Artists of Hangzhou Philharmonic Orchestra perform at the Romanian Athenaeum in Bucharest, Romania, on April 23, 2018. Applause and loud cheering filled Athenaeum Hall here as the audience watched a concert performed on Monday evening by Hangzhou Philharmonic Orchestra from eastern China. (Xinhua/Lin huifen)

by Marcela Ganea

BUCHAREST, April 23 (Xinhua) -- Applause and loud cheering filled Athenaeum Hall here as the audience watched a concert performed on Monday evening by Hangzhou Philharmonic Orchestra from eastern China.

As part of its tour across southeastern Europe that includes Greece, Bulgaria, Serbia and Romania, Hangzhou Philharmonic Orchestra mesmerized the Romanian audience with The Flying Dutchman Overture, The Butterfly Lovers' Violin Concerto and Rachmaninov symphonic dances Op.45.

The concert was prolonged as lasting applause from the audience made the orchestra play three more pieces, one by Paganini and two Chinese classical pieces.

A combination of touching solos played by violinist Ning Feng and orchestra performances conducted by Yang Yang stirred strong emotions among the audience.

The Butterfly Lovers' violin concerto incited imagination. Although the love story it depicts is sad, the music was acclaimed by the audience as "marvelous and breathtaking."

"This concert has been medicine to my soul, they are exceptionally good and it's amazing that such a young orchestra, only nine years since its creation, is so skillful," said Romanian musician Nicolae Racu who has been playing Chinese classical music for the past 40 years.

Racu added that the young Chinese orchestra has already achieved reputation and fame due to the talents it has.

During the concert, many members of the audience were heard exclaiming "bravo," "extraordinarily good" and "incredible", and admiration could be seen in their shiny eyes.

"I felt the music is more powerful and awesome than it usually sounds with European orchestras. It must have something to do with the Chinese sensitivity. They are very refined," said Mariana, a biologist aged 50.

Expressing his joy and satisfaction over giving performance in Romania, Yang said: "We came to southeastern Europe because we know the region has traditions of classical music and the reaction of the audience confirmed my expectations. They were so warm and welcoming!"

Yang added he was impressed by the decorations in Athenaeum Hall and the jewel-like building.

"As a musician from the Far East, it's a satisfaction for me to come here because when we studied music, we learned a lot and was influenced by the music from southeastern Europe," said Ning, the violinist.

Ning said that one of his favorite violinists is Romanian Ion Voicu, whose skill and technique he admires very much.