The entire series will kick off with Dedicated to 2020: A Symphony for Soprano, Baritone, Chorus and Orchestra performed by the Wuhan Philharmonic Orchestra, the Beijing Symphony Orchestra, and the Wuhan-born musicians of the China Philharmonic Orchestra at Poly Theatre on Oct 10. Commissioned by BMF’s organizing committee and the China Philharmonic Orchestra, the work will serve as an homage to the resilient spirit of Wuhan’s residents, a heroic epic honoring the millions of people who came together to overcome the tragedy that was COVID-19. Then, on Oct 20, BMF will close with a performance by the China Philharmonic Orchestra accompanied by five musicians, all of whom were born in 2000. The performance will pay tribute not only to the young performers but also the 20th anniversary of the China Philharmonic Orchestra and the Poly Culture Company with the theme, “We Were Born in 2000.”
Over the course of ten days, there will be 20 performances drawing on a diverse range of musical styles, from full orchestral concerts to chamber music and solo recitals, jazz, and the classical Chinese and Western canons, as well as a “drive-in opera” screening of George Bizet's Carmen, on Oct 16 at Maple Drive-in. Whereas in a "normal" year, musicians and industry experts would be flying into the capital from all over the world, coronavirus restrictions mean that there will be 28 panel discussions streamed online, featuring more than 100 musicians, artists, and celebrities from film, television, and the theatre, sharing everything from personal stories and anecdotes to table reads.
For more information, including a complete lineup of events, tickets, and streaming information, you can download the BMF App from Apple and Android stores by searching BMF 俱乐部, or follow the event on WeChat (ID: BeijingMusicFestival).
