The Beijing Concert Hall was filled with a blend of warmth and sophistication as the China National Symphony Orchestra launched its 2025/26 season with the much-anticipated "Nordic Light" series on Friday.

Under the baton of its artistic adviser Shui Lan and in collaboration with renowned pianist Stephen Hough, the concert offered a powerful exploration of the sweeping, poetic landscapes of Nordic symphonic traditions.

The evening's program featured two iconic works: Brahms' Piano Concerto No 1 in D Minor, Op 15 and Sibelius' Symphony No 5 in E-flat Major, Op 82. These two compositions represent a striking contrast in style and atmosphere, yet, both resonated with profound emotional intensity, filling the concert hall with an undeniable, palpable energy.

Brahms' concerto, with its monumental opening, was a grand declaration of symphonic power and emotional depth. Pianist Hough, known for his nuanced artistry, brought out the full spectrum of this demanding work, from its sweeping orchestral passages to its delicate, lyrical moments. The symphony's themes of struggle and triumph echoed through the hall, as the orchestra and soloist navigated its grand architecture with both precision and passion.

Following the intermission, the mood shifted dramatically with Sibelius' Symphony No 5, a piece famed for its profound sense of Nordic mysticism and expansive orchestral sound. The work's majestic themes and sweeping, soaring melodies painted vivid sonic landscapes of the Finnish wilderness. Under Shui's guidance, the orchestra brought out the symphony's stunning contrasts: from the delicate, fluttering string passages to the thunderous brass fanfares that reverberated with a feeling of grandeur and introspection.

The evening's highlight came with an encore performance of Sibelius' Valse Triste, a hauntingly melancholic waltz that resonated deeply with the audience. The plaintive, bittersweet melody evoked a sense of quiet longing and reflection, leaving the audience enveloped in a contemplative stillness. Shui, conducting with expressive elegance, guided the orchestra through this piece with a sublime sense of pacing, allowing its elegiac beauty to linger in the air.