On the evening of February 8, the 2025 Melbourne Symphony Orchestra Chinese New Year Concert, one of the key events of the “Happy Chinese New Year” series, was successfully held at the Hamer Hall of the Melbourne Arts Centre. Chinese Ambassador to Australia Xiao Qian sent a congratulatory Message to the concert. The event was attended by Chinese Consul General in Melbourne Fang Xinwen, H.E. Professor The Hon. Margaret Gardner AC, the Governor of Victoria, Professor Glyn Davis AC, Secretary to the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, Director of the Victoria State Office of the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade Tim Kane, Melbourne Symphony Orchestra Chairman David Li, Chair-elect Edgar Myer, and more than 2,000 audiences.

Consul General Fang Xinwen read Ambassador Xiao Qian’s congratulatory Message on his behalf. In the letter, Ambassador Xiao extended warm congratulations on the successful hosting of the concert, emphasizing that the Spring Festival is an important traditional Chinese festival that embodies shared human values.  Melbourne Symphony Orchestra has successfully hosted 12 Chinese New Year Concerts, making the Orchestra a shining example of cultural exchange and mutual learning between China and Australia. Tonight’s concert, staying true to its tradition of bringing East and West together, features Chinese and Australian artists performing classic pieces from China and around the world. I firmly believe this musical feast will radiate a powerful energy of friendship and peace.In the new year, the Chinese side is willing to work together with Australia, to strengthen cultural exchanges, deepen concrete cooperation, and actively contribute to enhancing mutual understanding and friendship between our peoples, as well as to promoting the sustainable development of bilateral relations.

Governor Gardner highlighted that music is a universal language that transcends borders and serves as a bridge connecting people from different nations. She noted that the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra Chinese New Year Concert, now in its 12th year, has become a significant cultural event in the city, enriching the local cultural scene and strengthening ties between the people of China and Australia. Governor Gardner also extended her Chinese New Year greetings to the audience in Mandarin.

The concert featured the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra under the renowned conductor Lü Jia. Distinguished Chinese musicians, including pipa virtuoso Zhang Hongyan and young pianist Zhang Haochen, delivered captivating performances. The repertoire included Zhou Tian's Gift, Beethoven's Piano Concerto No. 4, and Zhao Jiping’s Pipa Concerto No. 2 etc. The evening concluded with the lively Spring Festival Overture, leaving the audience in high spirits, with prolonged applause echoing through the hall.

Since 2014, the Chinese Consulate-General in Melbourne has collaborated with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra to host the Chinese New Year Concert for 12 consecutive years. The event has grown into one of the flagship programs of the global "Happy Chinese New Year" celebrations.