To mark the 80th anniversary of the victory of the World Anti-Fascist War, the Beijing Symphony Orchestra staged a concert themed "Ode to Peace" on May 29 at the National Centre for the Performing Arts in Beijing.

Under the baton of British conductor Jonathan Darlington, the Beijing Symphony Orchestra, joined by cellist Zhu Mu, played pieces by Russian composer Shostakovich.

The concert opened with Shostakovich's lively and passionate Festival Overture, its jubilant and cheerful melodies instantly igniting the atmosphere and bringing the grand scenes of a victory celebration to life.

Next, cellist Zhu took the stage to perform Shostakovich's Cello Concerto No 2 in D Major, Op 126 with the orchestra. Through his dynamic performance, Zhu brought out the cello's full, rich sound. The audience was immersed in the complex emotions conveyed by the music.

In the second half, the orchestra performed Shostakovich's monumental Symphony No 10 in E Minor, Op 93. This work, created during an extraordinary historical upheaval, carries deep philosophical meaning and intense emotional expression.