Guangzhou's Ersha Island will come alive with music during the National Day holiday, with the "Art for the Island" public concert series presenting 33 performances and activities from October 1 to October 7, spanning classical music, organ music, Chinese music, jazz, animation soundtracks and flamenco.
Mozart night kicks off the holiday
Before the holiday, conductor Yang Yang will lead the Guangzhou Symphony Orchestra at Xinghai Concert Hall on September 30 in a concert marking the 270th anniversary of Mozart's birth, as part of the Guangzhou Symphony Orchestra 2026/2027 Season.
The program features three works: the overture to Così fan tutte, the Sinfonia Concertante in E-flat major and Symphony No. 41 in C major, "Jupiter." The Sinfonia Concertante will feature four principal players from the orchestra: oboist Chen Qing, clarinetist Yang Tianming, bassoonist Ma Ke and hornist Huang Yichong.
Seven days of music on Ersha Island
From October 1 to October 7, the "Art for the Island" public concert series will bring music to venues and outdoor spaces across the island.
Highlights include:
October 1: Young musicians present classical, original and Guangdong music, with performances by "Join音Joy" Trio, the "Yuequ" Guangdong Music Ensemble and the "Sui" Quartet.
Top left: "Join音Joy" Trio; Top right: "Sui" Quartet; Bottom: "Yuequ" Guangdong Music Ensemble
October 2 to October 3: Organ light and sound shows combine live organ music with lighting, featuring works ranging from Bach to music from Pirates of the Caribbean and Interstellar. Other programs include afternoon concerts and outdoor performances.
October 4: A piano afternoon tea and the flamenco dance production Carmen bring a romantic touch to the holiday. The production by the Antonio Andrade Flamenco Dance Company from Seville combines flamenco dance, live music and singing.
October 5: Chinese music and animation classics take the stage, including a pipa concert featuring works such as Spring River, Flowers and Moonlit Night (春江花月夜) and Ambush from Ten Sides (十面埋伏), as well as an orchestral concert of music from Studio Ghibli films such as Castle In The Sky.
October 6: Two pipe organ programs explore Baroque music and introduce beginners to the instrument through a pipe organ experience workshop.
October 7: Jazz and brass music round out the holiday, with performances by the 240 Trio and FiveTone Brass Quintet.
More ways to enjoy the music
During the holiday, & terrace, a restaurant at Xinghai Concert Hall, will offer themed drinks, with a 10 percent discount for customers who present a same-day concert ticket.
A Xiaohongshu check-in campaign will also run from October 1 to October 7, with limited-edition music-themed gifts available each day. Visitors who complete a seven-day check-in can also receive two tickets to the December 20 afternoon concert, subject to the campaign requirements.
The Dynaudio × Riverside space at Xinghai Concert Hall will host two themed screenings daily at 2 p.m. and 5 p.m., featuring a pipe organ documentary and immersive sound highlights from the Guangzhou Jazz Season. Each screening is limited to 15 people. Tickets are 35 yuan and include a coffee or juice from &terrace and a limited-edition music-hall gift.
With performances spread across concert halls, gardens, restaurants and other spaces, Ersha Island offers visitors a chance to experience Guangzhou through music throughout the seven-day holiday.
Author: Liu Lingzhi
Photos: Xinghai Concert Hall, Guangzhou Symphony Orchestra
