However, on 18 March, the first violin of the orchestra, Zhou Hui, for the first time since January, took to the stage. In the almost empty building he and other musicians of the orchestra held a rehearsal for the online concert on March 27 was broadcast on Bilibili – one of the most popular video-sharing websites in China.
the band performed in front of an empty room for the first time. In a show called “Bullet-screen Concert” was attended by three group of musicians of famous orchestra: noise band Black Face, which includes marimbist Xu Xin and Gao xylophonists I; duet Piano Duet – violinist Zhou Hui and pianist Lee Tien; and string Quartet Monet String Quartet – violinist From Siui and Shi Inoue, violist Zhuang Shen and cellist Li Yifan.
Zhou Hui, who was born and raised in XI’an, and here he started to learn to play the violin from his father, said: “Usually we perform with full halls, the audience who listen attentively to music. They are “responsible” for our performance with applause and shouts of “Bravo!”. But the concert without a live audience – for me new and exciting experience.”
the 27-year-old musician in 2013 she graduated from the Conservatory of the National University of Singapore, in 2015 he continued his studies at the Dresden University of music Karl Maria von Weber in Germany, where he received a master’s degree, and in 2018, joined the Symphony orchestra of his hometown.
“For viewers online concerts are a new way to listen to classical music, which is considered high and serious art. They do not need to sit quietly and wear evening suits. They can eat, drink, talk, and discuss the performance during the concert, and it’s not bad,” – said Zhou.
According to the brand Director, the XI’an Symphony orchestra Tsao of Zivania, the idea of giving a live online concert on Bilibili appeared when the music band was put on pause. “Since the founding of the orchestra, he has formed a constant audience of fans. Due to the outbreak of the virus many concerts and other cultural events postponed until better times, and people told us that they would be sad and miss the orchestra performances. They would love to come to the concert, but I understand the seriousness of the situation, says Cao. Musicians could rehearse together, but they spent hours rehearsing at home. We wanted to hold an online concert because classical music is a breakthrough”.
One of the features of video sharing site Bilibili, comments that appear on the screen directly during the playback of videos or live broadcasts. Bilibili is very popular among young people. So during the concert the musicians performed not only classical works by Bach, Mozart and Beethoven, but also the soundtracks to famous films and cartoons. And that the musicians could read the commentary��Aria users, on the stage set the screen. “This is another new way of interacting with the audience, especially the youngsters,” says Cao.
in January, the XI’an Symphony orchestra has launched on the channel in Bilibili series of programmes in which musicians talked about classical music in an accessible language, often with humor. This attracted a lot of young people, videos collect millions of views, said Cao.
by the Way, one of the first to perform classical music online began the Beijing Symphony orchestra. In the recording, which appeared on 5 February, the musicians under the direction of conductor Li Biao sang “Greeting of love” by the English composer Edward Elgar, being every at home in mainland China and Taiwan. “Our musicians first recorded speech thus, – said Lee. – Using online concerts we want to maintain contact with the audience: it seems that now it is the only way to share music.”
Executive Director of the Suzhou Symphony orchestra Catherine Chu says, “the Virus has greatly affected the sphere of classical music. This form of art needs to be shared, but the “electricity” that occurs in the concert hall, it is impossible to reproduce at home, online or any other digital format. Listening to the live concert in the hall will not replace anything. Energy, dynamics, dialogue and “spark” between performers and spectators is only possible offline. Yes, online concerts are a great way to make music accessible and do not endanger people. But they can’t replace going to the concert”.
According to Chu, the band has postponed all shows scheduled for February, March and April. However, holds online concerts and lectures devoted to various aspects of music. In the first online concert on March 21, the orchestra gave its home concert hall “Jinji Lake”, was attended by musicians from Russia: violinists Catherine Sapelnikova and Nikita Olinevich, violist Andrew Sapelnikov and cellist Daniil Zaitsev. Were performed string quartets by Tchaikovsky and Dvorak.
“During the epidemic of the coronavirus Russian musicians remained in Suzhou, which has become their second home,” says Chu. Nikita Olinevich, who lives and works in Suzhou for three years, said: “This was my first online concert and, of course, a completely new experience. To speak in front of a live audience is always interesting and inspiring, try your best, including rehearsals. With the online execution is incomparable, but with the help of this form we are trying to instill in viewers the belief that even if we can’t play them live now, our hearts are still loyal to them and the music, and we are determined to do what I do and love. I believe – continued Nikita, is that music has healing properties and can help in any situation. This is one of the most powerful forces on Earth, which is available to any class and race, she does not know the difference. It exists for all, and we’ll play for anyone willing to listen. But I miss the old format and I can’t wait when everything is back to normal and you can return to this rehearsals with my colleagues,” said Russian violinist.
