The Rimsky-Korsakov symphonic suite Scheherazade is to be aired in a concert given in Xiamen this Friday (March 20th).

Conductor Zhang Xiaodong will lead the Xiamen Philharmonic Orchestra through its paces as it plays one of the Russian composer's most acclaimed works.

Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov was born in 1844 and constantly returned to the world of folk and fairy tales to draw inspiration for his symphonies and operas.

His influence is clearly present in the works of later composers such as Ravel and Debussy.

During his early career, Rimsky-Korsakov combined composing duties with an active role as a naval officer.

But he soon devoted all his attention to music and his work was informed by a keen interest in learning to play many instruments as well as finding out about their construction.

Attending a performance of Wagner's The Ring persuaded the Russian to devote his later years to writing operas.

The Xiamen concert will also see the orchestra perform Du Mingxin's symphonic fantasia The Third Sister Liu - meaning that the night should be a real treat for classical music fans staying in the city's hotels.

Book your Stay at the Millennium Harbourview Hotel Xiamen.



18/03/2009