Classical Music Concerts to Catch in Beijing

By Yinmai O'Connor, July 14, 2025

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This summer, some of the world’s most sought-after conductors are coming to Beijing to perform with renowned orchestras from around the globe.

Lovers of classical music won’t want to miss these great concerts coming to the capital.


A European Tour with Myung-Whun Chung and the NCPAO

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Myung-Whun Chung. Image via the Violin Channel

Myung-Whun Chung is a prominent conductor who won second prize at the Tchaikovsky Piano Competition in 1974. He studied at the Mannes School and at Juilliard in New York.

He was appointed as Carlo Maria Giulini’s assistant in 1979 at the Los Angeles Philharmonic and became an Associate Conductor two years later.

During his illustrious career, he has held roles such as the Music Director of the Opéra de Paris-Bastille, Music Director of the Orchestre Philharmonique de Radio France, the first Principal Guest Conductor of the Staatskapelle Dresden ever, Music Advisor of the Tokyo Philharmonic Orchestra and Music Director of the Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra.

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Image via China Daily

In addition, he founded the Asia Philharmonic, which is an orchestra comprised of the best musicians from eight Asian countries.

Myung-Whun Chung has collaborated with the NCPA Orchestra on multiple occasions, including the recent European tour. The NCPA Orchestra is the resident orchestra of the National Centre for the Performing Arts (NCPA) in Beijing.

It was founded in 2010, and the orchestra has established itself as one of the most skilled and versatile orchestras in the country. They have garnered an international reputation through their many tours aboard.

July 26 & 27, 7.30pm

RMB100/180/280/380/480/580/680

Concert Hall of the National Centre for the Performing Arts, No.2 West Chang'an Avenue, Xicheng


Zubin Mehta and Orchestra del Maggio Musicale Fiorentino

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Zubin Mehta. Image via Beijingtheare

Zubin Mehta, a renowned Indian conductor, has earned himself a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

In 2008 he received the “Praemium Imperiale” from the Japanese imperial family. In 2012 he obtained the Cross of Merit of the German Federal Republic, while in 2013 the Indian government awarded him the Tagore Award for cultural harmony.

He has a long and distinguished relationship with the Italian ensemble Orchestra del Maggio Musicale Fiorentino. He served as their Principal Conductor from 1985 to 2017 and currently holds the title of Honorary Life Director.

Orchestra del Maggio Musicale Fiorentino was founded in 1928, and it is Italy's oldest opera orchestra.

July 19 & 20, 7.30pm

RMB280/380/580/680/880/1080

Concert Hall of the National Centre for the Performing Arts, No.2 West Chang'an Avenue, Xicheng


Gianandrea Noseda and National Youth Orchestra of USA

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Gianandrea Noseda. Image via NPR

Gianandrea Noseda is a highly respected Italian conductor, widely recognized for his work in both concert and opera settings. He is considered to be one of the most sought-after conductors in the world.

He is currently the music director of the National Symphony Orchestra and Principal Guest Conductor of the London Symphony Orchestra and Israel Philharmonic.

In addition to appearing at world-famous venues such as Carnegie Hall, Noseda regularly works with youth orchestras to nurture the next generation of artists.

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Ray Chen. Image via Sofia Philharmonic

This performance features violinist and online personality, Ray Chen. Chen has redefined what it means to be a classical musician, reaching a broader audience with his social media presence.

He has won numerous awards and was featured in the Forbes list of 30 most influential Asians under 30.

The National Youth Orchestra of the United States of America brings together the finest young musicians from across the country between the ages of 16 and 19. Since 2013, the orchestra has performed around the world to critical acclaim.

July 30, 7.30pm

RMB180/280/380/480/580/680/880

Concert Hall of the National Centre for the Performing Arts, No.2 West Chang'an Avenue, Xicheng


Mozart Concert Season 2025

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Mozart is one of the most beloved composers of all time, and this wonderful selection of his works highlights the best of his career.

This performance by the Beijing Union Symphony Orchestra will be an auditory feast that brings Mozart’s classic works to a modern audience.

The Beijing Union Symphony Orchestra is a younger professional ensemble of both domestic and international musicians.

Aug 22, Sept 13, Oct 18, Nov 1 & 28, Dec 19, 7.30pm

RMB180/280/380/480/680

National Library Art Center, No.33 Nandajie, Zhongguancun, Haidian


[Cover image via Classical Music Daily]

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