Modern classics

On Jan 8, Novus-Classica Camerata made its debut in Shanghai with a concert featuring music pieces by American composer Aaron Copland and Stravinsky. On May 16, they performed with violinist Ning Feng and cellist Chen Yibai at Yellow Lounge, a global classical music club initiative by Deutsche Grammophon, in Shanghai. On July 23, they appeared at Shanghai's Music in the Summer Air festival, bringing five Chinese premieres, including duet for two violins by American composer Steve Reich, concerto for harpsichord and string orchestra by Polish composer Henryk Gorecki, and violin concerto Lonely Angel by Latvian composer Peteris Vasks.

According to Jin, Novus-Classica Camerata's repertoire ranges from the Baroque period to contemporary works, showing its flexibility in crossing musical boundaries and a pioneering spirit.

"We want to bring music pieces that are rarely performed in China and are challenging for chamber music groups," says Jin, adding that he discusses the program for each concert with band members, allowing it to be diversified.

Born and raised in Hangzhou, Zhejiang, Jin learned to play the piano at the age of 4. He recalls that the piano was bought even before he was born. His father, who works with a publishing company in Hangzhou, wanted to learn the instrument, himself. Though the father didn't fulfill his dream, he wants his son to enjoy playing music.

Jin developed his passion for conducting after joining a children's chorus as a teenager. A conductor with the chorus offered Jin the chance to try his hand, which enabled him to take the baton for the first time at age 14.

In 2015, Jin was admitted to the high school affiliated to the Shanghai Conservatory of Music and is now a student there, majoring in conducting. During his study, Jin has been mentored by renowned conductors like Jorma Panula, Andres Orozco-Estrada and Jukka-Pekka Saraste, as well as Chinese conductors, including Zhang Guoyong and Yu Long.

Finnish conductor and violinist Saraste describes Jin as having "extremely detailed score-reading skills and a unique perspective".

Jin refers to conductor Yu as "a talent scout", who has promoted Novus-Classica Camerata since finding out about the group.

In September, with musicians born after 2000, Yu and the Shanghai Symphony Orchestra kicked off the Project Spring Bird music season at the Blackstone Music Plus hotel in Shanghai, with a goal of showcasing the passion and creativity of young Chinese musicians.

The opening concert featured 17-year-old pianist Wang Yalun and Novus-Classica Camerata, under the baton of Jin.

During the music season, which lasts through next May, the young musicians are also involved in its organization, including that of repertoires.

"For young musicians, growth takes not only time, but is also a starting point to a bigger stage," Yu said in an earlier interview. "We want to help them cross the barriers and explore their artistic passion."