The large-scale symphonic cantata “Da Feng Ge” was performed at the Shenzhen Concert Hall on October 18, featuring a collaboration of the American Qingyu Choir, the Shenzhen Symphony Orchestra, the Shenzhen Opera and Dance Theater Choir and Troupe, the Shenzhen Symphony Orchestra Children’s Choir, and the Guangzhou Yangcheng Children’s Choir.

“Da Feng Ge” is structured into four acts: “The Bridal Feast, Winds Along the Ground,” “The Snake-Slaying Rebellion, Winds Rise in the Marsh,” “The Chu-Han Contention, Winds and Clouds in Motion,” and “The Han Emperor’s Return, Winds Through the Ages.” This piece beautifully intertwines melodies from Chinese opera and folk art with Western symphonic music, merging grand scope with intricate detail to present various tones—solemn, majestic, poignant, and humorous—while preserving the tradition of Chinese opera.

According to Zhang Ningyuan, the overall producer of “Da Feng Ge,” the work narrates the historic events surrounding Liu Bang, the founder of the Han Dynasty, who led the snake-slaying rebellion to unify the people and realize the ancient ideal of “Establishing Peace Across the Land.” It explores unique elements of Chinese tradition and showcases the enduring core values of the Chinese nation.

Lyrics for “Da Feng Ge” were penned by Guokai, with music composed by renowned Chinese composer and former head of the Composition Department at Tianjin Conservatory of Music, Professor Chen Lechang. The piece premiered in 2011 in California, performed by the American Qingyu Choir and the Silicon Valley Symphony Orchestra, receiving acclaim and praise from the American music community. In 2012, it was staged at the National Centre for the Performing Arts in China, also to great reviews.

After a 12-year hiatus, “Da Feng Ge” has made its way back to Shenzhen, conducted by the esteemed Lin Daye, the artistic director of the Shenzhen Symphony Orchestra. The performance featured soloists from China, including renowned singers Li Xiuying, Yuan Lu, Zongshi, and American-based singer Fang Liya. Alongside the Shenzhen Symphony Orchestra, the concert brought together over 240 performers, including several artists specializing in traditional instruments. Composer Chen Lechang also made a special trip from Tianjin for this event.

The American Qingyu Choir, founded in 1999, is composed of enthusiasts who share a passion for choral music and possess a solid singing background. The choir is primarily made up of engineers, professors, scientists, and elites from the high-tech sector in Silicon Valley, who have made significant efforts to promote cultural exchange between the U.S. and China while advocating for Chinese music abroad. Over the years, the choir has collaborated with numerous prominent Chinese composers and various art groups in the Greater Bay Area to successfully create choral suites such as “Overseas Wanderer’s Song” and larger symphonic cantatas like “Yu Wang Zhi Shui,” “Da Feng Ge,” and “Bu Tian,” all original works with lyrics by Guokai. Some of these creations reflect on the struggles of Chinese immigrants in North America over the past 150 years, expressing their deep connections and wishes for their homeland. Others trace the roots of Chinese civilization, celebrating ancient sages and revealing the great spirit and core values of the Chinese nation. These original works have toured China six times.

After the performance, a local resident named Zhang remarked, “This fusion of Eastern and Western elements was remarkable and left a lasting impression on me.”

The production is set to continue its journey with a performance at the Guangzhou Grand Theater on October 22.