On the evening of January 14th, the “New Era” Grand Original Symphony Concert, sponsored by China Federation of Literary and Art Circles and Chinese Musicians’ Association, was performed at the concert hall of China National Center for the Performing Arts. Soochow University Choir was invited to participate in the performance. Tie Ning, Chairman ofChina Federation of Literary and Art Circles, Chairman of China Writers Association, Li Yi,Secretary of the Leading Party Group and Vice Chairman of China Federation of Literary and Art Circles, Tian Xuejun, Vice Minister of Education, Wang Yanwen, Member of the Standing Committee of Jiangsu Provincial Committee and Minister of Publicity Department,Jiang Yong,Secretary of the CPC Committee of Soochow University, Xiong Sidong, President of Soochow University, and some other leaders were invited to attend the concert.

This grand symphony concert was dedicated to the past 4decades of reform and opening up. Composed of two original works, Hero and Symphony of Folk Songs, Court Hymns and Sacrificial Songs, the concert was a masterpiece reflecting China’sdistinct vision, style and values in the field of Chinese symphony creation in recent years. In the first half, the seventh symphony hero was composed by Ye Xiaogang, the former Vice Chairman of China Federation of Literary and Art Circles, Chairman of Chinese Musicians’ Association and renowned composer, and was performed by China National Symphony Orchestra. In the second half, Soochow University Choir and SuzhouNational Orchestra together presented Symphony of Folk Songs, Court Hymns and Sacrificial Songs, which paid tribute to the traditional Chinese classics with its unique music language, displayed the indomitable and pioneering spirit of the Chinese nation, told feelings and integrity of men of letters, and expressed aspirations of people to live a happy life. Soochow University choir and Suzhou National Orchestra performed wonderfully, using the past toeulogize the present, showing the mighty and indomitable spirit of China crossing the threshold into a new era.