Xiamen Philharmonic Orchestra

The Xiamen Philharmonic Orchestra (XPO) is based in Xiamen, Fujian Province, the People's Republic of China. It is one of the top orchestras in China, and is the only non-state-owned and self-financing orchestra in the country. Founded in 1998, XPO plays the majority of its concerts at Music Island Philharmonic Hall. XPO artistic director and founder is Prof. Zheng Xiaoying.

Under the dynamic directorship of Zheng Xiaoying, the orchestra's reputation has increased rapidly. The orchestra gives more than 80 concerts annually, including education programs and regular weekend concerts in Xiamen. XPO has performed throughout China, East Asia and Europe, with over 350 guest musicians. Both at home and abroad, XPO has demonstrated that it belongs among the best in China. Most recently, Maestro Fu Renchang, chief conductor of Das Sinfonie Orchester Berlin, has joined XPO as vice artistic director.

XPO has made short tours to 41 cities across China. In 2002, the orchestra performed in three cities in Japan and received high praise from world-class juries in the Fourth International Tchaikovsky Competition for Young Musicians held in Xiamen. In 2003, XPO performed in Hong Kong and participated in the Shanghai International Art Festival. In October of 2006, it took part in the International Chorus Competition in Xiamen, and in autumn, they performed in Taiwan. In April 2007, XPO made a European tour, holding very successful concerts dedicated to Chinese symphonic compositions in France, Germany, Austria and Italy.

Coming from all across China, the 80 orchestra members are devoting their efforts to the objective of developing Xiamen into the "Music Island of the Orient" and ensuring that it can live up to this name.