The Long March, an epic strategic retreat by the Red Army of the Communist Party of China that took place from 1934 to 1936, is a defining event in Chinese history, filled with themes of endurance, sacrifice, and the triumph of the human spirit, as Zhao puts it.

"As a young composer, I read lots of stories about the event. The Long March covered thousands of kilometers through difficult terrain: mountains, rivers and harsh weather. Within that sweeping history are deeply personal stories of hardship and courage," says Zhao, 36.

"We are still working on the new piece and what we want to present is a piece with a fresh and innovative perspective and sound, telling the story of the Long March through a contemporary musical lens," he adds.

Beyond large-scale orchestral performances, the season will also feature chamber concerts, offering a more intimate setting to highlight the subtle textures and expressive nuances of traditional instruments.

Choral programs under the theme "Traveling with Folk Songs" will present regional melodies and vocal traditions, bringing the diversity of Chinese folk culture to the stage. At the same time, cross-genre collaborations are being developed to connect traditional music with contemporary artistic forms, with the aim of attracting younger listeners.