The Beijing Concert Hall was packed on Saturday evening and as the lights dimmed to signal the beginning of a night of music, conductor Kahchun Wong stepped onto the stage.

The concert, presented by the China National Symphony Orchestra in collaboration with conductor Wong and pianist Wan Jieni, paid tribute to the 50th anniversary of Russian composer Dmitri Shostakovich's passing with three classic works, showcasing the intertwining passion, reflection, and hope within his music.

The evening opened with Festive Overture, a joyful work where the brass fanfare instantly established a lively, jubilant atmosphere. During the piece's closing, Wong's commanding gestures stirred a wave of exuberance, earning enthusiastic applause.

Following this spirited opening, Wan took the stage for Piano Concerto No 2 in F Major, which Shostakovich composed as a birthday gift for his son. Wan captured the piece's youthful vibrance with great sensitivity. The lively dialogue between piano and orchestra evoked the playful intimacy of father and son.

The second half of the program reached new emotional heights with Symphony No 5 in D Minor. Wong demonstrated a style that combined nuance with explosive energy. The third movement, the Adagio, proved to be the most touching moment of the evening. The flute and harp conjured a tranquil backdrop while the strings built a slow, layered ascent from sorrow to nobility. In the final movement's triumphant frenzy and overwhelming tide, the musicians and composer brought the concert to an unforgettable close.