On July 3, the Shenzhen Symphony Orchestra and Chorus present the world premiere of Song of Ling Nan by Bright Sheng, the first movement of his forthcoming vocal symphony. Conducted by the composer and featuring baritone Sihao Hu, the new work draws inspiration from the poetry of Song Dynasty writer Su Shi. Through lines such as “Orange flowers are blooming happily outside my door / The lychees have already stained the top of my wall,” Sheng evokes the spring and summertime landscapes surrounding Mount Luofu with vivid orchestral color and lyrical sensitivity.
The program also features newly adapted arias from Sheng’s acclaimed opera Dream of the Red Chamber. Drawn from the landmark work’s most deeply-felt moments, “Petal Burial Aria” and “Dai Yu’s Drowning” bring to life the inner worlds of two of Chinese literature’s most beloved characters. Since its 2016 world premiere at San Francisco Opera, Dream of the Red Chamber has been celebrated internationally for its powerful storytelling and richly expressive score. The program will be reprised on July 5 in Hong Kong.
For more information, please contact Flannery Cunningham.
