Founded in 2009, the Guiyang Symphony Orchestra (GYSO) is China’s first professional symphony orchestra independently established by private entrepreneurs. Since its inception, it has received consistent support and recognition from the Guiyang Municipal Party Committee and Municipal Government. Adhering to international operational standards, the GYSO recruits outstanding instrumentalists globally and follows the internationally recognized concert season model. Over the past sixteen years, it has collaborated with over one hundred renowned conductors, soloists, and vocalists from China and abroad. The orchestra has performed extensively in major Chinese cities—including Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen, and Chengdu—at prestigious events such as the China Symphony Spring Festival, the China Golden Bell Award for Music, and the Era of Symphonies Festival. Its artistic footprint has also expanded internationally, reaching Hong Kong, Singapore, South Korea, Slovenia, Austria, Italy, and beyond, steadily stepping onto the global stage.
The year 2025 marks another milestone in the GYSO’s journey:
In May, the orchestra will return to Shanghai for the second time to participate in the Era of Symphonies National Outstanding Orchestras Showcase, highlighting the artistic vitality and innovative spirit of the “GYSO Model”;
In August, invited on a landmark European tour, it will perform at four renowned international festivals across Slovenia, Austria, and Italy, sharing Chinese culture with European audiences and promoting mutual understanding between Eastern and Western musical traditions—an achievement that significantly enhances Guiyang’s—and China’s—cultural visibility on the world stage;
In October, it will attend the China Golden Bell Award for Music for the fourth time, performing in the “Stars of the Golden Bell” vocal concert and the closing gala, reaffirming its artistic excellence and professional dedication.
For sixteen years, the orchestra has steadfastly upheld its artistic integrity, respected the natural course of artistic growth, honored its musicians, and served the public with affordable access—offering student tickets at RMB 15 and half-price Community Benefit Tickets throughout the year, making art truly inclusive and part of daily life.
In music education and outreach, the GYSO has not only hosted regular public programs such as “Fan Talks”—intimate events fostering close interaction between musicians and music lovers—but also established the GYSO Music School in 2013 and founded the GYSO Youth Orchestra in 2018. These initiatives have created professional platforms for young local artists, bridging the gap between symphonic music and the public, nurturing a vibrant local music culture, and fulfilling the orchestra’s social mission of “art for the people.”
The Guiyang Symphony Orchestra continues to uphold its belief of “Born of a musical connection, carrying the voice of the city to the world” moving steadily forward in preserving musical traditions, cultivating talent, and connecting with the world. It aspires to let music reflect the cultural soul of the city, carry Guiyang’s voice across the globe, and allow the light of art to illuminate more hearts and minds.
Milestones
2010–2013
● 2010: Performed at the “Second China Symphony Spring” in Beijing, marking the debut of the “Guiyang Model” on the national symphonic stage;
● 2012: Presented a concert at the Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay in Singapore;
● 2013: Conducted a regional tour across Chengdu, Kunming, and Chongqing in Southwest China.
2014–2016
● 2014 and 2016: Participated in the Fourth and Fifth editions of the “China Symphony Spring” in Beijing;
● 2014: Toured Shenzhen and Hong Kong with a dedicated concert series;
● 2016, September: Invited to perform at the Gumi International Music Festival in South Korea.
2018
● June: Collaborated with the Central Opera House in a concert for the International Tourism and Culture Festival in Jiayuguan, Gansu.
2019
● May: Performed at the Beijing International Modern Music Festival;
● October: Made its first appearance at the China Golden Bell Award for Music, performing at the closing ceremony concert—marking the beginning of the orchestra’s presence in China’s most prestigious music competition.
2021
● April: Participated in the performance of the classic national opera The Red Guards on Honghu Lake in Beijing;
● October: Presented the “Golden Bell Stars” Vocal Concert in Chengdu.
2023
● April: Took part in the Era of Symphonies National Outstanding Orchestras Invitational Exhibition in Shanghai;
● October: Performed at the special concert of the 14th China Golden Bell Award for Music in Chengdu.
2024
● September: Performed at the opening concert of the 6th China Western Orchestral Week; by invitation of the French Embassy in China, took the stage at the opening concert of the 12th Bailu Sino-French Classical Music Festival in Chengdu;
● November: Joined the closing concert of the China-ASEAN Music Week in Guangxi, and performed the large-scale symphonic suite Ode to Dongpo in Hainan.
2025
● May: Returned to Shanghai for the second time to participate in the Era of Symphonies National Outstanding Orchestras Showcase, further demonstrating the artistic vitality of the “GYSO Model”;
● August: Embarked on a landmark European tour, performing at four renowned international festivals across Slovenia, Austria, and Italy;
● October: Attended the China Golden Bell Award for the fourth time, presenting both the “Stars of the Golden Bell” vocal concert and the closing gala—continuing to uphold its artistic excellence and cultural responsibility.