The China National Traditional Orchestra (CNTO) is a comprehensive national-level ethnic music performance group with the largest scale and the most complete ethnic orchestra at home and abroad. It is a national art troupe directly under the Ministry of Culture and Tourism. It is composed of national chorus, art studio, performance department and other departments. The orchestra was established in 1960 under the chairmanship of Premier Zhou Enlai. The first head of the orchestra was the former chairman of the Chinese Musicians Association and the famous composer Mr. Li Huanzhi. The current head of the group is the chief pipa player and national first-class actor Zhao Cong.

With the purpose of promoting traditional Chinese folk music, the orchestra has created and performed a large number of excellent musical works, and a large number of folk musicians have emerged, making outstanding contributions to inheriting and promoting the spirit of Chinese culture. The highest honor of the Youth Festival Gold Award, etc. Party and state leaders such as Mao Zedong, Zhou Enlai, Deng Xiaoping, Jiang Zemin, Hu Jintao, Xi Jinping, and many foreign leaders have watched the orchestra's performance many times and spoke highly of it.

Over the years, the orchestra has been adhering to the development ideas and goals of "diversification" and "nationalization" of artistic performances, constantly collecting music materials from different historical periods, inheriting and excavating the essence of China's thousands of years of traditional music culture, and through a large number of excellent national musical instrumental works. , The performance of the original ecological music works showed a variety of ethnic art forms, established a unique performance style, and won high praise from domestic and foreign audiences.

He has performed externally in more than 30 countries and regions around the world, actively participated in international cultural exchange activities, and promoted Chinese culture and folk music, and has achieved a series of remarkable achievements. He has visited and performed in the United States, Russia, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Australia, Greece, Japan, South Korea, Mexico, Peru, Belgium, Luxembourg and other countries, and traveled to five continents in the world. At the same time, he often performs cultural exchange performances in Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan, so that compatriots from both sides of the Taiwan Strait and the three places can feel the kinship of the Chinese nation, which is thicker than water. In 1997, at the invitation of the American ICM Company, he toured more than a dozen cities in the United States, and performed in collaboration with the world-renowned cellist Yo-Yo Ma at Carnegie Hall in New York. In 1998, 1999 and 2010, the orchestra went to Vienna's "Golden Hall" three times to hold the "Chinese New Year Concert". In 2008, at the opening and closing ceremonies of the Beijing Olympic Games and the opening and closing ceremonies of the Paralympic Games, a special concert of Chinese folk music was performed in the Great Hall of the People for President Hu Jintao and other heads of state. In 2011, he participated in the 91st Music Festival in Salzburg, Austria, and in the 2012 New Year's Prayer Concert "The Sound of Fan Chan", the orchestra's superb performance was highly praised by local audiences and news media.

In recent years, the orchestra has created and released the trilogy of Chinese music, "Impression of Chinese Music", "See Chinese Music Again", "Xuanzang Westward Journey", large-scale ethnic concerts "Dangyang National Wind", "National Wind Surrounding Liang" and "So Beautiful in the Country" "Red Makeup Chinese Music", "Silk Road", national symphonic chorus "Imagine Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei", folk music documentary "Homeland", themed audio-visual concert "Tiandi Yongle China Festival", national symphonic chorus "Sing a Heart Song to the Party" "Listen" and other repertoires have become classic repertoires of the orchestra.

artist

Conductors: Liu Sha, He Jianguo, etc.

Composers: Zhao Dongsheng, Jiang Ying, Wang Danhong, Ma Jiuyue

National Orchestra: Wang Ciheng, Tang Feng, Wei Yuru, Zhao Cong, Niu Jiandang, Chen Xiangyang, Feng Mantian, Jin Yue, Dong Xiaolin, Wu Lin, Zhu Jianping, Yu Xin, Wu Xuewei, Fuqiang, Lin Fuguo, Chen Shasha, Cai Yang, Tian Weiyang, Zhang Hui

National Chamber Orchestra: Liu Xiang, Chen Libao, Li Wenbo, etc.

National Chorus: Yan Bozheng, Gong Junli, Wei Gani, Wang Zifei, Pei Changjia, Zhao Na, Fu Lishan, Song Lingli, Zhang Ping, Zhang Xianghua, Liu Yang, Liu Songtao, etc.

Glorious history

In December 2016, to commemorate the 150th anniversary of Mr. Sun Yat-sen's birth, the orchestra staged a large-scale national symphonic sound painting "The Great Forerunner Sun Yat-sen" in the Great Hall of the People.

In December 2016, the Central Chinese Orchestra won the only collective award in the 5th "Light of China - Person of the Year for Spreading Chinese Culture".

In November 2016, the orchestra participated in the "China-Latin America Cultural Year" and performed in Bogota, Colombia, Mexico, Peru, Ecuador and other places in Latin America, especially in Peru accompanying the high-level visit of the President of the State, which was praised by the head of the central government. This Latin American tour has gone through 5 countries, 9 cities, and 10 concerts, and was hailed by the media as "another milestone performance in the history of the Central Chinese Orchestra, redefining the new heights and achievements of Chinese folk music".

