German Conductor Martin Fischer-Dieskau Presents the 20th Winland Christmas Gala Concert with the Theme of “Eternity,” Celebrating the 50th Anniversary of China-EU Diplomatic[...]

German Conductor Martin Fischer-Dieskau Presents the 20th Winland Christmas Gala Concert with the Theme of "Eternity," Celebrating the 50th Anniversary of China-EU Diplomatic Relations

The annual Winland Christmas Gala Concert was held in Beijing's Financial Street on December 6, 2025. Launched in 2006, the 20th Winland Christmas Gala Concert is widely regarded as the "artistic calling card" of Financial Street. Over the years, its repertoire has featured selections from 98 operas and 21 instrumental works.

Following tradition, the concert highlights a specific country each year, with that nation's ambassador delivering opening remarks. This year marks the 50th anniversary of the Sino-EU diplomatic relations. The EU Ambassador, Jorge Toledo, stated that 50 years ago, the annual trade volume between China and the EU was EUR 2 billion, while today it stands at EUR 2 billion per day. He highly praised Winland for taking music as a bridge to enhance cultural understanding and friendship among peoples.

Mr. Adam Yu, introducing the concert's repertoire, remarked: "Ten years ago, to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Sino-EU diplomatic relations, the program featured works by Rossini, Donizetti, Bellini, Massenet, Wagner and Beethoven. Tonight, here we are celebrating its journey of half a century with music again. Ten years ago, the concert opened with Rossini's William Tell Overture; this evening begins with his La Gazza Ladra Overture.This year is also the 200th anniversary of the birth of Johann Strause II, and we've especially chosen some of his works for this occasion.

Tonight's music ranges from passionate, joyful, animated to profound, philosophical and sacred, a great representative of the diverse cultural characteristics of European operas. The concert concludes with the sixth movement of Mahler's Symphony No. 3, progressing from slow, peaceful, and profound passages to gradually brightening themes, naturally transitioning into the majestic finale of Mahler's Symphony No. 2, 'Resurrection.' In luminous choral ascension, all beings achieve redemption through infinite renewal. May the magnificent music be an eternal connection among humanity. Our best wishes to those who, although mired in wars, disasters, and pain, still hope for better futures.

The lyrics, 'with wings that I have won for myself, I shall soar away,' aptly express Winland's commitment to opera over the past two decades. Mahler was called 'the contemporary of the future,' Winland also adheres to this principle."
This unconventional and challenging repertoire arrangement, featuring dramatic shifts in melodic character that greatly expand musical tension, posed a formidable challenge for German conductor Martin Fischer-Dieskau, now in his seventies.

The maestro has conducted nearly all the world-renowned orchestras and has shared both mentorship and friendship with notable figures such as Seiji Ozawa, Leonard Bernstein, and Antal Dorati. Influenced by his father, Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau, and particularly inspired by the artistic charm of Wilhelm Furtwängler, he has achieved his current musical stature. He connects different rhythmic styles through the resonance within the pieces, making even Ralf Benatzky's "Nun's Chorus" and Johann Strauss's "Blindekuh" overture sound harmonious together, seamlessly bridging from Rossini to Mahler. True to his reputation for conducting "off the score," Martin Fischer-Dieskau once again conducted the concert without sheet music.

Collaborating with the talented and popular soprano Johanni van Oostrum adds another layer to this narrative: in 1965, the conductor's father, Dietrich, performed Richard Strauss' opera "Arabella" at the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden under Georg Solti, alongside the soprano's teacher, Mimi Coertse. Sixty years later, the two artistic heirs reunited across half the globe at Winland, performing the final scene of Richard Strauss' Capriccio, an encounter truly destined by fate. Their joint interpretations of works by Dvořák, Richard Strauss, Ralph Benatzky, and Mahler represented yet another profound artistic step forward.

Joined by the China National Opera House Symphony Orchestra and Chorus, mezzo-soprano Li Nan, and other outstanding musicians, the ensemble achieved remarkable synergy, enabling each piece to reveal its full individuality and brilliance. The Mahler finale was particularly extraordinary. Echoing the pastoral essence of the sixth movement of Symphony No. 3, it uniquely presented the theme of the finale of Mahler's Symphony No.2: universal resurrection. The climactic orchestral surge and powerful choral outcry echoed the soaring verticality of Winland's atrium architecture, creating a breathtaking atmosphere.

The audience reacted strongly, erupting in cheers and applause, signaling praise and appreciation.

After a bouquet presentation, Mr. Yu remarked that, as per concert tradition, the conductor usually delivers a brief speech and presents an encore. However, tonight's conductor, being a "German," believes that Mahler's final movement signifies an ending there should be nothing more, no speeches, no encores. Mr. Yu stated, "He regards it as an end, but it is also a resurrection, a rebirth, and a renewal; everyone needs to start anew." The maestro humorously responded, "Surely Mahler would permit me to add an encore for such a special occasion!" He then introduced Johann Strauss II's "Tritsch-Tratsch-Polka," explaining that it vividly depicts women gossiping animatedly, a piece more aptly nicknamed the "Gossip Polka." With this context in mind, the reprise became even livelier, more vivid, more human, and delightfully gossipy! Life's experiences linger long after, imbued with profound meaning.

Before the performance began, Mr. Yu sincerely invited the audience to "let go of yourselves and simply enjoy this musical evening." Composer Wang Liping, a faithful attendee of the Winland concerts every year, said at the conclusion: "I was deeply moved; I shed many tears. It's been years since I last cried like this..."

(By Yuanze)