Led by Shenzhen-based composer and conductor Zhang Ruodi, the Shenzhen Symphony Orchestra (SZSO) will perform a concert this Friday of four of his own symphonic works. Sopranos Zhang Wenqin and Xu Jiayao and tenor Cao Yiheng, as well as the SZSO chorus will collaborate.

Zhang Ruodi, a resident composer of the SZSO, is known for his distinct personal style that is deeply rooted in the Chinese culture. He has been exploring a style of symphonic music that’s easily comprehensible for the average Chinese audience.

Friday’s program will include “Regrets of Tianbao Era,” “Blank,” “Melodies From Chunqiu Era” and “Exultant China.”

The symphonic poem “Regrets of Tianbao Era,” in a typical sonata form, was composed in 2019 inspired by the tragic love story between Tang Dynasty (618-907) emperor Xuanzong and his concubine Yang Yuhuan. In the first movement, a duet by a tenor and a soprano borrows its lyrics from famous Tang poet Bai Juyi’s “Everlasting Regret.”

“Blank,” borrowing from a concept commonly seen in Chinese ink paintings, is a piece written for guqin (a pluck string instrument), xiao (Chinese vertical end blown flute), soprano and orchestra.

“Melodies From Chunqiu Era,” a symphonic fantasy, was commissioned by the SZSO and derives from two excerpts from the Chinese classics “The Book of Songs.” The poems tell the story of a man who had to bid farewell to his love and fight in a war far away from her.

“Exultant China,” a piece composed to mark the 70th anniversary of the founding of the PRC, is in a festive mood, with a lyrical melody borrowed from the Hunan folk song “Picking Areca Nuts.”

Zhang Wenqin, soprano of the National Center for the Performing Arts (NCPA), graduated from the Shanghai Conservatory of Music. Winning the first prize at the Renato Bruson International Competition and other competitions, Zhang has starred in many operas produced by NCPA, including “La Travaita” and “Thais.” Cao, an award-winning tenor, is a teacher at the Wuhan Conservatory of Music. Soprano Xu teaches at the Shenzhen Arts School.

Time: 8 p.m., April 2

Tickets: 50-880 yuan

Venue: Shenzhen Concert Hall, Futian District (福田区深圳音乐厅)

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