Vienna Royal Artist Orchestra’s Triumphant Return to China: A Musical Journey Through the Middle Kingdom
The Vienna Royal Artist Orchestra (VRAO) is thrilled to announce its highly anticipated return to China for a concert tour in the 2024/2025 season. This marks the orchestra’s third visit to the Middle Kingdom, following successful tours in 2018/19 and 2019/20. The COVID-19 pandemic may have briefly interrupted the VRAO’s international travels, but it has also intensified the orchestra’s passion and eagerness to connect with audiences worldwide.
A Musical Extravaganza in China’s Finest Concert Halls
The VRAO’s China tour will take place from December 24, 2024, to January 19, 2025, and will feature performances in some of the country’s most prestigious concert halls. The tour will commence with a festive performance at the Tianjin Grand Theater on December 24 and 25, followed by a concert at the Shenyang Shengjing Grand Theater on December 26. The orchestra will then travel to Beijing for a performance at the Beijing Concert Hall on December 27 and 28.
The VRAO’s musical journey will continue with concerts in Wuhan, Changsha, Haikou, Chengdu, Xi’an, Guiyang, Nanning, Hangzhou, Xiamen, Fuzhou, Qingdao, Zhengzhou, Foshan, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen. Each concert will showcase the VRAO’s exceptional artistry and versatility, performing a diverse repertoire that ranges from classical masterpieces to Viennese waltzes and Chinese folk songs.
A Celebration of Music and Cultural Exchange
The VRAO’s China tour is not only a musical extravaganza but also a celebration of cultural exchange. The orchestra is committed to fostering mutual understanding and appreciation between Austria and China through the universal language of music. The VRAO’s performances will undoubtedly captivate audiences and leave a lasting impression on music lovers throughout China.
A Star-Studded Lineup of Soloists
The VRAO’s China tour will feature a stellar lineup of soloists, including mezzo-sopranos Aleksandra Gudzio and Anna Senda-Pimentel, and violin soloists Kamil Zawadzki, Ulilan Szymańska-Pereira, and Jan Gonicki. These talented musicians will join the VRAO in performing some of the most beloved works in the classical music repertoire.
A Glimpse into the VRAO’s China Tour Repertoire
The VRAO’s China tour repertoire will include a delightful mix of classical masterpieces, Viennese waltzes, and Chinese folk songs. The program will open with the lively Spring Festival Overture, a Chinese New Year favorite. The orchestra will then perform W.A. Mozart’s Overture “La clemenza di Tito” and the aria “Vado, ma dove?” from the same opera.
Violin soloists Kamil Zawadzki, Ulilan Szymańska-Pereira, and Jan Gonicki will take center stage in C. Saint-Saens’ Introduction & Rondo capriccioso for Violin and Orchestra or Father Hans’ Arebeska. The first half of the program will conclude with J. Strauss’ “Rosen aus dem Süden” op. 388 and J. Offenbach’s Overture to the Operetta “Orpheus in Underworld.”
After the intermission, the VRAO will return with J. Strauss’ Overture to “Die Fledermaus” and the aria “Ich lade gern mir Gäste ein…” from the same operetta. The orchestra will then perform P. Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake op. 20, followed by G. Bizet’s Suite from the Opera “Carmen” and the aria “Habanera” from the same opera.
The program will culminate with J. Strauss’ An der schönen, blauen Donau op. 314, a Viennese waltz that is sure to enchant audiences. As a special tribute to the host country, the VRAO will also perform the Chinese folk song Jasmine Flower.
Encores: A Delightful Musical Bonus
As a special treat for the audience, the VRAO will perform a selection of encores, including Franz Lehar’s aria “Meine Lippen, sie küssen so heiß” from the operetta Giuditta, Johann Strauss Sr.’s Seufzer Gallop op. 9, and Johann Strauss Sr.’s Radetzky Marsch op. 228.
A Toast to the Future of Music and Cultural Exchange
The Vienna Royal Artist Orchestra’s China tour promises to be an unforgettable musical journey, filled with passion, artistry, and cultural exchange. The VRAO is honored to share its music with audiences in China and looks forward to continuing its mission of fostering mutual understanding and appreciation through the universal language of music.
Upcoming Performances and Tours
The VRAO’s musical journey does not end with the China tour. Next year, the orchestra has planned several exciting performances and tours, including the Viennese New Year’s Concert, Viennese Waltz Kings, and the opera premiere of G. Verdi’s La traviata. All performances will be conducted by the VRAO’s director, Prof. Dariusz Mikulski.
Stay tuned for more updates on the Vienna Royal Artist Orchestra’s upcoming performances and tours.
