From March 28 to April 4, 2025, the Wiener Symphoniker held its first-ever residency in Beijing, presenting five captivating performances...

From March 28 to April 4, 2025, the Wiener Symphoniker held its first-ever residency in Beijing, presenting five captivating performances at the National Centre for the Performing Arts (NCPA) and the Beijing Performing Arts Centre. The visit coincided with the orchestra’s 125th anniversary and the 200th anniversary of Johann Strauss II’s birth. The program featured technically demanding masterpieces such as Wagner’s Die Walküre and Mahler’s Symphony No. 4, alongside dazzling works by Strauss, recreating the iconic sound of the Musikverein and showcasing the pinnacle of classical music artistry.

Beyond the stage, the orchestra engaged in a series of meaningful cultural exchange activities. Musicians visited the Beijing Central Axis, newly inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2024, performing Western classical music at three historic landmarks: Yongding Gate, the Temple of Heaven, and the Drum Tower. In a rare musical dialogue across cultures, the orchestra also joined forces with the Divine Music Administration—representing China’s ancient ritual music tradition—to perform Jasmine Flower, embodying the ideal of”Harmony in Diversity.”

Masterclasses were also held at the China Conservatory of Music, where the Chief Conductor and principal players offered hands-on guidance to young Chinese musicians, sharing their expertise and fostering artistic growth. These activities wove musical notes into the very fabric of the city, creating a dialogue that transcended language and borders.

This residency also marked the Chinese conducting debut of Petr Popelka, who officially assumed the role of Chief Conductor of the Wiener Symphoniker this season. During the tour, he engaged closely with Chinese audiences at a signing event, strengthening the connection between the orchestra and its growing audiences in China.