Conductor Massimo Zanetti leads musicians of the Beijing Symphony Orchestra during a concert at the National Center for the Performing Arts in Beijing, on Jan 11, 2023. (PROVIDED TO CHINA DAILY)

The Beijing Symphony Orchestra staged a concert under the baton of conductor Massimo Zanetti last Thursday at the National Center for the Performing Arts in Beijing, featuring music works such as L'italiana in Algeri Overture by Rossini, Manon Lescaut Intermezzo by Puccini and Mendelssohn's Symphony No 4 Italia, Op 90.

The concert kicked off the 2024 performing season of the Beijing Symphony Orchestra, which, according to the orchestra's president Meng Haidong, will bring around 18 concerts as well as music events.

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Marking the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and France, the Beijing Symphony Orchestra will perform under the baton of Zhang Yi in a concert at the NCPA on Jan 19, with music programs by French composers, including Francis Poulenc's Concerto for Two Pianos in D Minor, and Saint-Saens' The Carnival of Animals.

The Beijing Symphony Orchestra performs under the baton of conductor Massimo Zanetti (not pictured) at the National Center for the Performing Arts in Beijing, on Jan 11, 2023. (PROVIDED TO CHINA DAILY)

In June, the Beijing Symphony Orchestra will perform with Vineta Sareika-Volkner, the new and first woman concertmaster of the acclaimed Berlin Philharmonic, celebrating the 30th anniversary of the city partnership between Berlin and Beijing with a concert.

According to Meng, newly commissioned music works will also be featured during the 2024 performing season, highlighting the Central Axis of Beijing, which is a well-preserved core area of the old city of Beijing, stretching about 7.8 kilometers long.

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In the new performing season, Beijing Symphony Orchestra will also continue its art educational programs by working with schools, communities and enterprises, bringing classical music closer to the audiences.