We are pleased to share that Vice Mayor Zhao from Ningbo has successfully completed his visit to Wiener Neustadt and Vienna. During his trip, he engaged in fruitful discussions with key local leaders, including Vice Mayor Spenger, Christian Hoffmann, and Sebastian Kovacs. Special meetings were also held with Chen Bin, CEO of Diamond Aircraft and Wanfeng Group, to explore potential collaborations and investment opportunities.
This visit further strengthens the longstanding cultural and business ties between Ningbo and our region, paving the way for exciting future projects in both cultural exchange and economic development.
Stay tuned for more updates on these promising initiatives!
We are excited to share that the Ningbo New Year Gala was a resounding success, with over 80 million viewers tuning in live! Our Austrian Cultural Delegation lit up the stage under the theme “Future” (Zukunft), delivering a performance that truly bridged cultures:
• Composition & Piano Performance: Robert Werner
•Arrangement: Marko Markuš
•Acting: Alessa Jäger
• Lyrics & Vocals: Simone Long
•Accompaniment: An ensemble of four brilliant string musicians
For more than 20 years, Wiener Neustadt and Ningbo have enjoyed a strong friendship, fostering vibrant cultural and economic exchange. We extend our heartfelt thanks to Vice Mayor Rainer Spenger and Christian Hoffmann for reinvigorating this longstanding partnership, and to SPÖ Wiener Neustadt for their unwavering support.
We are proud to represent Austria at such a significant event, celebrating the enduring bond between our cities. Thank you to everyone who contributed to making the gala a memorable celebration!
ACMA recently had the honor of welcoming Mr. Peng Jiaxue, Secretary of the CPC Ningbo Committee, in Wiener Neustadt—celebrating over 20 years of friendship between Ningbo and Wiener Neustadt. Together with Vice Mayor Rainer Spenger, Mr. Peng was received for an exclusive delegation event focused on deepening cultural and business collaborations.
The program included:
•An official reception at the Old Rathaus on October 23, 2024, featuring discussions on enhancing cooperation in culture, tourism, and commerce.
•The opening of the photo exhibition “Maritime Seidenstraße in Ningbo” at Herzog Leopold Straße 26, attended by local dignitaries.
•A visit to Diamond Aircraft Industries GmbH and a subsequent luncheon, which provided further networking opportunities with business leaders.
This meaningful engagement marks another step forward in reinforcing our longstanding partnership and shared vision for future projects. We look forward to continuing this journey of collaboration and cultural exchange.
ACMA is proud to announce an exclusive CD presentation event—“Symphony of Culture”—featuring our distinguished President Simone Long and the renowned Austrian artist Robert Werner. This unique collaboration brings together Simone Long’s soulful vocals and heartfelt lyrics with Robert Werner’s innovative, original compositions.
Event Highlights:
•Innovative Musical Fusion: Enjoy a collection of original compositions by Robert Werner, enhanced by the emotive delivery of Simone Long’s vocals and text.
•Generous Sponsorship: The event was made possible by the support of Weingut Esterhazy and Hailun Piano (Ningbo), underscoring the commitment to cultural exchange.
This CD presentation not only showcases a powerful artistic synergy but also sets the stage for future cultural initiatives under our “Symphony of Culture” banner.
Discover the captivating soundscape and experience the magic—listen to the featured title on Spotify: Spotify Link.
The Ningbo Symphony Orchestra has successfully completed its European tour with two exceptional performances in Austria that truly bridged cultures through music.
Vienna – Concert Hall Muth, August 2, 2024
Under the esteemed baton of Conductor Yu Ji, the orchestra opened the evening with Mozart’s lively Overture to La clemenza di Tito. The program took an innovative turn with Tan Dun’s “Concerto for Pipa and Orchestra,” featuring a stunning solo performance by pipa virtuoso Yu Yuanchun, blending traditional Chinese sounds with modern orchestral elements. The concert concluded on a high note with Beethoven’s dynamic Symphony No. 7, leaving the Viennese audience thoroughly impressed.
WR Neustadt – Neue Bastei, Kasematten, August 3, 2024
Continuing the tour, the orchestra delivered a memorable performance in WR Neustadt. Again starting with Mozart’s Overture to La clemenza di Tito, the evening showcased a series of operatic arias by renowned international soloists, including highlights such as “Ecco l’animata natura” from Verdi’s Don Carlo and the energetic “Largo al factotum” from Rossini’s The Barber of Seville. The official program wrapped up with another stirring rendition of Beethoven’s Symphony No. 7, underscoring the ensemble’s symphonic excellence.
The final surprise was the Ningbo city title “Welcome to Ningbo” sang in choir:
Looking Ahead
These concerts not only celebrated the unique blend of Eastern and Western musical traditions but also reinforced the commitment to cultural exchange between Ningbo and Austria. The success of these performances marks an important milestone in our ongoing mission to foster international understanding and artistic collaboration.
We extend our gratitude to all audiences and participants who contributed to the vibrant exchange of culture and music. Stay tuned for more updates on upcoming events and collaborations.
We are proud to announce that renowned conductor Yu Ji has joined the Austrian Chinese Musicians Association (ACMA) as our Honorary President. Currently serving as Principal Conductor of the Ningbo Symphony Orchestra and Assistant Conductor of the China Philharmonic Orchestra, Yu Ji is celebrated for his rigorous musical artistry and his dedication to promoting contemporary new music in China.
In a recent visit, Yu Ji and our orchestra experienced a remarkable performance at the Opera am Steinbruch in St. Margarethen (AIDA)—the largest open-air opera produced by Intendant Daniel Serafin. This visit not only highlighted the exceptional quality of the performance but also underscored the growing cultural exchange between our communities.
Stay tuned for more updates on upcoming events and collaborations under Yu Ji’s honorary leadership.
Daniel Serafin and Yu Ji
Open Air Opera St. Margarethen im Steinbruch by Daniel Serafin (AIDA)
