Symphony thunders to the past

Beneath the thunderous roar of the Hukou Waterfall, where the Yellow River narrows and plunges with primal force, a powerful symphony of history, unity and enduring spirit resonates this summer.

Echoing the legacy of the country's iconic wartime musical piece the Yellow River Cantata, the concerts by the Shanxi Symphony Orchestra have brought together artists and audiences to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression (1931-45).

Composed by Xian Xinghai with lyrics adapted from a poem by Guang Weiran, the cantata was completed in 1939, telling the story of the indomitable spirit of the Chinese people.

Along with the popular cantata, the Yellow River Piano Concerto is performed by pianist Lang Lang at the Huang He (Yellow River) concert held early last month in Jixian county of Linfen, Shanxi province.

"Performing the piano concerto always evokes an immense response. It has been a companion throughout my life, like a dear friend accompanying me across the globe," Lang says.

He hopes that this music, while embodying the Chinese spirit, reaches wider global audiences to foster understanding of China and its unique cultural charm through melody.

Conducting this monumental performance is Li Xincao, president of the China Conservatory of Music. "Though I've conducted these pieces countless times, performing at the roaring Hukou Waterfall on this significant 80th anniversary is a first in my artistic career. It's profoundly meaningful and unforgettable."

Building on this resonance, the orchestra performed at the magnificent setting in early July and this month. It is the third consecutive year that such a concert is held at the waterfall.

"The waterfall's mighty roar interweaves with our symphony, creating not just art, but a profound historical echo," says Sun Jing, a concertmaster with the Shanxi Symphony Orchestra. "The Yellow River is our mother river. Performing here, we commemorate history and inherit a spirit — unity, resilience, and relentless perseverance."

The performance featured powerful moments like a suona (double-reed horn) solo by virtuoso Feng Miaomiao. "The instrument's voice matches the waterfall's grandeur," Feng says. "As an artist, my heart swelled with pride. The audience's enthusiastic response was deeply moving — a genuine emotional connection. Their standing ovation was incredibly inspiring. We will continue to share beauty through music, letting more people experience the charm of the symphony and the depth of our national music."

The concerts this year also mark the 80th anniversary of retrocession of Taiwan, featuring a collaboration between musicians across the Taiwan Strait.

They were more than performances; they were vibrant acts of remembrance, powerful affirmations of shared cultural roots, and resonant declarations that the spirit of resilience symbolized by the Yellow River continues to flow strong through the heart of the Chinese nation.

As conductor Li emphasizes, it is a spirit worth inheriting for generations to come.