Veteran conductor to lead SZSO at 'Má vlast'

Best known as the founder of the Czech national school of music, Bedřich Smetana composed many classical works, particularly operas and symphonic poems. Perhaps his most esteemed work is "Má vlast" (“My Fatherland”), a set of six symphonic poems written between 1874 and 1879. 

The Shenzhen Symphony Orchestra. Photos courtesy of Shenzhen Concert Hall

Led by veteran Chinese conductor Chen Xieyang, the Shenzhen Symphony Orchestra (SZSO) will perform the complete version of this masterpiece next week in tribute to the 200th anniversary of Smetana's birth year.

Drawing inspiration from the legends and landscapes of his homeland, Smetana arranged the work as six standalone symphonic poems, each with its own theme. In its original sequence, the movements respectively portray chivalrous deeds at a medieval castle (“Vyšehrad”), a river journey with scenes of rural life (“Vltava”), the legendary revenge of a scorned maiden (“Šárka”), the fields and woods along the Elbe River (“From Bohemian Fields and Groves”), gallant Czech warriors (“Tábor”), and their eventual return in victory (“Blaník”).

The most popular piece in the set is the second movement, which vividly depicts the journey of the Vltava River through iconic themes and swirling, water-like motifs. 

Chen Xieyang

Chen, honorary music director of Shanghai Symphony Orchestra (SSO) and guest conductor of China National Symphony Orchestra, was SSO’s first music director. He led the orchestra on many successful tours to Europe and the United States, also collaborating with local musicians.

SSO’s recording of the violin concerto “Butterfly Lovers” under Chen’s baton won China’s Gold Record prize in 1989. The Academy Award-winning recording of the soundtrack for “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon” (2000), performed by cellist Yo-Yo Ma and SSO, was also conducted by Chen.

With his profound understanding of music and prowess in commanding an orchestra, Chen promises to immerse audiences in the enchanting Bohemian scenery portrayed by Smetana.

Tickets: 50-880 yuan

Time: 8 p.m., Nov. 8 

Venue: Shenzhen Concert Hall, Futian District (深圳音乐厅)   

Metro: Line 3 or 4 to Children’s Palace Station (少年宫站), Exit D 

A poster for the concert.