Follow Portugal Immigration and Portugal News: Today, the Gulbenkian Orchestra from Portugal in Southern Europe, led by renowned conductor Maestro Paul McCreesh, will make its debut at the Concert Hall of the National Centre for the Performing Arts. Joined by Chinese percussionist Li Biao, they will bring a passionate Latin musical whirlwind to Beijing audiences.
Based in Lisbon, the capital of Portugal, the Gulbenkian Orchestra has always been a symphonic force to be reckoned with. Established in 1962 with the support of the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation, the orchestra has grown from its original 12 members into a large-scale symphony orchestra featuring nearly 70 musicians. It also maintains its own professional choir and hosts a regular concert season in Lisbon every year.
The main highlight of this Gulbenkian Orchestra concert in Beijing is undoubtedly the orchestra's principal conductor, Paul McCreesh. As an authoritative master of Baroque music active on the international stage, McCreesh founded the Gabrieli Consort & Players, known for their performances of early music; however, 2013 marked the first time this early music master took the helm of a large-scale orchestra. Today, McCreesh will present a cross-regional repertoire to the Beijing audience. The concert will open with the Latin-flavored orchestral piece "Duas Melodias" by Portuguese composer Luís de Freitas Branco. Following this, the audience will enjoy Ney Rosauro's famous "Concerto for Marimba and Strings," in which an old friend of the National Centre for the Performing Arts, renowned Chinese percussionist Li Biao, will showcase his magical and exquisite skills. Finally, conductor McCreesh will lead the orchestra in a performance of Czech composer Antonín Dvořák's well-known "Symphony No. 9 'From the New World'" to conclude the concert.
