Norwegian violinist Eldbjorg Hemsing, the muse of Tan Dun’s new violin concerto “Fire Ritual,” will collaborate with Shenzhen Symphony Orchestra next month to present this piece under the baton of Tan himself.

Hemsing premiered Tan’s violin concerto “Love” back in 2010 as part of the opening of the Norwegian Pavilion at Shanghai Expo, together with Trondheim Symphony Orchestra. That event has led to a close collaboration between Tan and Hemsing.

It’s a curiosity that goes beyond the classical music tradition that has brought the two together and made them so compatible, according to Hemsing.

“Beyond borders and differences in culture, we both draw from our backgrounds — the rich Chinese and Norwegian traditions of folk music,” Hemsing told the Shenzhen Daily. “That gives us a lot of flexibility as a classically trained musician and helped form a strong bond between us,” she added.

Hemsing said she has always found Tan’s work exciting for his ability to keep his Chinese cultural heritage, combine it with his education in the West, then find his own voice, creating an incredibly unique soundscape.

For the Shenzhen concert, Hemsing will perform “Fire Ritual — A Music Ritual for the Victims of War,” which she said really sank into her heart.

The piece is composed to commemorate the victims of war. The solo violin part, taking the role of a shaman, calls upon the world of the living as well as the deceased world. During the

performance, one part of the orchestra will be on stage, and another positioned in the auditorium.

Hemsing plays a 1754 G.B. Guadagnini violin on loan from the Dextra Musica Foundation.

Time: 8 p.m., Jan. 11

Venue: Shenzhen Concert Hall

Add: 2002 Fuzhong Road 1, Futian District (福田区福中一路2002号)

Metro: Line 3 or 4 to Children’s Palace Station (少年宫站), Exit A

(Debra Li)