'Belt and Road' music festival opens with grand concert

Video by Lin Jianping

On last Saturday evening, some world-renowned musicians took part in the 2025 Shenzhen "Belt and Road" International Music Festival's opening concert at the Shenzhen Concert Hall. 

Musicians receive a standing ovation following the opening concert of the 2025 Shenzhen “Belt and Road” International Music Festival at Shenzhen Concert Hall on Saturday. Photo courtesy of event organizer

Conducted by Dane Lam, the Shenzhen Symphony Orchestra performed alongside Albanian tenor Saimir Pirgu, Lebanese percussionist Rony Barrak, Canadian violinist Stanislav Pronin, and Chinese pipa player Li Luo.

The repertoire included the 60th-anniversary edition of Lyu Qiming’s overture "Ode to the Red Flag," Chen Gang’s "Sunshine on Tashkurgan," Giuseppe Verdi’s overture to "La forza del destino," and Rony Barrak’s "Phoenicia."

Eastern and Western instruments and vocals complemented each other, creating a harmonious sound that transcended cultural boundaries.

Canadian violinist Stanislav Pronin takes center stage during the opening concert of the 2025 Shenzhen “Belt and Road” International Music Festival.

During a pre-concert interview, violinist Stanislav Pronin said, "This is a very important event because it highlights cultural diversity and exchange, which is essential for fast-growing cities like Shenzhen. I hope to be part of it again in the future."

Pipa soloist Li Luo, during an interview, said, "It is a great honor to perform alongside so many outstanding international musicians at this concert. As a pipa performer, I use this instrument to tell Chinese stories and showcase and spread Chinese culture. This is a truly meaningful endeavor."

Chinese pipa soloist Li Luo delivers a solo with the Shenzhen Symphony Orchestra during the opening concert of the 2025 Shenzhen “Belt and Road” International Music Festival.

Tenor Saimir Pirgu, speaking about his first performance at the Shenzhen Concert Hall, stated, "The Shenzhen Symphony Orchestra is truly an international orchestra, and I’m very happy to work with them."

Percussionist Rony Barrak described the festival as a beautiful initiative for cultural exchange, stating, "Each country can showcase its beauty and love for music and arts. This event brings musicians together with a mix of beautiful classical and modern repertoire. I am honored and glad to participate in this festival in Shenzhen."

Albanian tenor Saimir Pirgu makes his Shenzhen debut during the opening concert on Saturday.

Ye Xiaogang, artistic director of the music festival, remarked, "The opening concert reflects the depth and breadth of cultural exchanges under the Belt and Road Initiative. Artists from multiple countries have used music as a bond to showcase the power of mutual learning among civilizations. Through the concert, we hope Shenzhen becomes a cultural window for the world to understand China."

Lebanese percussionist Rony Barrak strikes an explosive rhythm during Saturday’s opening concert.

Under the theme "Shenzhen, Music Inspires the Future," this year’s festival will run until Oct. 24. Top artists from 30 countries, including 18 Belt and Road Initiative participating countries, will present 21 events and 29 high-level performances across various art forms, such as symphony, opera, dance, chamber music, traditional Chinese opera, and musical theater.