Central Conservatory of Music Chinese Orchestra New Year Concert Presents in Toronto!
The “CCTV Spring Festival Gala Opening Performer” leads a premier Chinese orchestra on tour in North America — Toronto performance on February 27!
Do you remember the fantastic opening melody from this year’s CCTV Spring Festival Gala? When “Miracles Immediately” resounded, it evoked galloping horses and a surging tide of spring. The erhu played by Yu Hongmei, together with fellow artists, wove a powerful festive symphony that set the tone for the celebration.
This time, the grandeur of the Chinese New Year — with a scale comparable to the Spring Festival Gala — was recreated in Toronto. Leading the performance is none other than Yu Hongmei, one of the most influential contemporary erhu virtuosos in China and the very artist who performed the CCTV Gala’s opening theme.
She is not only an internationally acclaimed erhu master but also a leading figure in Chinese national music education and artistic creation. This tour brings the Central Conservatory of Music Chinese Orchestra to the United States and Canada, with the Toronto performance taking place on Friday, February 27 at 7:30 PM.
This time, the grandeur of the Chinese New Year — with a scale comparable to the Spring Festival Gala — was recreated in Toronto. Leading the performance is none other than Yu Hongmei, one of the most influential contemporary erhu virtuosos in China and the very artist who performed the CCTV Gala’s opening theme.
She is not only an internationally acclaimed erhu master but also a leading figure in Chinese national music education and artistic creation. This tour brings the Central Conservatory of Music Chinese Orchestra to the United States and Canada, with the Toronto performance taking place on Friday, February 27 at 7:30 PM.
A Program Blending Tradition and Modernity — A Tribute to Chinese Cultur
This concert features beloved classics alongside expressive contemporary works. Rich in ethnic character yet resonant with modern spirit, the program celebrates both heritage and innovation.
Program Highlights
Spring Festival Overture
Composer: Li Huanzhi
The most familiar New Year melody for Chinese audiences.
Inspired by Shaanbei yangge folk dance, vibrant and jubilant — when it begins, you know it’s New Year.
Cang Ge Yin (for Guzheng and Orchestra)
Composer: Chen Zhe
“Heaven” symbolizes spring and the awakening of life.
The bright, crystalline guzheng intertwines with the orchestra to evoke renewal.
Heart Rain (Chamber Ensemble)
Composer: Tang Jianping
Like a gentle summer shower.
Subtle and poetic, filled with literati elegance.
Hundred Birds Paying Homage to the Phoenix (Suona and Orchestra)
Shandong folk classic
Using circular breathing and glissando, the suona mimics birds in chorus.
One of the most celebratory and infectious masterpieces in Chinese folk music.
Wind · Elegance · Ode
Composer: Zhang Zheng
Inspired by the three sections of the Book of Songs.
Expressed through modern Chinese orchestral language to reflect cultural spirit.
Harvest Gongs and Drums
Composers: Peng Xiuwen & Cai Huiquan
Derived from traditional percussion suites.
Majestic and rhythmically dynamic.
Jin Tune (for Sheng and Orchestra)
Composer: Yan Haideng
Draws from Shanxi Bangzi opera.
The multi-voiced sheng creates strong regional and dramatic color.
Ink Plum (Erhu Concerto)
Composer: Yu Hongmei
Inspired by Yuan dynasty poet Wang Mian.
Using plum blossoms as metaphor — elegant and resilient.
One of Yu Hongmei’s signature concerto works.
Tea-Horse Road
Composer: Li Bochan
Depicts the ancient Tea Horse Road dating back to the Tang dynasty.
Caravan bells and mountain echoes evoke Silk Road exchanges.
Forever Shandandan
Composer: Wang Danhong
From a large-scale symphonic work.
Symbolizing resilience and hope on the Shaanbei Plateau.
Winner of the 15th Chinese Golden Bell Award.
Program Highlights
Spring Festival Overture
Composer: Li Huanzhi
The most familiar New Year melody for Chinese audiences.
Inspired by Shaanbei yangge folk dance, vibrant and jubilant — when it begins, you know it’s New Year.
Cang Ge Yin (for Guzheng and Orchestra)
Composer: Chen Zhe
“Heaven” symbolizes spring and the awakening of life.
The bright, crystalline guzheng intertwines with the orchestra to evoke renewal.
Heart Rain (Chamber Ensemble)
Composer: Tang Jianping
Like a gentle summer shower.
Subtle and poetic, filled with literati elegance.
Hundred Birds Paying Homage to the Phoenix (Suona and Orchestra)
Shandong folk classic
Using circular breathing and glissando, the suona mimics birds in chorus.
One of the most celebratory and infectious masterpieces in Chinese folk music.
Wind · Elegance · Ode
Composer: Zhang Zheng
Inspired by the three sections of the Book of Songs.
Expressed through modern Chinese orchestral language to reflect cultural spirit.
Harvest Gongs and Drums
Composers: Peng Xiuwen & Cai Huiquan
Derived from traditional percussion suites.
Majestic and rhythmically dynamic.
Jin Tune (for Sheng and Orchestra)
Composer: Yan Haideng
Draws from Shanxi Bangzi opera.
The multi-voiced sheng creates strong regional and dramatic color.
Ink Plum (Erhu Concerto)
Composer: Yu Hongmei
Inspired by Yuan dynasty poet Wang Mian.
Using plum blossoms as metaphor — elegant and resilient.
One of Yu Hongmei’s signature concerto works.
Tea-Horse Road
Composer: Li Bochan
Depicts the ancient Tea Horse Road dating back to the Tang dynasty.
Caravan bells and mountain echoes evoke Silk Road exchanges.
Forever Shandandan
Composer: Wang Danhong
From a large-scale symphonic work.
