CONDUCTED by Fang Zhongling, assistant conductor of the Shenzhen Symphony Orchestra (SZSO), the beloved local ensemble will perform a public benefit concert for fans this Saturday afternoon. The program will be the “New Era Symphony Overture,” a colossal piece commissioned by the orchestra and co-created by seven contemporary Chinese composers, each entrusted with one movement. The piece, which debuted in Shenzhen last April and was staged at the 36th Harbin Summer Music Festival to rave reviews this summer, aims to depict through symphony China’s glorious history, its people’s endeavors to build a great nation, and their hope for a brighter future with everyone’s well-being improved. The piece is composed by Zhu Bin, Jiang Wantong, Chen Danbu, Zhang Ruodi, Huang Wenli, Li Bochan, and Luo Maishuo, and has entered the finals of the ongoing 15th Guangdong Arts Festival. This year, the program is scheduled for 10 performances across various Chinese cities. Fang, as a young talent, studied under the tutelage of professors Jin Ye and Li Xincao at the China Conservatory of Music before further studying at the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire with Daniele Rosina. Fang served as the assistant conductor of the China Youth Philharmonic Orchestra between 2017 and 2019, and was appointed assistant conductor of SZSO in March last year. Fang, a versatile musician, has a rich repertoire covering symphonies and operas as a conductor, and has performed as a solo pianist at concerts and won piano competitions in Shenzhen and Hong Kong. Time: 2:30 p.m., Nov. 18 Venue: SZSO Concert Hall, Luohu District (深圳交響樂團(tuán)音樂廳) Metro: Line 5 to Yijing Station (怡景站), Exit D (Li Dan) | 