Core Viewpoint - Jiangsu Province achieved a historic breakthrough at the 18th Wenhua Awards, winning five awards, the highest number in the nation, showcasing its strong artistic capabilities and creativity in traditional and contemporary art forms [1][2][4]. Group 1: Awards and Achievements - Jiangsu's five awarded works include Yang Opera "Zheng Banqiao," National Dance Drama "Dream of the Red Chamber," National Orchestral Music "Ode to Rivers and Lakes," and others, marking a significant achievement in the history of the Wenhua Awards [1][2]. - The Wenhua Awards, established by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, are considered the pinnacle of Chinese stage arts, with a total of 53 awards presented this year, of which Jiangsu secured five [1][2]. Group 2: Artistic Characteristics - The awarded works reflect diverse themes and forms, showcasing Jiangsu's unique characteristics and contemporary relevance, with each piece innovatively blending traditional art forms with modern aesthetics [2][3]. - The Yang Opera "Zheng Banqiao" presents a humorous portrayal of a character who is relatable and upright, while the National Dance Drama "Dream of the Red Chamber" revitalizes a classic literary work through a modern lens [2][3]. Group 3: Creative Ecosystem - Jiangsu's success is attributed to a supportive creative ecosystem fostered by provincial policies that encourage long-term artistic development, including funding and support for quality productions [4][5]. - The "Source Project" initiated by the provincial cultural department focuses on nurturing grassroots playwrights, enhancing the overall quality of scriptwriting and artistic output [5]. Group 4: Market Reception - The awarded works have transitioned from "award-winning" to "market hits," with the National Dance Drama "Dream of the Red Chamber" performing over 400 shows and attracting nearly 600,000 viewers, indicating strong audience engagement [6][7]. - The orchestral piece "Ode to Rivers and Lakes" has also received positive market feedback, with nearly 40 performances across various cities, demonstrating the appeal of high-quality traditional music to contemporary audiences [6][7].

Core Points - The 14th China Arts Festival and the 18th Wenhua Award final evaluation will open on October 15 in Chengdu, Sichuan, with seven works from Jiangsu nominated [1] - Jiangsu artists are dedicating their time during the National Day holiday to refine their performances for the national stage [1] Group 1: Performance Highlights - The Xiju "Heroes and Daughters" combines Jiangnan opera's warmth with a grand war theme, exploring modern expressions of Xiju art [2] - The national dance drama "Dream of the Red Chamber" has performed over 300 shows since its trial in 2021, with a focus on precision and emotional expression [2][3] - The Yangju "Zheng Banqiao" is being meticulously refined with over 100 performers involved in continuous rehearsals and discussions [3] Group 2: Musical Contributions - The Suzhou National Orchestra's "Ode to Rivers, Lakes, and Seas" will showcase eight movements that reflect the spirit of Jiangsu's waterways [4] - The performance aims to convey the cultural essence of Jiangsu through diverse musical expressions [4] Group 3: Small Productions - The Wenhua Award has introduced 15 new awards for short plays and performances, providing grassroots troupes with more opportunities [5] - The Huai Opera "My In-Laws Are Too Strict" and "Catch the Bus" are nominated, showcasing local flavor and humor [5][6] - The Salt City Huai Opera's "Catch the Bus" has been condensed from over 40 minutes to 25 minutes while retaining its essence [6]

Core Viewpoint - The orchestral work "Ode to Rivers, Lakes, and Seas" has matured over five years, rooted in Jiangsu's unique geography, using "water" as a central theme to convey the natural philosophy of "all rivers return to the sea" [1] Group 1: Artistic Features - The work translates traditional Chinese philosophical concepts such as "the highest good is like water" into contemporary music language, balancing traditional folk music charm with symphonic grandeur [1][2] - Each movement reflects different water bodies, with the "River" section using the guzheng and pipa to evoke the historical depth of the Yangtze River, while the "Lake" section employs wind instruments to depict the serene beauty of Jiangnan lakes [2][3] Group 2: Musical Techniques - The Suzhou National Orchestra combines traditional and modern techniques, using both traditional playing methods and innovative modern compositional techniques to express the dynamic nature of water [2][3] - Instruments like the liuqin and zhongruan enrich the harmonic texture, while low instruments like the sheng provide a solid sonic foundation, enhancing the overall depth of the orchestra's sound [3] Group 3: Cultural Significance - The creators aim for an aesthetic leap from "Suzhou" to "China" and then to "the world," showcasing Suzhou as a symbol of Chinese culture that embraces the vastness of rivers, lakes, and seas [3] - The work not only celebrates the abundance of water but also subtly reminds audiences of the preciousness of water resources, promoting harmony between humanity and nature [3] Group 4: Audience Experience - "Ode to Rivers, Lakes, and Seas" balances accessibility and artistic depth, appealing to both professional audiences and the general public, thus aiming to extend its reach beyond concert halls to community performances [3]