Beijing, China – In a significant address highlighting China’s growing influence in the global cultural sphere, Lü Jia, the esteemed Artistic Director of Music at the National Centre for the Performing Arts (NCPA) and Music Director of the China NCPA Orchestra, shared profound insights into the ongoing efforts to propel Chinese music onto the international stage.
Speaking as part of a Cultural Outreach Talk series jointly presented by Global Times and PR Newswire on July 7, 2025, Mr. Lü detailed the strategic approaches and key elements driving this ambitious “going global” initiative. His remarks underscored the broader, continuous remarkable success that Chinese culture has experienced overseas in recent years, positioning music as a vital component of this outward-looking cultural strategy.
Pillars of Global Outreach: Youth and Innovation
Mr. Lü emphasized that the successful expansion of Chinese music’s global footprint rests critically on two interconnected pillars: young artists and innovation. He articulated a vision where the energy, fresh perspectives, and adaptability of young musicians are essential in creating and performing music that resonates with diverse international audiences while retaining its distinct Chinese identity.
Innovation, he explained, is equally crucial. This encompasses not only the creation of new compositions that fuse traditional Chinese musical elements with contemporary global styles but also innovative approaches to performance, presentation, and engagement. These factors are seen as vital for captivating modern audiences worldwide and ensuring the music feels vibrant and relevant.
Expanding Global Footprint
The conversation delved into the concrete steps being taken to increase the international visibility of Chinese music. Mr. Lü discussed a slate of ongoing and upcoming international collaborations and extensive tour plans targeting key regions, including the United States, Europe, and the Arab world. These tours are designed not just as performances but as cultural exchanges, offering international listeners direct exposure to the richness and dynamism of Chinese orchestral and vocal traditions.
He referenced the successful track record already established by Chinese musical ensembles on the world stage. Specifically, he cited recent international tours by the China NCPA Orchestra in the Republic of Korea, the United States, and Europe, which were met with enthusiastic receptions, frequently culminating in standing ovations. Such responses, Mr. Lü noted, serve as powerful validation of the music’s appeal and the performers’ caliber.
Domestic Foundations and Future Needs
The push for international success is supported by significant development within China itself. Mr. Lü highlighted the remarkable growth witnessed across the country in both the number of state-of-the-art concert halls and the size and engagement of domestic audiences. This burgeoning internal ecosystem provides a robust foundation for nurturing talent and developing repertoire before it is presented internationally.
However, sustaining this growth and effectively managing the complexities of international outreach requires more than artistic talent alone. Mr. Lü pointed to a critical need for skilled professionals in management and administration. Developing expertise in areas such as international tour logistics, cultural marketing, legal frameworks, and cross-cultural communication is essential to maximizing the impact and reach of Chinese music globally.
The NCPA Orchestra: A Model Ensemble
Mr. Lü singled out the China NCPA Orchestra as a prime example of the strengths underpinning China’s musical aspirations. He characterized the orchestra’s key attributes as its youth, palpable passion, and unwavering drive. Furthermore, its unique strength lies in its deep familiarity with both traditional Chinese musical repertoire and the vast canon of international classical music, allowing for versatile programming that can bridge cultural divides.
This blend of youthful energy, technical mastery, and cultural fluency positions ensembles like the China NCPA Orchestra as ideal ambassadors for Chinese music on the global stage, capable of delivering performances that are both technically brilliant and culturally resonant.
Looking Ahead
As Chinese music continues its trajectory towards greater international prominence, figures like Lü Jia and institutions like the NCPA are at the forefront, strategically guiding the effort. By investing in young artists, embracing innovation, leveraging domestic growth, and addressing the need for robust administrative support, China is systematically building the capacity for its music to achieve lasting success and recognition on the world stage, fostering deeper cross-cultural understanding through the universal language of music.