In September 2016, the folk music oratorio "Earth Tragedy" created by the orchestra to assist the Chongqing National Orchestra was performed in Beijing.

In August 2016, the large-scale new "Music Theater" "Finding Du Fu" jointly created by the Central Chinese Orchestra and the Chengdu Chinese Orchestra premiered at the National Centre for the Performing Arts. For the first time, a large-scale Chinese orchestra was used to shape the artistic image of ancient Chinese cultural celebrities.

In December 2015, the orchestra brought three brand plays of the Chinese musical "Another Chinese Music", the large-scale Chinese orchestral "Dangyang National Style" and "Impression·Seeing the Chinese Music Again", and successively performed at the Kennedy Center in Washington, USA and the Lincoln Center in New York. Completed 5 commercial performances with Carnegie Hall, three of the world's top music halls, and achieved a sensational effect. Mr. Cui Tiankai, Chinese Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the United States, and all the consuls generals in the United States watched the performance of "Another Chinese Music".

In July 2015, another innovative repertoire of the Central Chinese Orchestra, the large-scale Chinese musical "Another Chinese Music", was premiered at the Poly Theater in Beijing. It performed six performances in a row within four days. Minister Gang, Vice Minister Dong Wei, Vice Minister Jing Junhai of the Central Propaganda Department and other leaders, hundreds of experts and scholars in various fields of literature and art, and nearly 10,000 spectators watched the performance together.

In September 2014, the Central Chinese Orchestra and the Xinjiang Art Theater jointly created and launched a large-scale ethnic concert "Silk Road", which was successfully premiered in the concert hall of the National Centre for the Performing Arts.

In January 2014, the 18th National Music Works (Folk Music) Awards, hosted by the Ministry of Culture and undertaken by the Central Chinese Orchestra, was held in Beijing. The National Orchestra "Silk Road" submitted by the orchestra to Jiang Ying won the first prize.

In November 2013, the orchestra went to Russia to participate in the closing concert of the "Russia-China Tourism Year". The tourism year activity is a major theme year activity personally promoted by the heads of state of China and Russia. Vice Premier Wang Yang will be there to watch the performance.

In August 2013, the orchestra's innovative large-scale folk musical "Impression · Chinese Music" premiered at the National Centre for the Performing Arts.

In June 2012, the orchestra participated in the first "Chinese Music Forum" and "Xinyi Cup" concert of classical folk orchestral works.

In May 2012, the large-scale ethnic concert "Tibetan Spring" jointly created by the Central Chinese Orchestra and the Tibetan Song and Dance Ensemble National Orchestra premiered in the Concert Hall of the National Centre for the Performing Arts.

In June 2011, the band visited Russia with President Hu Jintao and held a concert to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the signing of the Sino-Russian Treaty of Good-Neighborliness and Friendship at the National Kremlin Theater on the 16th.

In April 2011, the Central Chinese Orchestra and Xinjiang Chinese Orchestra jointly produced a large-scale special concert "Beautiful Xinjiang" which premiered at Beijing Century Theater.

In January 2010, the Orchestra performed at the "National Museum Theater" in Brussels, Belgium, the "Hersett Cultural Center" in the Netherlands, the "UNESCO Headquarters Venue" in Paris, France, and the "Concert Hall of the National Radio and Television Building" in the capital of Slovakia.

From April to December 2009, the Orchestra presented ten performances of "Famous Conductors at Home and Abroad - National Concert Series" at the National Centre for the Performing Arts.

In August 2009, as a gift to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China, a large-scale ethnic concert "So Beautiful in the Country" was held at the National Centre for the Performing Arts. President Jiang Zemin and other party and state leaders attended the concert.

In June 2008, during the opening and closing ceremonies of the 29th Olympic Games and the opening ceremonies of the Paralympic Games, which attracted worldwide attention, the orchestra held a special concert for heads of state, which was praised by President Hu Jintao.

In August 2007, appointed by the Ministry of Culture, the orchestra went to Norway to participate in the "2007 Chinese Culture Festival" tour.

In December 2006, the award-winning concert of the "12th National Music Works (Folk Music) Awards" sponsored by the Ministry of Culture was held in the National Concert Hall of the Central Chinese Orchestra.

In September 2006, at the invitation of the External Propaganda Office of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China, the Orchestra went to Seoul, South Korea to participate in a large-scale cultural exchange activity with the theme of "Perceiving China - China-Korea Cultural Year".

In October 2005, the Central Chinese Orchestra went to Amsterdam, the Netherlands, to participate in the "China Festival" in the century-old "Amsterdam Orchestra Concert Hall" and hold a national concert.

In November 2003, the Central Chinese Orchestra went to Hong Kong to participate in the "Legend Art Festival".

