Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra making its inaugural visit to Xi'an, under the baton of conductor Andris Nelsons, on Nov 2 and 3. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

On Saturday and Sunday, the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra made its inaugural visit to Xi'an, Shaanxi province, to perform two concerts at the Xi'an Concert Hall. The event was not only a musical highlight, but also marked a vibrant chapter in the development of Xi'an's artistic scene.

The city is gradually becoming a notable location on the national and even global music map, allowing local audiences to experience world-class performances without the need to travel abroad, or to other cities.

The Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra, which is treasured by classical music lovers worldwide, offered listeners in Xi'an the rare opportunity to experience a top-tier symphony orchestra up close.

The concert was packed, with many attendees traveling from afar to seize the precious moment. Under the baton of conductor Andris Nelsons, the two concerts concluded successfully, and included pianist Yefim Bronfman and over 120 musicians from the orchestra.

Pianist Martha Argerich. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Another highlight of the opening week of the 23rd Xi'an International Music Festival will take place on Nov 8, with a performance by one of the world's top pianists, Martha Argerich, along with cellist Wang Jian and three other musicians.

Over the next three months, three performing arts venues — the Shaanxi Opera House, the Xi'an Concert Hall, and the Kaiyuan Grand Theatre — will host 20 exciting performances and cultural activities, including symphonies, vibrant solo performances, and vocal feasts, that will offer audiences a rewarding, star-studded musical experience.

Enthusiasts can look forward to live concerts from renowned pianist Krystian Zimerman and Chinese-Canadian pianist Bruce Liu, who will perform two solo piano concerts, the Xi'an Symphony Orchestra's artistic adviser Zhang Guoyong and Polish conductor Pawel Kapulawill continue their tribute to the classics, and at the end of the year, the Xi'an Symphony Orchestra and its chorus will present highlights from operas by Puccini.

Other performances include the Siberian Symphony Orchestra, guqin player Zhao Jiazhen, and singer Lisa Ono, who will join the Xi'an Symphony Orchestra and its chorus in celebrating every festive occasion during the winter months.

On Jan 11, under the baton of conductor Zhang Guoyong, the Xi'an Symphony Orchestra and its chorus will perform the grand symphonic choral work, Belshazzar's Feast, by Sir William Walton. This will mark the conclusion of the festival.

Cellist Wang Jian. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]