Zhejiang University New Year Concert Staged in Hangzhou Theatre

Ruslan and Lyudmila Overture, Nutcracker Suite, Princess Mononoke, Tchaikovsky Symphony No. 5, Pomp and Circumstance March, Purple Bamboo Tune, Drinking Song, Fisherman’s Song for Harvest, The Planets Suite Op. 32 Jupiter…On the evening of New Year’s Day, Zhejiang University 2013 New Year Concert was staged in Hangzhou Theatre. Zhejiang University “The Sound of University” New Year Concert has been put on in Hangzhou Theatre for 6 consecutive years. General Yu Hai, National first-class conductor and the music director of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army, was invited as the conductor for the Concert. The concert finale was the first chorus version of symphony “Ode to the Motherland” adapted by famous composer Mr. Chen Dan. The 3-minute perfect interpretation of the works won a long-lasting burst of applause from the audience.

"I hope that the enchanting music tonight will bring you a wonderful evening and a lucky and happy New Year.” President Yang Wei said in the opening speech that music is one of the most appealing forms of art. Since 2008, Zhejiang University has been hosting the annual “The Sound of University” New Year Concert to share the happiness of development with the social community showing consistent support and care for Zhejiang University, and to express the deep gratitude and best wishes to students and teachers. He said that with the 115 years of glory and dream, Zhejiang University would celebrate a brighter future in the new year.

General Yu Hai invited as the conductor for the Concert is the chief conductor of the joint military band for military dress parade of the 50th and 60th anniversaries of National Day. With his instruction and conduction, Zhejiang University Wenqin orchestra presented a wonderful interpretation of the music pieces.

Before the last symphony “Ode to the Motherland”, conductor Yu Hai turned around, stepped off the podium and made a brief explanation about the story behind this works. “Ode to the Motherland” was a famous patriotic song composed by composer Wang Xin in 1950. Its brisk and majestic rhythm earns a wide acceptance for it in China. Now it’s often used as the opening or the ending song for major events and is entitled as “second national anthem”. In 2011, for the first joint performances of China-US military band at the United Nations Headquarters, Yu Hai invited Chen Dan to adapt it into a 3-minute piece. The performance brought many Chinese audiences to tears. After that, the domestic debut of the adapted version of “Ode to the Motherland” also achieved great success.

"Now we’re going to add choral elements into it and premiere the newest version. We will impress the audience tonight with 'Ode to the Motherland’." Yu Hai’s confidence triggered enthusiastic cheering from the audience.

It started with a quiet primer like morning creek, the distant sound of tube zithers, tubular bells subtly in succession. Then the overall performance crescendoed like a red sun gushing out, after a quick closing of which the theme tone of “Ode to the Motherland” started with tremendous momentum, accompanied by chorus … The wonderful performance was followed by long applauses and cheers from the audience.

"I know Zhejiang University orchestra in National College Student Art Festival. This time I was invited by the head of Zhejiang University Wenqin orchestra Ms. Zhou Cong to work with Zhejiang University teachers and students. Tonight, Zhejiang University orchestra presented brilliant performances, especially the collaboration in ‘Ode to the Motherland’. A wonderful performance!” Yu Hai said.

The New Year Concert ended with the encore “The Sound of Music”. About 1500 citizens and alumni watched the performance, including provincial and municipal leaders, Party Secretary Jin Deshui, President Yang Wei, Chairman of Zhejiang University Development Committee Zhang Junsheng and so on.

The New Year Concert was organized by Zhejiang University and Zhejiang University Alumni Association. Zhejiang University Wenqin orchestra and chorus and Zhejiang University Philharmonic Choir participated in the performance. Two days before that, young conductor Wang Chao conducted the New Year Concert on campus with about 1000 teachers and students attending the concert.

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