In October 2003, the Central Chinese Orchestra went to France to participate in the opening performance of the "Chinese Culture Year" and the Tour de France.

In August 2003, the Central Chinese Orchestra went to Russia to participate in the "China Week in St. Petersburg". National concerts are held in the 150-year-old "Mariinsky Theater".

In June 2002, the Central Chinese Orchestra went to Greece to participate in the "Athens Art Festival". Performed at the "Ancient Theater of Harold" at the foot of the Greek "Acropolis".

In March 2001, Shougang Group sponsored the Central Chinese Orchestra 3 million yuan for the development of national music.

In October 2000, the Central Chinese Orchestra went to France to participate in the "Chinese Culture Month" event and performed at the Champs-Élysées in Paris.

From August to September 2000, the Central Chinese Orchestra went to the United States with President Jiang Zemin to participate in the "Chinese Culture in America" activity, and for the first time held a Chinese national concert in the United Nations Conference Hall for the "Millennium Summit". UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan attended and wrote a congratulatory message.

In 1999, the Asian Orchestra, jointly formed by the Central Chinese Orchestra and Japanese and Korean musicians, toured in the three countries.

In February 1999, the Orchestra once again held the "Chinese National Concert for the Year of the Rabbit" at the "Golden Hall" in Vienna, Austria and the "Philharmonic Hall" in Berlin, Germany. President Jiang Zemin wrote a congratulatory message for the performance.

In November 1998, the Central Chinese Orchestra held a China-Korea Friendship Concert at the Beijing Century Theater.

In October 1998, the Central Chinese Orchestra went to South Africa for a visiting performance.

In October 1998, the Central Chinese Orchestra went to Yugoslavia to participate in the 30th Belgrade International Music Festival.

In September 1998, the Central Chinese Orchestra Band performed at the Sapporo Concert Hall in Japan.

In 1998, the Asian Orchestra, which was jointly established by our group and Japanese and Korean musicians, was formally established.

In January 1998, the Central Chinese Orchestra held the "First Chinese National Concert for the Year of the Tiger Spring Festival" at the "Golden Hall" in Vienna, Austria. The heads of state of China and Austria wrote congratulatory messages for the concert.

In February 1997, at the invitation of the American ICM Company, the Central Chinese Orchestra performed tours in 17 cities, and entered the world-class concert hall "Carnegie Hall" for the first time to perform with the world-renowned cellist Yo-Yo Ma.

In January 1997, President Jiang Zemin watched our group's "Chinese New Year National Concert" at the Century Theater and took a group photo with all the actors.

In October 1996, the Central Chinese Orchestra participated in the 10th Macao International Music Festival.

In August 1995, the Central Chinese Orchestra went to Hong Kong for a visiting performance.

In April 1995, President Jiang Zemin watched our group's "Concert to Commemorate the 100th Anniversary of Liu Tianhua's Birth" at the Beijing Concert Hall and met with the main actors.

In March 1995, the Central Chinese Orchestra once again went to Baodao for a tour of Taiwan.

In August 1993, a large-scale performance troupe of nearly 100 members of the Central Chinese Orchestra made its first tour to Taiwan, Treasure Island.

In March 1993, the new site of the Central Chinese Orchestra was completed.

In November 1988, the Central Chinese Orchestra went to India and other Southeast Asian countries to perform.

In August 1988, the Orchestra and the Music Research Institute of the China National Academy of Arts jointly hosted the "Observation and Seminar on Chinese Music" and held three observation concerts.

In October 1987, the Central Chinese Orchestra participated in the first China Art Festival.

In September 1987, the Central Chinese Orchestra participated in the first national "Guangdong Music Invitational Competition" and won the first prize.

From May to June 1986, the Chorus of the Central Chinese Orchestra participated in the 2nd International Chorus Festival and won the first prize of performing arts.

In January 1986, the orchestra recorded music for CCTV's "Spring Festival Gala".

In July 1984, the Central Chinese Orchestra went to the United States to participate in the 23rd "Olympic Arts Festival".

In February 1980, the folk music team of the Central Chinese Orchestra went to Japan for the first time to perform.

In 1980, Ye Jianying, Li Xiannian and the leaders of the Guangzhou Municipal Party Committee met with the performers of the Central Chinese Orchestra.

In March 1979, the Central Chinese Orchestra went to the front line of Laoshan to express condolences to the officers and soldiers who participated in the self-defense counterattack against Vietnam.

In the autumn of 1963, Chairman Mao Zedong met with all the members of the Central Chinese Orchestra at Huairentang, Zhongnanhai.

In the autumn of 1961, Premier Zhou Enlai met with the actors of the "Production Chorus" by the Central Chinese Orchestra.

In February 1960, Premier Zhou Enlai presided over the founding of the Central Chinese Orchestra. The orchestra was officially established, with Mr. Li Huanzhi as its first head.

In 1957, the predecessor of the Folk Chorus of the Central Chinese Orchestra won the gold medal at the 6th World Youth Festival.