Ningbo Symphony Orchestra brings Chinese stories to US

A string ensemble from the Ningbo Symphony Orchestra departed for the United States on Aug 24, to perform in Washington and New York as part of the Understanding China — Sino-US People-to-People Friendship Symphonic Storytelling Concert.

The event commemorates the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War.

Invited by the Chinese embassy and consulate general, the ensemble will perform on Aug 27 in Washington and Aug 29 in New York. The concerts aim to deepen mutual understanding through music and historical storytelling, highlighting wartime cooperation between China and America, as well as promoting values of peace, friendship, and collaboration.

Feng Xiao, deputy concertmaster shared that the performance includes three categories: Traditional Chinese classics, pieces inspired by wartime stories, and American classic works.

Uniquely, the ensemble performs without a conductor, relying on chamber-style coordination and live narration to create an immersive experience. Cellist Shi Haohuan brought his trusted bow from previous tours, while the orchestra arranged cellos in advance for the US performances.