Guangzhou Symphony Orchestra
Since its founding in 1957, the Guangzhou Symphony Orchestra (GSO) has developed into one of China’s most artistically excellent and vibrant orchestral institutions. It is the first and only Chinese symphony orchestra to have toured and performed on five continents, receiving acclaim as “one of China’s most prestigious music ensembles” (China Daily) and “China’s nexus of musical tradition and innovation” (Financial Times of London).
Maestro Long Yu, Music Director since 2003, is a preeminent Chinese conductor with international renown. He also serves as Artistic Director and Chief Conductor of the China Philharmonic Orchestra, Music Director of the Shanghai Symphony Orchestra, Chairman of the Artistic Committee of the Beijing Music Festival and Co-Director of the Music in the Summer Air Festival (MISA) in Shanghai. Long Yu was appointed Principal Guest Conductor of the Hong Kong Philharmonic, beginning in the 2015/2016 season.
The GSO is also one of the first orchestras in China to institute a professional concert season. The 2018/2019 season marks the GSO’s 22nd season. In July 1997, the GSO marked an important milestone, having restructured its organization. Beginning in May 1998, the orchestra introduced a full “music season.” In October that year, the orchestra received rave reviews and was lauded as a “shining star” at the inaugural Beijing Music Festival for its performance in the opera La Bohème. “It is heartening to see the GSO’s meteoric rise as an artistic force in southern China, joining the ranks of other distinguished orchestras in the country’s mainstream,” one Beijing critic reported. For many years, the GSO returned annually to the Beijing Music Festival.
Music Director
Long Yu, conductor
Facilities
