A series of concerts will take place in Guangzhou in the coming weeks, bringing orchestral classics and performances by international ensembles to the city. Here's your guide to the highlights—and a chance to win tickets!

"Entering the World of the Symphony" Educational Concert

Celebrating its 22nd consecutive year, the free concert series "Entering the World of the Symphony", organized by the Guangzhou Symphony Orchestra and Xinghai Concert Hall, brings classical music closer to audiences of all ages. Designed as a friendly introduction to symphonic music, each performance combines live orchestra, storytelling, demonstrations, and audience interaction.

(Photo: Xinghai Concert Hall)

Conductor Cui Linhan will lead the orchestra and provide engaging live commentary. This year's program features classic symphonies, film and TV scores, and opera excerpts, presented in forms such as symphonic poems, concertos, dances, and marches. From the stirring Olympic Fanfare and the haunting theme from Schindler's List, to the epic worlds of Game of Thrones and the romantic notes of Mascagni's Cavalleria Rusticana, the concert will take you on a 60-minute journey through the world of symphonic music.

(Photo: Xinghai Concert Hall)

Time: 19:00–20:00 / 21:00–22:00; March 17 / 30, 2026

Venue: Symphony Hall, Xinghai Concert Hall (星海音乐厅交响乐演奏大厅)

Esa-Pekka Salonen & Orchestre de Paris

The world-renowned Orchestre de Paris will visit Guangzhou under the baton of conductor Esa-Pekka Salonen. The first concert on April 23 will feature works by Debussy and Ravel, along with Bartók's Violin Concerto No. 2, performed by French violinist Renaud Capuçon. 

The second concert continues the journey through orchestral color with works by Debussy and Sibelius, including a specially curated performance of Images, presented as a unique piece for this tour.

(Photo: Xinghai Concert Hall)

Time: 20:00, April 23–24, 2026

Venue: Symphony Hall, Xinghai Concert Hall (星海音乐厅交响乐演奏大厅)

Tickets: VIP 1880 / 1680 / 1280 / 880 / 580 / 380 yuan

Note: One ticket per person; children must be above 1.2 meters or at least 6 years old

Tarmo Peltokoski & The HK Phil: Shostakovich's Symphony No. 11

The Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra will return to Guangzhou on April 26 under the direction of Finnish conductor Tarmo Peltokoski, one of the youngest conductors currently active on major stages.

The program centers on Shostakovich's Symphony No. 11, paired with a violin concerto composed by Salonen for violinist Leila Josefowicz, who will perform as the soloist.

(Photo: Xinghai Concert Hall)

Time: 16:00, April 26, 2026

Venue: Symphony Hall, Xinghai Concert Hall (星海音乐厅交响乐演奏大厅)

Tickets: VIP 880 / 680 / 480 / 280 / 180 yuan

Note: One ticket per person; children must be above 1.2 meters or at least 6 years old

Pure Grace: Louisa Mintzeva & Gergely Ittzés Harp and Flute Duo

Harp soloist Louisa Mintzeva and flutist Gergely Ittzés will present an elegant evening of chamber music, performing works by Debussy, Saint-Saëns and Piazzolla. Before the concert, audiences can also join a pre-concert talk at 18:50 in the foyer to learn more about the music and composers.

(Photo: Guangzhou Opera House)

Time: April 10, 2026, 19:30

Venue: Experimental Theatre, Guangzhou Opera House (广州大剧院实验剧场)

Tickets: 380 / 280 / 180 yuan

Note: One ticket per person; children must be above 1.2 meters

Romantic Classical

A program of well-known classical works will be performed on March 27 at Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall, conducted by Lei Yu with guest violinists Marianna Terteryan and Gleb Dontsov. The concert will include popular orchestral pieces such as The Blue Danube, Für Elise, the Carmen Overture, and Canon in D.

(Photo: Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall)

Time: March 27, 2026, 20:00

Venue: Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall (中山纪念堂)

Duration: Approximately 90 minutes (including an intermission)

Tickets: 580 / 480 / 380 / 280 / 180 / 100 yuan

Note: One ticket per person; children under 1.1 meters are not admitted