Symbolizing resilience and hope on the Shaanbei Plateau.
Winner of the 15th Chinese Golden Bell Award.
Under Maestro Liu Sha’s witty and captivating baton, the concert concluded on a perfect note with the beloved folk classic “Hua Hao Yue Yuan” (Blooming Flowers and Full Moon), drawing to a graceful close amid warm applause and heartfelt well wishes.
Venue — An Exceptional Acoustic Experience
The performance is held at Koerner Hall, part of the Royal Conservatory of Music in Toronto. Renowned across North America for its superb acoustics, the hall offers crystal-clear sound and rich spatial depth — ideal for the nuanced textures of traditional instruments and the grandeur of a full orchestra. Experiencing Chinese folk music in such a venue promises a truly high-caliber cultural event.
Featured Artist
Yu Hongmei — Musical instrument: Erhu
An outstanding contemporary erhu virtuoso and educator, Yu Hongmei serves as President of the Central Conservatory of Music. She is Chair of the Chinese Bowed String Association and a board member of the Chinese Musicians’ Association. A recipient of numerous national honors, including the Pro Musicis International Award and China’s Golden Record Award, she frequently serves as a judge for major national competitions.
An outstanding contemporary erhu virtuoso and educator, Yu Hongmei serves as President of the Central Conservatory of Music. She is Chair of the Chinese Bowed String Association and a board member of the Chinese Musicians’ Association. A recipient of numerous national honors, including the Pro Musicis International Award and China’s Golden Record Award, she frequently serves as a judge for major national competitions.
Liu Sha — Conductor
Chief Conductor of the China National Traditional Orchestra and Artistic Director of the Shandong Chinese Orchestra. A graduate of the Central Conservatory of Music and the Saint Petersburg State Conservatory, he is widely respected in the field of Chinese orchestral conducting.
Chief Conductor of the China National Traditional Orchestra and Artistic Director of the Shandong Chinese Orchestra. A graduate of the Central Conservatory of Music and the Saint Petersburg State Conservatory, he is widely respected in the field of Chinese orchestral conducting.
Song Xinxin — Musical instrument: Guzheng
Associate Professor at the China Conservatory of Music and one of the few young performers to win China’s three highest music competition gold medals: the Golden Bell Award, Wenhua Award, and CCTV National Instrumental Competition.
Associate Professor at the China Conservatory of Music and one of the few young performers to win China’s three highest music competition gold medals: the Golden Bell Award, Wenhua Award, and CCTV National Instrumental Competition.
Liu Wenwen — Musical instrument: Suona
China’s first Doctor of Suona, Associate Professor at the Shanghai Conservatory of Music, and a highly acclaimed soloist performing internationally.
China’s first Doctor of Suona, Associate Professor at the Shanghai Conservatory of Music, and a highly acclaimed soloist performing internationally.
Wang Lei — Musical instrument: Sheng
Professor at the Central Conservatory of Music and award-winning sheng performer, noted for his scholarly and performance achievements.
Professor at the Central Conservatory of Music and award-winning sheng performer, noted for his scholarly and performance achievements.
Yin Fei — Musical instrument: Percussion
Associate Professor at the Central Conservatory of Music and founder of the SEPE Percussion Ensemble. A multiple gold medalist in national competitions.
Associate Professor at the Central Conservatory of Music and founder of the SEPE Percussion Ensemble. A multiple gold medalist in national competitions.
Wei Ran — Musical instrument: Percussion
Associate Professor at the Central Conservatory of Music, prizewinner in national competitions, and active international performer dedicated to Chinese percussion.
Associate Professor at the Central Conservatory of Music, prizewinner in national competitions, and active international performer dedicated to Chinese percussion.
The Orchestra
The Central Conservatory of Music Chinese Orchestra is a core artistic ensemble of China’s highest music institution. For over 60 years, it has been at the forefront of preserving and innovating Chinese classic music. Touring extensively across Asia, North America, Africa, and Oceania, the orchestra serves as an important cultural ambassador, showcasing the vitality and contemporary energy of Chinese music worldwide.
The Central Conservatory of Music Chinese Orchestra is a core artistic ensemble of China’s highest music institution. For over 60 years, it has been at the forefront of preserving and innovating Chinese classic music. Touring extensively across Asia, North America, Africa, and Oceania, the orchestra serves as an important cultural ambassador, showcasing the vitality and contemporary energy of Chinese music worldwide.
Performance & Ticket Information
Date: February 27, 2026
🕢 Time: 7:30 PM
📍 Venue: Koerner Hall, The Royal Conservatory of Music
273 Bloor St W, Toronto, ON M5S 1V6
🎟 Tickets:
VVIP: $288
Regular: $168 / $88 / $68 / $48
🕢 Time: 7:30 PM
📍 Venue: Koerner Hall, The Royal Conservatory of Music
273 Bloor St W, Toronto, ON M5S 1V6
🎟 Tickets:
VVIP: $288
Regular: $168 / $88 / $68 / $48
Organizers
As a major event of the 2026 “Happy Spring Festival” and “Today’s China Arts Week,” the concert is jointly presented by the China Federation of Literary and Art Circles, the Chinese Musicians’ Association, and the Consulate General of China in Toronto. It is organized by the Canada-China Cultural Development Association and the Toronto Academy of Music, and performed by the Central Conservatory of Music Chinese Orchestra.
As a major event of the 2026 “Happy Spring Festival” and “Today’s China Arts Week,” the concert is jointly presented by the China Federation of Literary and Art Circles, the Chinese Musicians’ Association, and the Consulate General of China in Toronto. It is organized by the Canada-China Cultural Development Association and the Toronto Academy of Music, and performed by the Central Conservatory of Music Chinese Orchestra.
