Basel Symphony Orchestra presented Chinese audiences a series wonderful concerts. Swiss President, Doris Leuthard took part in the concert in Shanghai.

Swiss President, Doris Leuthard meets Jiatong Wu at the Concert

As one of Switzerland's three major symphonic orchestras, Basel Symphony Orchestra has impressed Chinese audiences during their first visit in 2004. Six years later, on the special occasion of the 60 Years Anniversary of the Diplomatic Relations between The People's Republic of China and Switzerland, Wu Promotion was delighted to bring Basel Symphony Orchestra back to China. Under the baton of Mario Venzago, Chinese violinist, Mengla Huang, who is acclaimed as “Chinese Paganini" conspired with Basel Symphony Orchestra, presented Chinese audiences a series wonderful concerts. Swiss President, Doris Leuthard and her delegation took part in the concert in Shanghai.

Conductor, Mario Venzago Communicates with Mengla Huang before the Concert

Known as Sinfonieorchester Basel (SOB), the orchestra constantly guarantees a high musical level in both modern and classical opera productions.. The constant presence of an international audience at the orchestra's performance, due to Basel's proximity to Germany and France, enhances the motivation of the truly international team of musicians.

SOB held concerts in Guangzhou, Zhuhai, Shanghai, Suzhou and Beijing. They not only presented the classic works from Tchaikovsky, Brahms, but also had world premiere of Swiss composer, Alfons Karl Zwisker's new work, L' été Symmétrique. Mengla Huang is one of the most active violinists of our time. His brilliant technique and unique interpretations have fascinated audiences throughout Asia, Europe and North America. In 2002, he won the first prize at the prestigious Paganini International Violin Competition in Italy. His interpretation of Violinkonzert D-Dur op. 35, by Tchaikovsky was full of intensive emotion. The audiences followed his music up and down. With perfect understanding on works, Venzago smoothly led the tempo and raise the music to fine sentiments level.

Basel Symphony Orchestra Shanghai Concert

In Guangzhou, many professional classical musicians attended the SOB's concert. In Zhuhai, the theater was refurbished to welcome this orchestra. In Suzhou, the passionate audiences extended the concert with their endless applause. The concert was finally ended by Chinese people's beloved work, Jasmine.

SOB dedicated Arthur Honegger's work, Pacific 231 to Shanghai World Expo. It depicts a steam locomotive, an interpretation that is supported by the title of the piece. Swiss President, Doris Leuthard, Swiss Ambassador, Blaise Godet, Swiss Counsellor Shanghai, William Frei and Government Basel" Hanspeter Wessels all attended this concert. Finally, SOB successfully finished its whole tour in National Centre for the Performing Arts in Beijing with the work, L' été Symmétrique.