With an earnest flick of his fingers, conductor Li Xincao brought the concert to a poignant end, sustained by a raw open-string harmonic. The lengthy applause was rapturous – a cathartic release from the contained excitement that permeated through the Opera House waiting areas moments before the concert began. 

This excitement was highly justified as the event heralded the first visit of a major Chinese orchestra to Australia since the great lockdown. It also coincided with the 50th Anniversary of the opening of the Sydney Opera House. Such a high profile and aptly programmed occasion demands careful deliberation and consideration in all aspects of the production, and this concert, hosted by Ausfeng, excelled in every area, from the choice of repertoire, to the calibre of performance to overall presentation.  

Those in attendance at the Opera House on Tuesday night experienced a sonic treat of timeless classics from China’s modern era: Yaozu Wuqu (Dance of the Yao People), Liangzhu xiaotiqin xiezouqu (Butterfly Lovers’ Violin Concerto) and Tambourin Chinois, Op. 3 (Chinese Tambourine) programmed with Beethoven’s formidable Symphony No. 7 in A major, Op. 92.

These are household favourites cleverly chosen to draw on the sonic memories and...