On the afternoon of September 21, the Beijing Children’s Palace Accordion Orchestra held a special concert to celebrate its 20th anniversary at the Children’s Palace Theatre. Titled “Remembering the Past Twenty Years,” the concert served as both a reflection on the orchestra’s growth over the past two decades and a look ahead to its future aspirations.

Founded in 2004, the Beijing Children’s Palace Accordion Orchestra has participated in cultural exchange programs in Japan, Europe, the United States, North Korea, and other regions. The orchestra has also performed at the Coupe Mondiale in 2007, 2011, and 2019. Over its 20-year history, the orchestra has become China’s largest symphonic-style student accordion ensemble, with the most comprehensive configuration and a wide repertoire. In 2013, the orchestra established a structured, three-tier development model with a children’s group of 30 elementary school students.

A youth group of 50 students from higher elementary grades (above left), and an adolescent group of 70 junior and senior high school students (above center). This model has allowed the orchestra to cater to students aged 6 to 18. (above right).

At the anniversary concert, nearly 300 students performed a range of accordion ensemble pieces in various styles. The program featured accordion orchestra arrangements, accordion and chorus performances, as well as collaborations with dance groups, showcasing the orchestra’s artistic progress over the past 20 years.

Notably, the children’s group performed for the first time with the Children’s Palace Chorus, offering students an opportunity to experience the collaboration between different art forms. The youth group’s rendition of Tchaikovsky’s Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy with young ballet dancers further highlighted the integration of multiple artistic disciplines.

The adolescent group, representing the highest level of performance within the orchestra, has achieved significant success by blending traditional Chinese music with modern Western compositional techniques. Their performance of Ode to Chu demonstrated the harmonious fusion of these two musical worlds, showcasing both the technical skills and musical sensitivity of the ensemble. Industry experts and educators praised the performance for its artistry and cultural significance.

In addition to the music, the concert narrated the growth and achievements of generations of orchestra members, teachers, and parents, providing a multi-dimensional perspective on the orchestra’s history and the accomplishments of its music education program.

The orchestra has made significant strides in recent years, incorporating innovative teaching methods, improving its section structure, and expanding its instrumentation. New sections, such as double bass, harp, and enriched percussion, have been added to bring the ensemble closer to a symphonic-style accordion orchestra. The percussion section now includes both Chinese and Western percussion instruments, with around 10 students contributing to this diverse sound.

12. Sixtet Ï am a Little Green Dragon; 13. Photo of the junior orchestra students; 14. Photo of the teenager orchestra students.

The orchestra has also introduced a tiered training model, ensuring continuous development in both teaching and performance. A team of more than 20 instructors has helped to guide students and develop the orchestra’s performance abilities, both on stage and behind the scenes.  These efforts have not only improved the overall level of the orchestra but also provided a learning and display platform for more children and adolescents.

15. Conductor of the Junior Orchestra, Li Muye; 16. Conductor of the Junior Orchestra, Wei Zhong; 17. Conductor of the Teenager Orchestra, Ji Yuchen.

Looking ahead, the Beijing Children’s Palace Accordion Orchestra plans to continue exploring works of various styles, refining its musicianship, and contributing to the growth of youth accordion orchestras in China. As the orchestra celebrates its first 20 years, it looks forward to even greater achievements in the future.

Looking ahead, the Beijing Children’s Palace Accordion Orchestra plans to continue exploring works of various styles, refining its musicianship, and contributing to the growth of youth accordion orchestras in China. As the orchestra celebrates its first 20 years, it looks forward to even greater achievements in the future.