PINGSHAN Theater invites you to welcome 2026 with a special New Year’s concert by the Italian Philharmonic Orchestra.

Founded in 1970, the Italian Philharmonic Orchestra stands among Italy’s most distinguished ensembles. Hailed by Western media as the “Musical Whirlwind of the Mediterranean,” it presents over 60 concerts annually in Italy and has performed in more than 50 countries worldwide.

The orchestra has given nearly 400 performances across China over the past 14 years. As 2025 marks the 55th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Italy, this New Year’s concert in Pingshan offers another splendid auditory celebration for music lovers.

Led by conductor Nicola Marasco and featuring violinist Andrea Cardinale, soprano Luisella de Pietro, and tenor Leonardo Gramegna, the orchestra will perform enduring classics such as the “March” and “Russian Dance (Trepak)” from Tchaikovsky’s “The Nutcracker Suite,” Khachaturian’s “Sabre Dance,” and Johann Strauss II’s “The Blue Danube.” The program also includes excerpts from operas including Bizet’s “Carmen” and Puccini’s “Turandot.”

Audiences will enjoy a medley of beloved Italian folk songs, including “Torna a Surriento” and “‘O sole mio.”

Adding a touch of local resonance, the concert will feature two well-known Chinese pieces: “Butterfly Lovers” and “I Love You, China.”

Violinist Cardinale, celebrated for his exceptional technique and improvisational flair, will perform on a prized Stradivarius violin.

Time: 8 p.m., Dec. 30

Venue: Pingshan Theater, Pingshan District (坪山区坪山大剧院)

Metro: Line 14 to Pingshan Square Station (坪山广场站), Exit D1(Li Dan)