The Shanghai Symphony Hall resonated with the sounds of a new generation on New Year’s Eve as the Shanghai Symphony Orchestra presented its highly anticipated 2026 New Year’s Concert. Under the masterful baton of Music Director Yu Long, the orchestra unveiled an extraordinary gathering of five emerging classical talents who represent the vibrant future of classical music.
The concert featured an impressive lineup of young virtuosos: soprano Dai Ziyi (born 1996), pianist Serena Wang, violinist Chloe Chua, cellist LiLa, and viola player Lin Yixiu. Remarkably, four of these exceptional instrumentalists belong to the new millennium generation, bringing fresh energy and contemporary interpretation to traditional classical repertoire.
This carefully curated performance not only celebrated the arrival of 2026 but also served as a platform for showcasing China’s rapidly evolving classical music landscape. The selection of these particular artists demonstrates the orchestra’s commitment to nurturing and promoting young musical talent while maintaining the highest standards of artistic excellence.
The New Year’s Concert has established itself as a signature cultural event in Shanghai’s artistic calendar, attracting music enthusiasts and cultural aficionados from across the city and beyond. This year’s emphasis on youthful performers created a unique dynamic between the established excellence of the Shanghai Symphony Orchestra and the innovative approaches of the rising stars.
Audience members experienced a program that blended traditional classical pieces with contemporary works, reflecting both respect for musical heritage and embrace of modern interpretations. The concert atmosphere combined formal tradition with celebratory spirit, perfectly capturing the transition from the old year to the new through the universal language of music.