The dragon is one of the twelve animals in the Chinese zodiacal cycle. People born in the Year of the Dragon are considered to be courageous and confident, possessing strong leadership qualities, as well as being intelligent and wise. The Dragon Years are 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012, and 2024.

Since the ancient times, civilisations and peoples all over the world have adopted different beliefs and customs, creating their own calendars and festivals. Their multitude forms a celestial map of human civilisation. In the eastern part of the world, Chinese people have continuously contributed to this spiritual heritage of humanity for thousands of years. The Chinese calendar, rooted in an ancient agrarian civilisation, is – as the Chinese people themselves believe – the result of the actions of a dragon, gliding between Heaven and Earth and sowing seeds. These seeds, touching the ground, began to grow, giving rise to Chinese stories, legends and the most important days in the cyclical scheme of the year – the Chinese festivals. Festivals are a testament to how we pass through time, how we experience days and nights, emotions and loves – for family, country and the world.

The ancients used to say that music represents the harmony of Heaven and Earth by bringing the two together. Let us appreciate the Chinese festival music today and let it accompany us throughout the year, harmonising our breath with both – Earth and Heaven.

The starting point of the event ‘The Great Harmony of Heaven and Earth: Chinese Festivals’ is the Chinese Lunar New Year, and its axis is time. It focuses on eight representative traditional Chinese festivals — Spring Festival, Lantern Festival, Qingming Festival, Dragon Boat Festival, Qixi Festival, Mid-Autumn Festival, Double Ninth Festival, and Winter Solstice. This creative concert is a musical reflection of the festive imagery, capturing the essence of each celebration through the power of music.