In the last week of June, the world-renowned Berliner Philharmoniker returned to Shanghai after a seven-year hiatus. This visit, meticulously planned and organized by the China Shanghai International Arts Festival, included an unprecedented lineup of four symphony concerts, seven chamber music concerts, and a series of art education activities.
On the evening of June 28, Ensemble Berlin of the Berliner Philharmoniker visited ShanghaiTech University and provided the audience with an exclusive high-quality artistic experience. Well before the official performance began, the Conference Center was already filled with students and faculty gathered for this spectacular auditory feast.
The concert began with a surprise performance by students from the School Affiliated to ShanghaiTech, adding a vibrant splash of color to the evening’s event. Amidst enthusiastic applause, members of Ensemble Berlin took the stage. As the lights dimmed and bows touched strings, the music gently flowed out. The first piece was Mozart’s overture “Così Fan Tutte,” starting with melodious strains followed by notes played by woodwinds, painting a picture of Enlightenment thought. The “Quintet in F Major,” adapted by Carl Khym from Beethoven’s “Horn Sonata in F Major,” was beautifully executed by the musicians and captivated the audience with its lively, bright, and full sound. The third piece was Mozart’s “Quartet in F Major,” which concluded the first half with thunderous applause from the audience.
After a short intermission, the second half began with Rossini’s “Semiramide: Overture,” bringing the concert to a new climax with its stirring melody and dynamic rhythm. Throughout the repertoire played by the Ensemble, the audience was deeply captivated and immersed in the fantastic music. The second half concluded with Mendelssohn’s “Concert Piece No. 1.” As the final note of the repertoire lingered, the audience stood up, erupting in cheers and prolonged applause, expressing their appreciation and respect for the musicians. Amidst rapturous applause, the orchestra returned for an encore and performed “Piazzolla: Oblivion.”
The musicians’ exquisite skills and vivid expressiveness brought classic masterpieces to life, leading the audience to explore the boundless charm of music. The campus was infused with a rich poetic atmosphere through the Ensemble’s wonderful music.
Before the concert, the university organized an “Interactive art talk” session, inviting Li Yanhuan, a renowned music critic in Shanghai, to give a talk on art appreciation. Through this engaging class, students reviewed the glorious history and musical traditions of the Berliner Philharmoniker and appreciated the classic pieces performed by Ensemble Berlin, including Mozart’s “Oboe Quartet in D Major,” Beethoven’s “Quintet in F Major,” and Poulenc’s “Septet,” preparing them for the upcoming auditory feast.
Christoph Hartmann, the oboist from Ensemble Berlin, commended the university for its meticulous organization and for providing an excellent environment and atmosphere for the performance. He said that the warm welcome by ShanghaiTech’s students and faculty left a lasting impression on the musicians. During this visit to Shanghai, the Berliner Philharmoniker not only brought world-class music to the city but also experienced its unique charm, further promoting international cultural exchange.
“I secured a ticket to this concert! I feel so lucky and excited, as all the 800 tickets were booked out within two minutes!” said Liang Xinting, a student from the School of Life Science and Technology and Dadao College, expressing her excitement. Another “lucky one,” Kang Jingyu, a flute veteran since childhood from the School of Information Science and Technology and Shangdao College, mentioned that she was pleasantly surprised by the many opportunities to interact with world-class orchestras. “From the Philadelphia Orchestra to the Berliner Philharmoniker, I never missed a chance to engage with the musicians. The university always encourages us to participate in cultural and artistic activities to enhance our artistic literacy, and also makes high-quality cultural activities easily accessible.” Cui Haozhe, a student from the School of Information Science and Technology and Kedao College, found the concert stunning. “Their performances spanned from Baroque to modern works, taking the audience on a journey through time and space, enjoying a diverse musical landscape. The string quartet, in particular, captivated the audience, holding us breathless and spellbound,” said Cui.
Since its founding, ShanghaiTech has been dedicated to exploring the path of aesthetic education while pursuing scientific exploration and technological innovation. Over the years, ShanghaiTech has collaborated with renowned domestic and international artists and ensembles, bringing elegant art to the campus and promoting the all-around development of students’ moral, scientific, cultural, and artistic qualities.