcase historical masterpieces and unearth new talents every year.

This year, in celebration of the 700th anniversary of Marco Polo's passing, Chinese conductor Yu Ji led the Ningbo Symphony Orchestra in opening the show with a segment from Ennio Morricone's Marco Polo, captivating the audience with its evocative melodies and transporting them through time to relive Marco Polo's legendary journey.

A standout moment was the rendition of Tan Dun's Concerto for Pipa by Yu Yuanchun, Chinese pipa player and teacher at the Central Conservatory of Music. Through Yu's rendition, European audiences witnessed the distinctive charm and rich heritage of Chinese traditional music. The resounding applause afterward prompted Yu to deliver an encore performance, much to the delight of the captivated Italian audience.

The concert culminated in the lively Dance of the Yao People, further elevating the already electrifying atmosphere. From timeless classics to captivating Chinese melodies, the curated repertoire of the Ningbo Symphony Orchestra received high praise from the Italian audience.

In recent years, Ningbo has actively promoted cultural exchanges, showcasing its culture on the global stage. The Ningbo Symphony Orchestra has embarked on successful tours to countries like South Korea, Bulgaria, Poland, and Italy since its establishment in 2015, using music as a bridge to connect Ningbo with the world. During this European tour, they will hold five concerts in Italy, Slovenia, and Austria.