According to Huang Yi, the music director of the Guangzhou Symphony Orchestra, the idea for the concert was initially inspired by Beethoven's Symphony No 6 in F Major, Op 68, which is widely known as "the Pastoral".
From there, the idea was imaginatively expanded to flesh out the program. In addition to music by Beethoven, the concert also featured Orage from Anton Reicha's cantata, Lenore, Jota, a traditional song from Aragon in Spain, and Overture to Hero und Leander, Op 11 by Julius Rietz.
"The production combined classical and modern music, and was presented with live visual effects to create an immersive world, as we explored the complex relationship between humans and nature," says Zou Shuang, artistic director of the Beijing Music Festival.
"Classical music has long been celebrated for its beauty, complexity and emotional depth. Technology transforms the way we live, and it's also having a great impact on how we create and experience classical music," Zou adds.
