The Military Band of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army

The Military Band of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army

Senior Colonel Niu Xuesong, Conductor.

The Military Band of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) was formed on July 10, 1952, and it’s the sole national ceremonial music group that covers state official occasions at different levels. The ensemble’s achievements record boasts almost 8,000 events. The level of professionalism displayed by the Chinese military musicians has captivated over a thousand state and government officials, as well as senior military leaders from over two hundred nations. The PLA’s ensemble covered both the opening of the Olympic Games in Beijing and the World’s Expo in Shanghai. It has toured to perform in more than twenty countries, including Russia, the DPRK, the United States, Great Britain, France, Germany, Australia, Egypt and the Caribbean.

Furthermore, military musicians of the PLA are well-known for their extensive composing endeavors. The March of Greetings, the March of Unity and Friendship, the March of Fortitude, and the Good News from Beijing are just a few to mention. Over two hundred national and international contest prize-winners, composers, conductors, soloists, and high-end instructors have been among the PLA’s Military Band ranks, making it a thriving breeding ground for genuine talents. Media outlets from home and abroad have named the ensemble the leader of Chinese wind music art.

Over the span of nearly seven decades, the group managed to craft a distinct performance style, incorporating jazz, pop and instrumental tunes into classical symphonic, wind and marching compositions.

Senior Colonel Niu Xuesong is currently in charge of the ensemble. His list of accomplishments includes participation in the solemn parade marking the 70th anniversary of the People’s Republic of China and celebrations of the 70th anniversary of the Chinese people’s victory in the War of Resistance against Japan and the end of World War II. Under the guidance of Niu Xuesong, the PLA’s Military Band underwent over a hundred state observances, including the most prestigious official visits to China. His enthusiastic and laid-back approach to conducting is widely acknowledged by the audiences and fellow artists.