From December 24 2025 to January 1 2026, Armenian State Symphony Orchestra (ASSO) will bring its vibrant sound to China with performances in four cities:

• Beijing Music Hall: December 24

• Chengdu Jinsha Music Hall: December 30

• Yancheng Culture & Arts Center: December 31

• Shanghai Grand Theatre: January 1

  
  

Founded in 2005 by 18-year-old conductor Sergey Smbatyan as the Armenian Youth Symphony Orchestra, ASSO has evolved over two decades into a national cultural emblem. Awarded its official title as the Armenian State Symphony Orchestra in 2018, the ensemble combines youthful energy with mature artistry through rigorous year-round training and collaborations with leading international soloists and conductors. The orchestra has performed in major venues including Vienna’s Musikverein, Berlin Philharmonie, London Barbican Centre, Salzburg Festival Hall, Dubai Opera, and New York’s Carnegie Hall.

ASSO has partnered with artists such as Gil Shaham, Mischa Maisky, Maxim Vengerov, Mikhail Pletnev, Gautier Capuçon, Sergey Khachatryan, Andres Orozco-Estrada, Joseph Calleja, Hannu Lintu, and John Malkovich, and commissions works from composers including Arvo Pärt, Tigran Mansurian, Krzysztof Penderecki, Giya Kancheli, Karl Jenkins, and Chen Qigang, making the orchestra a key ambassador for contemporary Armenian music.

For this New Year tour, Sergey Smbatyan will conduct the Beijing concert, while Ni Fan, acclaimed Chinese conductor and professor, will lead performances in Chengdu, Yancheng, and Shanghai. Rising piano star Muyu Liu joins as soloist, bringing her expressive depth and technical brilliance to the repertoire.

From Tchaikovsky and Grieg to Strauss and Khachaturian, familiar works take on fresh textures under ASSO’s interpretation, blending the warmth of Armenian musical tradition with modern orchestral sophistication. This holiday season, the Armenian State Symphony Orchestra invites audiences across China to welcome the New Year with music that carries both the spirit of an ancient civilization and the vitality of a young, dynamic ensemble.