Xi'an international music festival gets off to a piano start

The 22nd Xi'an International Music Festival kicked off on Nov 11 in Xi'an, capital of Northwest China's Shaanxi province.

The 22nd Xi'an International Music Festival opens on Nov 11 in Xi'an. [Photo provided to en.xa.gov.cn]

At the opening performance of the festival, world-renowned pianist Rudolf Buchbinder, and the Staatskapelle Dresden, recognized as one of the top 10 orchestras in the world, collaborated to perform all five piano concertos of Ludwig van Beethoven.

Buchbinder, renowned for his legendary 65-year piano career, is hailed as the "interpreter" of Beethoven's works in the music world. The Staatskapelle Dresden, with a history spanning 475 years, is not only the oldest symphony orchestra but also an authentic interpreter of German-Austrian classical music.

Legendary pianist Rudolf Buchbinder performs Ludwig van Beethoven's piano concertos. [Photo provided to en.xa.gov.cn]

Since its inception in 2002, the Xi'an International Music Festival has successfully hosted 21 consecutive editions.

The festival's excellent quality, market-oriented operation methods, and relatively complete cultural industrial structure have fulfilled the rich spiritual and cultural needs of the people of Xi'an. It has created significant social value and established a new cultural calling card for the city.

Rudolf Buchbinder with the Staatskapelle Dresden at the 22nd Xi'an International Music Festival. [Photo provided to en.xa.gov.cn]

This year's music festival is scheduled to continue until Jan 2024, and will include four major music sections: "Opening Performance", "Both Ends of the Ocean", "Xi'an Concerto" and "Cross Year Symphony."

During the opening performance, the Xi'an Symphony Orchestra announced the grand finale of this year's music festival – the "2023/24 Xi'an Symphony Orchestra New Year's Concert". This event is expected to celebrate the arrival of 2024 with a magnificent concert featuring the people of Xi'an.