Beginning with "Symphonie Fantastique" by French composer Hector Berlioz, the China Philharmonic Orchestra will start its new music season tonight at the Poly Theatre in Beijing.

This kicks off a series of 31 concerts running until July 2003.

Directed by Yu Long, artistic director and principal conductor, the orchestra will perform all-French works such as "Concertstuck for Harp and Strings" by famed French composer Gabriel Pierne in the opening concert.

Yu helped found the China Philharmonic Orchestra and was appointed its first artistic director in 2000.

He hopes to develop the orchestra through extensive co-operation with top musicians all over the world and turn it into an institution of high professional stature.

Yu said the China Philharmonic Orchestra always focuses on giving something fresh and different to listeners. He said it will be the first time for Chinese music fans to listen to the work "Concertstuck" that Pierne composed for the harp and strings.

The melodious tones of the harp are readily accessible to audiences, according to Zhang Xiaojie, the harp soloist in the opening concert.

Born in Beijing, Zhang went to the United States in 1987 and completed a master's degree in music at Arizona University.

Between 1991 to 1992, he became the principal harp performer in the Phoenix Orchestra and won acclaim for his performing skills.

In the past year, the China Philharmonic Orchestra brought its first music season to a successful close.

"As I look back over the past year, some very special moments spring to mind," Yu said.

These include several successful overseas tours. The orchestra's New Year Concert has now become a major cultural event in China and the premiere of the symphonic Peking Opera "Female Generals from the Yang Family" was well-received by audiences.

"These performances have been very favourably reviewed both at home and abroad, which inspires me with confidence for the future," Yu said.

According to Yu, the second season of the orchestra will include a wide range of works of different styles and periods. During the season, all Beethoven's symphonies and concertos will be performed in a series of nine concerts named "Immortal Beethoven."

"Music should make the soul of human beings beam with vigour. Audiences will get spiritual distillation while enjoying the works of Beethoven," Yu said.

Among the other highlights of their programme are Mahler's "Symphony No 8," "Symphony of a Thousand," and Orff's "Carmina Burana."

And many world-renowned artists, such as Itzhak Perlman, Joseph Silverstein and Lin Cho-Liang, will participate in the new season.

"As one of China's foremost symphony orchestras, our ambition is to gain an international reputation," Yu said. "With its challenging programme given by such distinguished performers, this promises to be a scintillating and unforgettable new season."

( China Daily August 27, 2002)