The China National Symphony Orchestra kicked off its 2023 tour in China with two concerts in Shanghai featuring Western classics and original Chinese compositions on Feb 18 and 19 respectively.

The symphony was one of 11 orchestras from around China invited to participate in the showcase of outstanding music companies. The showcase kicked off in November. The concerts were originally scheduled to be held in December  before they were postponed to take place from February through May this year.

By presenting challenging pieces such as Wagner's Tannhouser Overture, Shostakovich's Chamber Symphony and Brahms' Symphony No. 4, the national orchestra hopes to present its true capabilities in interpreting Western classics, according to Yin Bo, deputy director of the symphony.

Founded in 1956, and originally named the Central Orchestra of China, the China National Symphony shoulders the mission of creating new Chinese music works, and its second concert in Shanghai features Ode to the Land, a new composition by five musicians of the company.

"Each composition features a movement that reflects their diverse perspective on the same subject of China's development," Yin said.