New symphony orchestra founded in Yunnan

Kunming Nie Er Symphony Orchestra was founded in Southwest China's Yunnan Province, and is based on Kunming Symphony Orchestra and Yunnan Provincial Song and Dance Theatre.

The title is adopted from the late Yunnan composer Nie Er, who is most famed for composing the national anthem of the People's Republic of China.

Kunming Nie Er Symphony Orchestra was founded in Southwest China's Yunnan  Province, and is based on Kunming Symphony Orchestra and Yunnan Provincial  Song and Dance Theatre.

Kunming Symphony Orchestra was founded in 1987, and was the only philharmonic in southwest China to hold concerts in many countries outside China. Yunnan Provincial Song and Dance Theatre was inaugurated in 1997.

For decades the two groups contributed effectively in spreading classical art, promoting art exchanges and undertaking public welfare activities. The coalition is a strengthening of the two powers, and the new group attracted financial aid from the government.

Hua Zefei, vice chief of Yunnan Culture Bureau, said, "Local people's aesthetics to symphonic music has been boosted in recent years. Four or five international orchestras visited Yunnan during the 2010 new year holiday. We are determined to promote our own orchestra around the country and overseas."

The newly-built orchestra appointed Li Xincao, the chief conductor of China National Symphony Orchestra, to the honorary director. Both Li and the rest of the artists believe the group will soon become the top ranked orchestra in China, and a cultural ambassador for Kunming city.