The choir's range — from Hezhe boatmen to the Yellow River
The China National Symphony Orchestra Chorus is the country's oldest and most distinguished choral ensemble, with more than sixty years of artistic history. For their first Australian tour, the choir drew on signature repertoire spanning Chinese folk arrangements, Western operatic and choral milestones — Verdi's Va pensiero, Wagner's Tannhäuser, and selections from Orff's Carmina Burana — and Xian Xinghai's monumental Yellow River Cantata.
Sydney was the orchestral finale of the three-city tour: the only stop with full orchestra, presented in partnership with The Australia Orchestra, an emerging Sydney-based ensemble of musicians drawn from the Sydney, Tasmanian, Queensland and Adelaide Symphony Orchestras. Permanent CNSO Chorus conductor Wang Linlin was joined on the podium by Australian conductor and broadcaster Guy Noble.
China National Symphony Orchestra Chorus
The country's oldest and most distinguished choral ensemble, founded over sixty years ago.
The Australia Orchestra
An emerging Sydney-based orchestra drawn from the Sydney, Tasmanian, Queensland and Adelaide Symphony Orchestras. Concertmaster: Jemima Littlemore.
The Yellow River Cantata
Xian Xinghai's eight-movement 1939 cantata, performed in the 1975 Central Philharmonic Orchestra edition arranged by Yan Liangkun. Narration: Yang Yang. Artistic Advisor: Lan Shui.
Programme
From Hezhe to the Yellow River
Monday, 10 March 2025 · Sydney Opera House Concert Hall · with interval
About the Ensembles
The China National Symphony Orchestra Chorus is the country's oldest and most distinguished choral ensemble, with over sixty years of history. Permanent conductor Wang Linlin is a Professor of Conducting at the China Conservatory of Music and was named one of the CPC Publicity Department's 2019 Young Talents in Publicity, Ideology and Culture.
The Sydney finale is partnered with The Australia Orchestra, an emerging Sydney-based ensemble drawing musicians from the Sydney, Tasmanian, Queensland and Adelaide Symphony Orchestras. Guest conductor Guy Noble — long-time host of Opera Australia's Great Opera Hits at the Sydney Opera House — has conducted orchestras across Australia, New Zealand and Malaysia.
Meet the Artists →
The Venue
Sydney Opera House — Concert Hall
Address
Bennelong Point, Sydney NSW 2000
Capacity
~2,679 seats · Concert Hall
Getting There
Circular Quay, 5 min walk
Accessibility
Fully accessible · hearing loops
CNSO Chorus — Sydney
Dec 12, 2025 · 7:30 PM- Digital programme booklet
- Welcome drink (Premium & VIP)
- Pre-concert artist talk (VIP)
- Complimentary parking (VIP)
Gallery
Moments from the Stage
A glimpse of the CNSO Chorus Sydney finale at the Sydney Opera House Concert Hall.