In China, he builds bridges with music

Yu Long, conductor of the China Philharmonic Orchestra, reaches across an old cultural divide.

from the May 16, 2008 edition

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When you choose pieces for the CPO or BMF, are you ever concerned about audience reactions to your choices?

I don't care. Someone has to be a guide to show people the best music, and if I were worried about pleasing everyone, I would never find my way out. We are responsible for the next generation; if the only thing Chinese are concerned about is economic development, that's a problem for the future. We need to care about cultural development, too.

Why did you hold both Mozart concerts in the Wangfujing Cathedral?

Why not? Mozart's "Requiem" suits a church much better than a theater, and a memorial for Mozart's 250th birthday made more sense in a church. I didn't see any reason why we couldn't do a memorial concert in a church, and no one challenged me. I'm not a Catholic, I'm not a Communist – I'm a musician.

China has been portrayed negatively in the international press lately because of the Tibet protests. Do you think this concert will help change the world's impression of China?

At the very least, it's a strong message that the China Philharmonic Orchestra is allowed to play in the Vatican, and that the Vatican is allowing us to play there: It shows both sides have an open attitude. As a leader of an orchestra, it's a great honor to give a concert for the Holy Father, especially the Mozart "Requiem." Music is a language without boundaries of culture or religion. It can help us understand each other, and, I hope, send a message of peace and love.

What's next? Can anything top this?

No one can say they've done everything, not even Toscanini or von Karajan. I'm not a politician, I'm a musician. But I hope anything that I did or what I'm going to do can help society, especially the next generation. Everyone has a duty to work toward an ideal. I hope this concert can make a historic mark on both sides.

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