China National Traditional Orchestra
The China National Traditional Orchestra (CNTO) is a state-level performing arts institution funded by Ministry of Culture. Members of CNTO, comprising an orchestra of traditional instruments and a choir, are highly-esteemed musicians both at home and abroad.
Founded in 1960, the CNTO’s first director was Li Huanzhi (1919–2000), a highly respected composer and President of the Chinese Musicians̕ Association. The current director, Zhao Cong, is not only an outstanding soloist of the traditional Chinese stringed instrument, pipa, who has been awarded a state prize, but also a young composer supported by the National Art Fund.
The CNTO’s mission is to promote China’s rich musical heritage, from the most ancient traditional works to those written today. The Orchestra is actively engaged in cultural exchanges with more than thirty countries in five continents, including the United States, Great Britain, France, Germany, Australia, Denmark, Spain, Norway, Colombia, Peru, Ecuador, Hungary, Slovakia, Egypt, Israel, Japan, South Korea, Singapore and Malaysia.
In recent years, the CNTO has presented many concert programmes, including Impressions: Chinese Music, Rediscover Chinese Music, Looking for Dufu, Golden Echoes, Beautiful Rivers and Mountains, Grand Music from China, Bridge to Chinese Music, Cowherd and Weaver Maid, Chinese Music in Splendor, Beautiful Xinjiang, Tibetan Spring, Love Songs in the Moonlight, The Silk Road, Dr. Sun Yat-sen and Xuanzang’s Pilgrimage, the world’s first Chinese concert in drama.
The Orchestra continues to promote the rich traditional music culture at major artistic events. It is a highly respected ensemble at home and abroad.
[2024]