Benedikt Fohr (Right) and his friend pose for a group photo at the Wuxi Symphony Hall, which is under construction. [Photo provided to en.wuxi.gov.cn]
My introduction to Wuxi
My journey to Wuxi began during my tenure as chief executive of the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra, a period marked by extensive tours throughout the Chinese mainland. One memorable occasion was our performance at the Wuxi Grand Theatre on May 8, 2024, where the concert was masterfully conducted by Maestro YU Long. The soloist for the evening was the talented rising star, Paloma So, whose violin performance of the Butterfly Lovers Concerto captivated the enthusiastic audience equally as Dvorak's No 9 Symphony From the New World, performed by HK Phil. The Wuxi Grand Theatre itself left a lasting impression with its remarkable acoustics, further enhancing the musical experience.
Discovering Wuxi
Beyond the concert, Wuxi revealed itself to be a city of striking contrasts and beauty. The blend of modern architectural marvels, the charm of its ancient town, and the serene allure of Liyuan Park provided a rich backdrop to our visit. During this time, I had the pleasure of meeting Max Yin, vice-president of the Wuxi Symphony Orchestra.
Wuxi Symphony Hall, which is under construction. [Photo provided to en.wuxi.gov.cn]
The Wuxi Symphony Orchestra
Founded in 2023, the WSO is a youthful ensemble that has quickly established itself at a high artistic level. The orchestra's repertoire spans various genres, and it is actively involved in educational initiatives designed to engage younger audiences. I was already acquainted with its artistic director, maestro Lin Daye, who also serves as the president of the Shenzhen Symphony Orchestra. From my European perspective, the WSO stands as a testament to China's commitment to cultivating classical music. Such investment in the arts not only nurtures community pride and harmony but also enriches the lives of its residents.
Collaboration and vision
After founding my own orchestra consulting company in September 2025, I reached out to Max once again. We met in November 2025, this time accompanied by chief executive and general manager Wu Ximing, and general manager assistant Zhang Jiong. During this meeting, I learned about the ambitious vision for the Wuxi Symphony Orchestra and had the opportunity to observe one of their rehearsals.
Inside the Wuxi Symphony Hall, which is under construction. [Photo provided to en.wuxi.gov.cn]
The new Wuxi Symphony Hall
To my great surprise, I was introduced to the new Wuxi Symphony Hall, slated to open in 2026. The facility is truly impressive, comprising a concert hall (with 1,500 seats), a multi-function hall (with around 500 seats), and, crucially, a spacious rehearsal room engineered to replicate the acoustics of the main hall. This feature is invaluable for refining the orchestra's sound during rehearsals. The Wuxi Symphony Hall will serve as the permanent home for the WSO, providing a dedicated space for rehearsals, performances, offices, and dressing rooms – an ideal setup for any orchestra.
In addition to hosting WSO concerts, the hall will present a diverse array of programs, featuring multiple genres and both national and international artists and ensembles. Ultimately, the orchestra and its excellent halls stand as distinguished ambassadors for the city of Wuxi.
Benedikt Fohr is the founder and director of Fohr Consulting, an independent consulting firm for orchestras and professionals in music.
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