Ningbo Symphony Orchestra brings music of Ningbo to European sister city

[Video/Hi New Horizon]

The Ningbo Symphony Orchestra brought the charm of Ningbo's music to the 56th Ilinden Days Folk Art Festival in Bitola, North Macedonia, performing the city's signature piece Ningbo Overture on the evening of July 14 local time.

Led by conductor Yu Ji and featuring bamboo flute soloist Feng Tianshi, the orchestra presented four Chinese works showcasing the rich heritage and artistic spirit of Chinese music.

As the opening piece, Ningbo Overture blended elements of the city's morning bell at the Drum Tower, port whistles and everyday street life, allowing overseas audiences to experience Ningbo's cultural depth and maritime openness through music.

Since Ningbo and Bitola first established their sister-city relationship in 2014, the two cities have strengthened exchanges through art exhibitions, cultural dialogues and other initiatives.

Chinese Ambassador to North Macedonia Jiang Xiaoyan praised the concert, saying it showcased Ningbo's spirit of embracing the sea, pursuing prosperity and striving for progress, while successfully combining traditional Chinese music with Western orchestral expressions.

Sasho Ilkovski, director of the National Institution Center for Culture, Bitola, said the concert served as an important cultural bridge between the two sister cities and would create new opportunities for future cooperation.