NCPA On Stage

In an intimate conversation, the great Spanish guitarist Pepe Romero looks back on a lifetime of music and meaning. As his Farewell to Asia tour reaches Beijing, he shares stories of love, memory, and the timeless beauty of the guitar.

In this special Mid-Autumn episode of NCPA On Stage, we explore the enchanting sounds of the dizi—China’s 7,000-year-old bamboo flute. Discover how this instrument’s vibrating membrane creates its unique resonance, and journey through Northern folk melodies, Southern poetic traditions, and modern fusions. Join us for a cultural soundscape where tradition meets innovation.

A Chinese orchestra is divided into four groups: the wind, plucked strings, bowed strings and percussion including the instruments such as the erhu, pipa, and suona, etc. In this episode, you will listen to some of the greatest contemporary Chinese works presented by five renowned conductors and the top-notch Chinese orchestra-China National Traditional Orchestra.

Last week at NCPA, Chinese pianist Zhang Haochen completed a monumental feat – performing all four Rachmaninoff piano concertos plus the Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini in a single day. In this episode of NCPA on Stage, we have the privilege of hearing ZhangHaochen’s first reflections just hours after stepping off stage.

Today, we’re delighted to have one of the most celebrated violinists of our time—Mr. Ning Feng. A gold medalist at the Paganini International Violin Competition, Mr. Ning is renowned not only for his virtuosic technique and lyrical tone, but also for his dedication to bridging cultures through music. At the 2025 NCPA May Festival, Ning Feng shares his deep connection to Chinese composer Zhao Jiping’s Violin Concerto No. 1, reflects on interpreting Shostakovich, and explores how music bridges cultures.

Today we are honored to have one of the most celebrated cellists of our time — Jan Vogler. With a career that spans continents and collaborations with leading orchestras and artists, he is not only a brilliant soloist, but also an influential curator and cultural ambassador. Mr. Vogler is currently in Beijing for the annual NCPA May Festival, and over the past week, he’s brought audiences here unforgettable performances.

Today, we have the great pleasure of speaking with Maestro Paavo Järvi, a conductor celebrated for his dynamic interpretations and deep musical insights. He was here in Beijing on April 7th to lead the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra in a captivating concert at China's National Centre for the Performing Arts.

Our guest today is Lin Li, a renowned Guzheng performer, a PhD holder in War Studies at King’s College London, and a passionate advocate for cross-cultural dialogue. With a background that spans from the prestigious Peking University to the halls of King’s College London, Lin Li has not only mastered the art of the Guzheng but has also dedicated her academic career to understanding the complexities of global politics and cultural identity.

Join us for a captivating episode of NCPA On Stage as we explore the expressive world of the erhu, often called the “Chinese violin”. We showcase the instrument’s rich history and evolving repertoire, revealing the erhu’s profound emotional depth and dynamic versatility. 02:05-04:16 LIU Tianhua: Bird Song in a Desolate Mountain 04:17-05:54 A’bing: The Moon Reflected on the Er-quan Spring 05:55-08:57 LIU Wenjin: Ballad of Northern Henan Province 08:58-12:52 CHEN Yaoxing: Battle Steeds Galloping Ahead 12:53-18:46 WANG Jianmin: Erhu Rhapsody No. 1 18:47-25:44 TAN Dun: Erhu Concerto Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon 25:45-32:38 Bizet: Carmen Fantasy for erhu, piano, and string quartet

Ring in the joy and unity of the Chinese New Year with NCPA On Stage! Join us as we celebrate this cherished festival with a special concert featuring traditional Chinese music, vibrant melodies, and festive tunes that bring the vibrant spirit of the festival to life. Wishing you all a Happy Chinese New Year—may your year ahead be filled with health, prosperity, and joy!