This year marks the 100th anniversary of the Palace Museum. Last night, the “Civilization Eternal – Palace Museum 100th Anniversary Symphony Concert,” jointly produced by the China National Symphony Orchestra and the Palace Museum, was performed at the Beijing Concert Hall.

This cultural feast created to commemorate the Palace Museum’s centennial was jointly performed by the China National Symphony Orchestra and the China National Symphony Orchestra Chorus. Using the grand language of symphony, it provided vivid annotations for the Palace Museum’s century-long journey and the inheritance of Chinese civilization. The work celebrates the Palace Museum’s centennial through melody, playing a powerful note for the inheritance of Chinese civilization. Through four movements – “Myriad Atmospheres,” “Years of Splendor,” “Gentle Breeze and Harmony,” and “Civilization Eternal” – the piece places the Palace Museum within the grand cultural system of the Chinese nation, using abstract and philosophical musical thinking to elevate humanistic spirit. Its harmonic language blends modern tension with the warmth of traditional pentatonic scales, achieving deep integration of national spirit and symphonic art.

The composer stated: On this special day, launching this work has unique significance. Writing about the Palace Museum within a broad cultural context allows every Chinese person to face our own culture and feel the great love flowing in our veins, as well as the beauty inherited from our magnificent culture. Under these moving influences, it has greater inclusiveness. It also incorporates the spirit of “harmony and unity” deeply rooted in Chinese national thought and the contemporary concept of a shared future for humanity.

Palace Museum

The Palace Museum, also known as the Forbidden City, is a historic imperial palace complex in Beijing, China. It served as the home of Chinese emperors and the ceremonial and political center of the Chinese government for nearly 500 years during the Ming and Qing dynasties. Today, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the world’s most visited museums, housing a vast collection of artifacts and artworks from the imperial collections.

China National Symphony Orchestra

The China National Symphony Orchestra (CNSO), founded in 1956 as the Central Philharmonic Orchestra of China, is one of the nation’s most prestigious musical institutions. It was established to promote symphonic music and has played a pivotal role in China’s cultural development. Today, the CNSO is renowned for its performances of both Western classical masterpieces and works by prominent Chinese composers.

Beijing Concert Hall

The Beijing Concert Hall is a prestigious classical music venue located in the Xicheng district, which opened in 1985. It was designed with a traditional Chinese palace architectural style and is renowned for its excellent acoustics. The hall has hosted performances by leading Chinese and international orchestras, establishing itself as a central hub for the capital’s musical life.

China National Symphony Orchestra Chorus

The China National Symphony Orchestra Chorus is the official chorus of the China National Symphony Orchestra, founded in 1956 as the Central Orchestra Chorus. It has a distinguished history of performing a wide repertoire, ranging from Western classical masterpieces to iconic Chinese works like the “Yellow River Cantata,” establishing itself as a leading vocal ensemble in China.