Music is a universal language that transcends linguistic and cultural barriers, and New Year concerts are among the brightest expressions of this shared language. This December, the Pingshan Theater invites audiences to ring in 2026 with a New Year concert presented by the Italian Philharmonic Orchestra.

Members of the Italian Philharmonic Orchestra. Photos courtesy of the Pingshan Theater.

Established in 1970, the Italian Philharmonic Orchestra is one of Italy’s finest orchestras. It gives more than 60 concerts annually in its home country and has toured over more than 50 countries around the world. 

A longtime friend of Chinese audiences, the ensemble has given nearly 400 performances in China over the past 14 years. On the occasion of the 55th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Italy, its New Year concert in Pingshan promises another auditory feast for local music lovers. 

The Italian Philharmonic Orchestra in a previous concert.

Under the baton of conductor Nicola Marasco, and joined by violinist Andrea Cardinale, soprano Luisella de Pietro, and tenor Leonardo Gramegna, the orchestra will treat audiences to timeless classics such as “March” and “Russian Dance (Trepak)” from Tchaikovsky’s “The Nutcracker Suite,” Khachaturian’s “Sabre Dance,” and Johann Strauss II’s “The Blue Danube.” The program will also feature excerpts from operas including Bizet’s “Carmen” and Puccini’s “Turandot.” 

Adding a touch of Chinese flavor to the evening, the concert will include “Butterfly Lovers” and “I Love You, China,” two well-known Chinese pieces. 

Time: 8 p.m., Dec. 30

Booking: WeChat account “PingShanTheatre”

Venue: Pingshan Theater, Pingshan District (坪山大剧院)

Metro: Line 14 to Pingshan Square Station (坪山广场站), Exit D1

SkyShuttle: Line 1 to Culture Center Station (文化聚落站), Exit A