Performance on 3 - 16/06/2008

Martin Handley introduces a concert performed by the China Philharmonic Orchestra in the run-up to the start of the Olympic Games in Beijing, with an opening piece which, it is claimed, is one of the first pieces of classical music about the world of business. Zhao Jiping's six-movement work traces the history of a man who takes over his family business, making a fortune though principles of sincerity and trust. This is followed by Mahler's symphonic song-cycle Das Lied von der Erde, which sets words by ancient Chinese poets. Zhao Jiping: Courtyard of Family Qiau - Symphonic Suite Tan Jing (soprano) Deng Jiandong (erhu) Li Baoquing (jinghu) You Jianming (erguxian) China Philharmonic Orchestra Yu Long (conductor) Mahler: Das Lied von der Erde Zheng Cao (mezzo-soprano) Warren Mok (tenor) China Philharmonic Orchestra Yu Long (conductor) Part of Radio 3's Focus on China season.