Shanghai Symphony Orchestra makes impressive comeback to Auckland after 51 years

Source: Xinhua| 2026-03-19 21:11:15|Editor: huaxia

This photo taken on March 19, 2026 shows a performance by the Shanghai Symphony Orchestra at Auckland Town Hall in Auckland, New Zealand. The Shanghai Symphony Orchestra performed in Auckland on Thursday evening after a hiatus of over half a century, resonating with audiences in the largest city in New Zealand.(Shanghai Symphony Orchestra/Handout via Xinhua)

AUCKLAND, New Zealand, March 19 (Xinhua) -- The Shanghai Symphony Orchestra performed in Auckland on Thursday evening after a hiatus of over half a century, resonating with audiences in the largest city in New Zealand.

As part of the 2026 Auckland Arts Festival and its Asia-Pacific tour, the orchestra performed works from "Chinese Kitchen: A Feast of Flavors" to Tchaikovsky's "Variations on a Rococo Theme" and "Piano Concerto No. 1 in B-flat minor," showcasing a perfect blend of Eastern and Western music.

"Chinese Kitchen: A Feast of Flavors" was specially commissioned by the Shanghai Symphony Orchestra for its 145th anniversary. Each movement of the work corresponds to a Chinese dish, using a unique symphonic language to interpret Chinese culinary culture and the life interests of the Chinese people.

The orchestra last visited Auckland in 1975, and it is scheduled to perform again on Friday evening, with tickets for both performances sold out.

Paul Goldsmith, New Zealand's minister for arts, culture and heritage, welcomed the orchestra's visit and expressed appreciation for the opportunity to hear the "culture and music language" from guests from afar.

Robbie Macrae, chief executive of the Auckland Arts Festival, said the orchestra's visit, which was finally realized after years of coordination, marked the first major international symphony orchestra to perform in Auckland in more than 25 years, bringing an exciting performance to the festival audience.

Auckland couple Jenny Smith and Andrew Smith, both art enthusiasts, considered the performance to be one of the highlights of the 2026 Auckland Arts Festival. They were particularly impressed by "Chinese Kitchen: A Feast of Flavors," which they said is "quite different from the traditional European music that we are used to hearing at the Auckland Philharmonia."

The Shanghai Symphony Orchestra is Asia's oldest symphony orchestra, and its current Asia-Pacific tour has covered Melbourne and Sydney in Australia and will also take it to Singapore. ■

The audience applauds after a performance by the Shanghai Symphony Orchestra at Auckland Town Hall in Auckland, New Zealand, on March 19, 2026. The Shanghai Symphony Orchestra performed in Auckland on Thursday evening after a hiatus of over half a century, resonating with audiences in the largest city in New Zealand.(Shanghai Symphony Orchestra/Handout via Xinhua)