Li-Wei Qin × Shenzhen Symphony Orchestra
Haydn Cello Concerto in C Major
Conducted by Johannes Wildner
May 5, 2017 · Shenzhen Concert Hall
Overview
As part of the Masterworks Series of the Shenzhen Symphony Orchestra’s 2016–17 Season, this concert titled “Fate” featured an exceptional program of symphonic milestones from the Classical and Romantic eras.
Renowned cellist Li-Wei Qin joined Austrian conductor Johannes Wildner and the Shenzhen Symphony Orchestra to perform Haydn’s Cello Concerto in C Major, one of the most celebrated and technically demanding concertos in the cello repertoire.
Long believed to be lost for nearly two centuries, the concerto’s manuscript was rediscovered in 1961 by Czech musicologist Oldřich Pulkert in the archives of the National Library in Prague. Later authenticated by the Haydn Institute in Cologne, the work stands as a cornerstone of 18th-century cello literature — blending Classical elegance with virtuosic brilliance.
Qin’s interpretation highlighted both the warmth and agility of Haydn’s writing, revealing the composer’s deep understanding of the cello’s lyrical and expressive possibilities.
Program
Johannes Brahms (1833–1897)
Variations on a Theme by Haydn, Op.56a
Joseph Haydn (1732–1809)
Cello Concerto No.1 in C Major, Hob.VIIb:1
Cello: Li-Wei Qin
Ludwig van Beethoven (1770–1827)
Symphony No.5 in C Minor, Op.67 “Fate”
Artists
Li-Wei Qin · Cello
Praised by The New York Times for his “ravishingly beautiful tone, flawless intonation, and ironclad technique,” Li-Wei Qin is one of the leading cellists of his generation. A laureate of both the Tchaikovsky International Competition and the Naumburg Competition, he has appeared with major orchestras including the London Symphony, BBC Symphony, China Philharmonic, and Melbourne Symphony.
Qin records for Decca and Sony Classical and serves as Professor of Cello at the Yong Siew Toh Conservatory, National University of Singapore. His performances combine emotional depth with exceptional technical mastery.
Johannes Wildner · Conductor
Austrian conductor Johannes Wildner, former Principal Guest Conductor of the Leipzig Gewandhaus Orchestra and Music Director of the Vienna Johann Strauss Orchestra, is acclaimed for his authoritative interpretations of the Viennese Classical repertoire.
A former member of the Vienna Philharmonic, Wildner has guest-conducted leading ensembles worldwide, including the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Tokyo Philharmonic, and Czech Philharmonic, bringing both precision and warmth to his performances.
Shenzhen Symphony Orchestra
Founded in 1982, the Shenzhen Symphony Orchestra is one of China’s most vibrant and internationally active ensembles.
Known for its artistic excellence and adventurous programming, the orchestra regularly collaborates with distinguished conductors and soloists, presenting a broad repertoire from Baroque to contemporary works.
Its Masterworks Series showcases world-class soloists and conductors, reflecting Shenzhen’s dynamic cultural landscape and growing prominence in Asia’s classical music scene.