Gothenburg’s China Tour was led by guest conductor Kent Nagano and  young violinists Ray Chen.

Debut at Macao Cultural Centre

On the occasion of the 65th anniversary of the establishment of Sino-Swedish diplomatic relations the Gothenburg Symphony Orchestra, toured in China from April 2nd to April 12th. This renowned orchestra, which in 1997 received the title of “National Symphony Orchestra of Sweden”, has in the last two decades become a Musical Ambassador of Sweden, and during this tour gave concerts in China’s metropolises including Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Hangzhou and Macao. Organized by Wu Promotion and sponsored by the “Swedish Icon” Volvo, Gothenburg’s China Tour was led by guest conductor Kent Nagano and featured one of the most compelling young violinists of these days, Ray Chen.

Group photo in NCPA, the last station of the tour

For this tour the Gothenburg Symphony Orchestra had carefully selected the programs, presenting a strong German-Scandinavian line with a selection of Brahms and Mendelssohn, and in honor of the 150th birth Anniversary of Jean Sibelius, Sibelius’ symphony no.2, and Violin Concerto in d minor. In addition the orchestra staged “Beast Sampler” a piece specially composed for this tour by Hillborg. The piece is inspired by the sound of nature and Scandinavian mythology. According to Kent Nagano, who asked Hillborg to compose the piece, Hillborg might have used Mythological creatures as an inspiration for the piece, because both China and Scandinavia have great Mythology.

Maestro Nagano, introducing beast sampler, before the concert

The Gothenburg Symphony Orchestra’s 2015 China tour, would not have been possible without the support of “the Swedish Icon” Volvo Cars, a strong partner in the promotion of the Sweden’s distinctive Nordic culture in both China and abroad.

Press conference in Shanghai

Wonderful Moments:

Maestro Nagano, giving his flowers to two musicians of Hangzhou Philharmonic Orchestra, who last noticed,
replaced two of the orchestra’s own members who suddenly had become unwell.

Ray Chen visiting Shanghai Children’s Medical Center, for a special concert

Maestro Nagano, leaving his handprint,
during the special welcoming ceremony at NCPA , and receiving a seal as a gift.

Backstage in NCPA, Ning Shuyong, vice president of Volvo China,
handing a Volvo model Car, to Maestro Nagano and Ray Chen.

Gothenburg Symphony Orchestra Clipping Report:

ChinaDaily
http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/culture/2015-04/14/content_20426886.htm

New Express
http://www.ycwb.com/ePaper/xkb/html/2015-04/03/content_678523.htm?div=0

Nanfang Daily
http://epaper.southcn.com/nfdaily/html/2015-03/15/content_7407905.htm

Youth Times
http://www.qnsb.com/fzepaper/site1/qnsb/html/2015-03/27/content_534671.htm

Xinmin Evening News
http://xmwb.xinmin.cn/html/2015-04/08/node_16.htm

Shanghai Morning Post
http://newspaper.jfdaily.com/xwcb/html/2015-04/10/content_82469.htm

Oriental Morning Post
http://epaper.dfdaily.com/dfzb/html/2015-04/09/content_978478.htm

Beijing Business Today
http://www.bjbusiness.com.cn/site1/bjsb/html/2015-04/02/content_292431.htm?div=-1

Beijing News
http://epaper.bjnews.com.cn/html/2015-04/03/content_569667.htm?div=-1

Beijing Morning Post
http://bjcb.morningpost.com.cn/html/2015-03/26/content_339331.htm

Beijing Evening News
http://bjwb.bjd.com.cn/html/2015-04/15/content_272029.htm

Zhejiang TV
http://v.zjol.com.cn/video/91554.html

Xinhua.net
http://news.xinhuanet.com/local/2015-03/06/c_127549040.htm

Hangzhou.com.cn
http://ent.hangzhou.com.cn/mxgx/content/2015-02/12/content_5651171.htm

People.com
http://sh.people.com.cn/n/2015/0407/c134768-24416974.html

CRI Online
http://gb.cri.cn/32464/2015/03/26/7951s4914540.htm