The 2009 West Lake International Music Festival organized by the Propaganda Department of the Hangzhou Municipal Committee of the CPC was held on Sept 14. As a leading program of the first Zhejiang Art Festival, the music festival ran for 30 days. Divided into five sections, the music festival included an opening and closing ceremony, themed concerts and charity outdoor concerts. The famous musical Cats and the most expensive Chinese musical ever, Butterflies, were staged after being specially invited to perform.

The 2009 West Lake International Music Festival was held on Sept 14.

Highlights of the previous three West Lake International Music Festivals included well-known artists such as the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra, the Vienna Boys Choir, Laura Fygi, Queen of Latin Jazz, and Cui Jian, Godfather of China's Rock & Roll. This year a newly-established local orchestra, the Hangzhou Philharmonic, played an important role, holding four performances among the total 33, including the opening and closing ceremonies.

During their previous performances, the Hangzhou Philharmonic played mainly western music. At the 2009 West Lake International Music Festival, they presented the famous The Butterfly Lovers violin concerto as well as its Shaoxing Opera version. Composer and chief conductor of the concert, He Zhanhao, said the combination represents a return to their hometown, because the violin concerto derived from the homonymous Shaoxing Opera play. Performers of Shaoxing Opera joined the Philharmonic onstage. At the closing ceremony, the Hangzhou Philharmonic played the new symphony The Grand Canal composed by local Hangzhou musicians. Music fans witnessed the sparkling melodies played by the Zhejiang Orchestra where the Grand Canal meets the Qiantang River.. A Brief Introduction of Hangzhou Philharmonic

The Hangzhou Philharmonic has 73 members, 1/3 of whom graduated from world-class conservatories of music in the USA, the UK, Germany and Austria, and 2/3 of whom graduated from China's leading conservatories of music like Central Conservatory of Music, Shanghai Conservatory of Music, Shenyang Conservatory of Music, Xinghai Conservatory of Music, and Tianjin Conservatory of Music.

Chief Visiting Violist Xue Biao said 95% of the members had just graduated and their average age was about 25. These young players have been employed by world famous chamber troupes and orchestras in Spain, according to Xue.

"Most of them have very high potential to become a leading player in China. I believe after a few seasons' practice, they will have more experience, and they will make the Hangzhou Philharmonic the leading orchestra in China," he added.

By Li Hui