The Butterfly Lovers Concert 2025 captivated music lovers on Monday at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre, with composer He Zhanhao, who co-wrote the Chinese classic Butterfly Lovers' Violin Concerto, taking up the conductor’s baton.
This year marks the 66th anniversary of the concerto's debut. He, also a renowned music educator, collaborated with other musicians to incorporate various artistic forms, showcasing the beauty of this masterpiece during the concert, according to the organizer.
The concert highlighted a unique fusion of instruments, ranging from the traditional Chinese guzheng to the violin and orchestra, creating a vibrant reinterpretation of the beloved melody, the organizer added.
A standout moment of the evening was the guzheng concerto version of The Butterfly Lovers, performed by musician Xu Lingzi under He’s baton. Through the distinct sound of the guzheng, Xu conveyed the romance of the legendary tale.
The concert reached a crescendo with a performance of Butterfly Lovers' Violin Concerto, conducted by He and interpreted by violinist Xue Suli, former principal of the China National Symphony Orchestra and a member of the Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra.
The other artists who participated included Xu Huifang, Zhou Xuan, Wu Xiaohong, Liu Yu.
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Su Yongan, artistic advisor of the Organizing Committee for the Butterfly Lovers Concert 2025, remarked that the violin concerto, with its heartfelt narrative, has become a treasure of Chinese culture and a classic in the annals of world music.
This year’s concert not only commemorates the birth of the work but also aims to convey love and hope through the power of music, Su noted.
The concert's proceeds will be donated to charitable organizations to support the development of music culture in Hong Kong and provide music-loving children with better opportunities, Su added.
The music of The Butterfly Lovers is inspired by a legendary Chinese love story recounting the tragic romance between Liang Shanbo and Zhu Yingtai, who, despite their deep love, are ultimately separated by societal conventions and parental objections. In the end, Liang and Zhu transform into butterflies to be together for eternity.
