(Photo provided by Jiangsu International Communication Center)

Suzhou Symphony Orchestra debuted its original chamber music drama, "The Peony Pavilion," at the China Cultural Center in Brussels on the evening of January 24, showcasing China's fine traditional culture to the world.

The performance was inspired by the masterpiece of Ming Dynasty playwright Tang Xianzu (1550-1616), a classic work of Chinese traditional culture.

The year 2025 is the Year of the Snake according to Chinese lunar calendar. This year’s festivities are particularly special following UNESCO’s inscription of the Spring Festival on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity last December.

In collaboration with the Cultural Center, Jiangsu Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism launched an array of activities from January 23 to 25 to highlight the province’s art, cultural, and tourism resources.

As a key part of this promotional event, the chamber music drama was a collaborative effort between Suzhou Symphony Orchestra and Suzhou Kunqu Opera Theatre. The performers also joined a flash mob on the streets of Brussels, attracting many locals and tourists.