Two prominent composers have called for the establishment of a permanent contemporary music ensemble in China. Their appeal came during Exhange of Chinese Composers (ECC), the ongoing national campaign and symposium for young composers to present their works and learn funding preferences. The event is hosted by the China Conservatory of Music in Beijing.
The previous ECC was hosted by the Sichuan Conservatory of Music in Chengdu in November 2022.
When asked whether China should follow the example of countries like Austria, Germany, and the United States in establishing a dedicated ensemble for modern music, Professors Gao Ping and Chen Musheng—whose works were recently performed by the China-ASEAN Contemporary Ensemble during the event—voiced their support.
They emphasised the need for a permanent ensemble dedicated to the performance and development of contemporary music in China. Such an ensemble, they argued, would foster close relationships with living composers and could significantly boost career prospects for emerging talents.
China has previously seen the emergence of several contemporary music ensembles, though most enjoyed only brief lifespans. The Beijing New Music Ensemble, founded by Eli Marshall in the early 2000s during his Fulbright residency, faded into obscurity after his departure from mainland China. Similarly, the Beijing Contemporary Soloists, established by composer Qin Wenchen in partnership with a private company, was disbanded following the COVID-19 pandemic due to financial difficulties.
Today, the China-ASEAN Contemporary Ensemble, founded by composer Qin Fengda and now in its fourth year, stands as the only active contemporary ensemble regularly performing on Chinese stages.
This is a Chinese programme with Chinese subtitles.
