Suzhou Symphony Orchestra is set up with the mission of encouraging the combination between traditional Suzhou culture and Western symphonic art, introduced by Chen Guangxian, the general manager of Suzhou Symphony Orchestra.

“Symphony is an international art language which is known worldwide,” said Chen. “Chinese stories told by international language will be easily accepted by the world.”

The Orchestra planned to play more Chinese folksongs with symphony while more cultural factors in Suzhou, such as Kunqu and Pingtan, will be used into the performance. Chen and his team hope that through the creation of new artistic expressions, the Orchestra will achieve the goal of becoming a global member and domestic leader of symphony orchestras.

At the unveiling concert and inaugural concert, many Chinese folksongs were shown by symphony players from 15 countries. Chen Xieyang, conductor of the Orchestra, said it is not difficult to deliver the Chinese culture and contents behind the folksongs to the players abroad.

“I usually tell them the Chinese stories of the folksongs they play, so that they will put their understandings and emotions into the performance,” said Chen Xieyang.

There will be 52 concerts by Suzhou Symphony Orchestra in 2017, including 26 concerts held monthly and quarterly, 6 themed indoor concerts and 14 piano competitions. Local residents will not only enjoy the Die Fledermaus by Johann Strauss. Jr, pieces of master works of Tchaikovsky and Schubert will be performed as well.