China's National Symphony Orchestra celebrates 60th anniversary

Tan Dun (right) and Austrian percussionist Martin Grubinger. [Photo/cctv.com]

Conductor Tan Dun led China's National Symphony Orchestra on Sunday night at Beijing's National Center for the Performing Arts. The orchestra performed Tan Dun's percussion concerto, Tears of Nature, and Stravinsky's iconic The Rite of Spring, both celebrating the orchestra's 60th anniversary and honoring the maestro's 20-year partnership with the orchestra.

Chinese drums, gongs, wind chimes and percussion instruments are the stars of the evening.

In this performance that tries to capture the essence of Chinese and Western music, Tan Dun also pays hommage to Russian composer Igor Stravinsky. Tan's Tears of Nature in three movements and inspired by natural disasters mirrors Stravinsky's Rite of Passage.

"Tan Dun is one of the most prestigious Chinese music artists in the world and has an enduring friendship with the National Symphony Orchestra. And we're really honored to work with him in promoting traditional Chinese music around the world," said Guan Xia, director of China National Symphony Orchestra.

Another highlight of the evening is Austrian percussionist Martin Grubinger who brings nature's power to life.

"I was really amazed by the use of percussion in the music, by the musician's techniques and the sound effect," a woman said.

"I never thought percussion music could be so powerful. When I close my eyes, I feel so close to nature," said a man.

The National Symphony Orchestra will hold a series of performances in the coming weeks for music fans.