Orchestral music lovers in Croydon have the rare opportunity to experience one of Asia’s most revered orchestras this March, as the China Shenzhen Symphony Orchestra (SZSO) performs at Fairfield Halls on Friday 22 March on its first ever UK tour.

Its debut UK tour will see more than 100 musicians on stage presenting a fantastically wide-ranging and impressive programme. It includes the UK’s first live orchestral performances since its release over 20 years ago of film score excerpts from the Academy Award-winning hit movie Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, which blends Chinese ceremonial and classical music together in action-packed drama. The film score was composed by Tan Dun, who is also the SZSO’s principal honorary conductor.

The programme also features Mahler’s ‘Titan’ First Symphony and Chausson’s Poème, a fantastical story about a woman seduced by a former lover with an enchanted violin, for which the SZSO will be joined by acclaimed and internationally renowned violinist Tamsin Waley-Cohen.

Since the orchestra was founded over 40 years ago in Shenzhen, the city has transformed from a small fishing village into China’s third most populous city and a global technology hub. The SZSO grew from this backdrop and now represents the rich culture of Shenzhen, under the direction of Daye Lin, one of the most exciting young conductors in China.

Daye Lin, music director and principal conductor, says: “It has been a dream of mine for a long time to bring the China Shenzhen Symphony Orchestra to the UK and we can’t wait to perform for UK audiences across the country. We hope to welcome orchestral audiences new and old – we’ve created a programme that includes moments of exciting drama, serene beauty, and virtuosic brilliance, which we know British audiences will enjoy.”

Tamsin Waley-Cohen, solo violinist, says:

“After touring China in 2019, it will be a joy to have this rare opportunity to perform with a Chinese orchestra in Britain, especially one as exciting as the Shenzhen Symphony Orchestra, conducted by the supremely talented Daye Lin. We will be performing two pieces by Chausson and Saint-Saens, both of works that enthralled me playing them as a teenager, and now I am finding great joy in revisiting them. I can’t wait to bring them to audiences around the UK.”

Fairfield Halls in Croydon is celebrated for its world-class acoustics. This concert forms part of a yearlong orchestral series at the venue featuring orchestras from around the world.

On behalf of Fairfield Halls, Steve Turner, Associate Director of Venues adds:

“We are absolutely delighted to host the China Shenzhen Symphony Orchestra (SZSO) for their UK tour finale. Whether new to classical music or a lifelong devotee, this evening and its sumptuous programme promises to delight and enthral. Tickets available now at fairfield.co.uk.”

UK 2024 tour dates and venues

Mon 11 March Birmingham Symphony Hall

Wed 13 March Cadogan Hall, London

Thu 14 March Sheffield City Hall

Fri 15 March Bridgewater Hall, Manchester

Sun 17 March Usher Hall, Edinburgh

Mon 18 March Perth Concert Hall

Wed 20 March The Anvil, Basingstoke

Fri 22 March Croydon Fairfield Halls

For further information about the tour, visit: https://imgartists.com/roster/china-shenzhen-symphony-orchestra-10-22-march-2024/